Laboratory Testing & Field Operations
Soil Structures Engineering (SSE) provides comprehensive geotechnical laboratory and field-testing services to support reliable, data-driven design and construction. Our testing capabilities are focused on delivering accurate, repeatable measurements of soil strength, density, classification, and performance characteristics essential for foundation design, retaining walls, earthwork, and site development. SSE’s laboratory procedures follow industry-recognized standards, and our field testing is performed by trained technicians under the oversight of licensed professional engineers. All results are evaluated with engineering judgment to help clients make informed decisions throughout the project lifecycle.
Laboratory Testing
SSE’s geotechnical laboratory provides precise, standardized testing to characterize the engineering properties of soils used in design and construction. Our lab performs a full range of index and strength tests to evaluate moisture content, density, plasticity, gradation, shear strength, and other parameters critical to foundation design, retaining structures, pavement sections, and earthwork performance. All procedures follow ASTM standards and are completed under the oversight of licensed professional engineers to ensure accuracy, consistency, and reliable data interpretation. SSE’s laboratory testing supports clear, defensible recommendations tailored to real-world site conditions. Some of the lab services include:
Laboratory Tests:
Soils and Aggregates
- ASTM C29 – Unit Weight and Voids in Aggregate
- ASTM C117 – No. 200 Wash (Aggregate)
- ASTM C127 – Specific Gravity and Absorption of Coarse Aggregates
- ASTM C128 – Specific Gravity and Absorption of Fine Aggregates
- ASTM C136 – Sieve Analysis of Aggregates
- ASTM D698 – Standard Proctor Compaction
- ASTM D1140 – No. 200 Wash (Soils)
- ASTM D1557 – Modified Proctor Compaction
- ASTM D2166 – Unconfined Compressive Strength
- ASTM D2216 – Moisture Content of Soils and Aggregates
- ASTM D3080 – Direct Shear of Soils under CD Conditions
- ASTM D4318 – Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index (Atterberg Limits)
- ASTM D4546 – One Dimensional Swell or Collapse of Soils
- ASTM D6913 – Particle Size Distribution of Soils (Gradation)
Concrete
- ASTM C39 – Concrete Compressive Strength (Cylinders)
- ASTM C42 – Concrete Core Compressive Strength
- ASTM C78 – Concrete Third-Point Flexural Strength (Beams)
- ASTM C642 – Density, Absorption, and Voids in Concrete
Field Operations & Testing
SSE provides comprehensive field testing and inspection services to verify that earthwork, foundations, retaining walls, and drainage features are constructed in accordance with project specifications and engineering requirements. Our technicians perform on-site density testing, field classifications, subgrade evaluations, and construction observations using industry-standard methods and calibrated equipment. Inspections are completed under the oversight of licensed professional engineers, ensuring that real-time field data is accurately interpreted and documented. From preconstruction evaluations through final approval, SSE’s field services help identify issues early, support quality control, and maintain compliance throughout the construction process. Some of the field testing and inspection services provided include:
Soils and Aggregates
- ASTM D6938 – Nuclear Density & Moisture Content
- ASTM D1556 – Sand Cone Density
- ASTM D2937 – Drive Cylinder Density
- ASTM D3017 – Moisture Content (nuclear method subset of D6938)
- ASTM D2488 – Field Visual Soil Classification
- ASTM D75 – Aggregate/Soil Sampling for Gradation
- ASTM D1557/D698 – Proctor Reference for Field Comparison (used as the governing standard for compaction verification)
- Footing Subgrade Inspection
- Proof-Rolling Evaluation
- Trench Bedding & Pipe Zone Inspection
- Fill Placement Observation (lift thickness, compaction behavior)
- Import Fill Verification (visual & sampling)
- Subgrade Stability Inspection
- Expansive Soil Moisture Assessment
- Over excavation & Replacement Verification
- Helical Pile Installation Observation (torque monitoring – manufacturer spec)
Concrete
- ASTM C143 – Slump
- ASTM C231 – Air Content (Pressure Method)
- ASTM C173 – Air Content (Volumetric Method)
- ASTM C1064 – Concrete Temperature
- ASTM C138 – Unit Weight / Density
- ASTM C31 – Making & Curing Concrete Test Specimens
- ASTM C172 – Sampling Fresh Concrete
- ASTM C94 – Ready-Mix Delivery Compliance (truck tickets, timing)
- Reinforcement Inspection (placement, cover, size)
- Formwork Inspection
- Embedded Item Verification
- Cold Joint Prevention Monitoring
- Concrete Placement Observation (consolidation, segregation)
- Finishing & Curing Observation
Special Inspections
- ASTM C140 – Masonry Units (related to field sampling)
- ACI 318 Requirements – Reinforcing Steel Placement Review
- ACI 506 – Shotcrete Procedures (panel creation & sampling)
- ACI 355 – Post Installed Anchor Testing
- ICC Special Inspection Procedures – Structural Steel, Masonry, Anchors
