Construction Chemistry

Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) is used to provide significant improvements in accuracy when compared to traditional 'wet' chemistry methods, whilst precise quality controls and extract methods enable our wide range of test results to conform to British Standard requirements. 

Concrete Testing

Soil Mechanics perform the full range of common tests to BS1881 Part 124 for the chemical analysis of concrete and to BS4551 which covers the analysis of mortar.

Accredited by UKAS the testing scope covers the determination of calcium oxide and silica, insoluble residue, sodium and potassium oxides, chloride content and sulphate content. In addition we can also test for other metal ions, aluminium, iron and magnesium.

Topsoil Testing to BS3882

Our in house chemistry facility also enables us to carry out topsoil testing to the requirements of BS3882.

We provide a suite of UKAS accredited tests covering nutrient analysis, physical properties, pH and conductivity, and phytotoxic contaminants, all of which meet the specified values required by BS3882.

Landscape consultancy is provided by CL Voelker which includes full interpretative reports of topsoil analysis. 

Testing to BRE Special Digest 1 and the Specification for Highway Works

Soil Mechanics perform the full range of common tests discussed in the Building Research Establishment's guide to aggressive ground conditions - Special Digest 1 and the chemical testing requirements for aggregates given in the Specification for Highway Works series 600 and 800.

Our suite of UKAS accredited tests cover water and acid soluble sulphate to British Standard and TRL Report 447 methods, total sulphur to TRL447 and BRE279, water soluble magnesium as described in BRE279 and water soluble chloride to BS1377.

Our use of the ICP to determine concentration levels over the traditional gravimetric method required by British Standards has been verified and accepted by UKAS and represents a significant improvement in data accuracy.

Other tests include Microbial Activity Index to TRL Contract report 54 and sulphide detection as described in the Highways Agency publication BD42/00 and laboratory testing for resistivity and REDOX potential.