Geotechnical laboratory research
SOCOTEC has a geotechnical laboratory that can very accurately analyse ground behaviour with highly specialised and modern equipment.
Analysing the geotechnical properties of the underground at your project location can be done by means of identifying the soil layers, classification tests and strength and deformation tests to determine the mechanical properties. Projects in which ground behaviour is central and for which we provide a large share of the required data include water barriers, wind farms, dewatering, infrastructure and (high-rise) construction.
All tests and classifications are carried out for you in accordance with the applicable standards. With our expertise and knowledge, we also make a substantial contribution to the Netherlands Code of Practice (NPR) to make sure that theory and practice are aligned even better. This also ensures that we can think along with you about the range of tests that are best for you to carry out.
Download our brochure for an overview of the possibilities that the geotechnical laboratory has to offer. This video gives you an impression of our geotechnical laboratory and how samples are processed by the lab technicians.
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Identification of soil samples
Based on soil samples, the SOCOTEC laboratory can work out a detailed description of the soil types and layers. This is one of the most important aspects of geotechnical soil surveys. Our lab technicians have many years of experience in characterising the soil layers and since 2019 have also been working fully in accordance with the requirements of the geotechnical standard NEN-EN-ISO 14688-1:2019+8990:2020. (NEN-EN-ISO 14688: IDENTIFYING AND CLASSIFYING SOIL). Since 2019, all of our lab technicians have been certified to fully carry out soil layer identifications in accordance with this standard. Some of our lab technicians are also certified to train drillers and other lab technicians throughout the Netherlands at the NEN-EN-ISO 14688 course organised by the VOTB [Vereniging Voor Technisch Bodemonderzoek – Trade organisation for technical soil investigation].
Depending on the type of soil sample (liner, Akkerman soil probe, etc.), the samples are described to the highest possible level of detail desired. A part of our laboratory is fully dedicated to this, which ensures a quick run through of the various identifications for you. As a final product you can receive a complete package with detailed drilling reports, corresponding results of classification tests on the different layers and high-resolution drilling log photos of the undisturbed samples.
Classification of soil samples
To determine the geotechnical properties and characterising the layers in the underground, we can carry out a wide range of classification tests in the geotechnical laboratory of SOCOTEC. These tests can be performed in accordance with various applicable standards such as the ISO 17892 series, the RAW 2020 tests or the index tests described in NEN-EN-ISO 14688-2:2019+NEN8991:2020. (NEN-EN-ISO 14688: IDENTIFYING AND CLASSIFYING SOIL - SOCOTEC) Please get in touch with us about the various options of carrying out classification tests.
Strength and deformation tests
During the many projects in which the geotechnical laboratory participates, characterising the strength and settling properties of the soil is crucial. Using strength and deformation tests, we can accurately analyse how the soil will behave when exposed to, for example, high water along the flood defences or when high-rise buildings and wind farms are built.
Mobile lab
Since January 2020, SOCOTEC has a fully equipped, mobile lab. Want insight into specific, geotechnical properties of the underground, such as the degree of compaction, thermal conductivity or indicative shear strength immediately on site? Then we can bring the mobile lab to your site to give you immediate results during the execution of a project.
