Construction Materials Testing
And the benefits of a UKAS-Accredited Laboratory
UKAS ACCREDITED LABORATORIES
Construction materials testing is a critical component of any infrastructure or building project, ensuring materials such as soils, concrete, aggregates, rock, and bituminous mixtures meet industry standards, regulatory requirements, and performance expectations.
Accurate testing and analysis help to maintain the structural integrity, safety, and longevity of projects, mitigating risks associated with material failure, non-compliance, and costly rework.
Igne provides comprehensive testing services across all major construction materials, supporting contractors, engineers, and consultants with reliable data to inform material selection, quality control, and project compliance.
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UKAS Accreditation
As a UKAS-accredited laboratory with multiple locations across the UK, Igne offers clients the assurance of independent, high-quality testing that meets the strictest industry standards.
UKAS accreditation signifies that our testing methods, equipment, and staff competencies undergo rigorous evaluation, ensuring accurate and repeatable results.
This level of accreditation provides confidence in compliance with British and international standards, helping clients meet legal and contractual obligations, while reducing the risk of project delays due to material failures or regulatory challenges.
UK-WIDE REACH
Igne’s nationwide presence offers additional advantages, including convenient access to testing facilities, reduced sample transport times, and faster turnaround on results.
With multiple laboratories strategically located throughout the UK, we can provide on-site sampling, rapid testing, and expert technical support to projects of all sizes.
Our expansive network ensures clients benefit from consistent testing procedures and reporting, regardless of project location, streamlining quality control processes for regional and national infrastructure developments.
Why Choose Igne for Materials Testing?
By choosing Igne, our clients gain a trusted partner in construction materials testing, ensuring every material used in their project meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and performance.
Whether it’s assessing the suitability of excavated materials for reuse, verifying the strength and durability of concrete, or optimising asphalt mix designs for road construction, Igne’s accredited testing services deliver precision, efficiency, and compliance, helping to build a stronger, safer, and more sustainable future.
Earthworks
Igne provides comprehensive earthworks testing and consultancy services, supporting construction and infrastructure projects with expert analysis and compliance solutions.
We evaluate the suitability of materials for earthworks applications, helping clients optimise resource utilisation, reduce waste, and maintain project sustainability. With state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and a team of experienced construction materials testing professionals, Igne delivers reliable, accurate, and timely results to support informed decision-making in earthworks and site development projects.
Additionally, our services encompass the classification of excavated materials, ensuring they meet regulatory and engineering standards for reuse in construction. We specialise in soil and material testing for remediation projects, assessing contamination levels, and determining the most effective treatment or disposal methods.
Concrete Compliance
- Igne provides comprehensive concrete compliance testing services to ensure the quality, strength, and durability of concrete used in construction projects. Our state-of-the-art laboratories and expert technicians conduct rigorous testing in accordance with national and international standards, verifying compliance with engineering specifications and regulatory requirements.
We offer a full suite of concrete testing services, including compressive strength testing, slump testing, density and air content analysis, and durability assessments. Whether for ready-mix suppliers, contractors, or project managers, our precise and reliable testing helps confirm material performance, mitigate risks, and support the successful delivery of infrastructure and building projects.
Aggregate testing
Igne provides comprehensive aggregate testing services to ensure the quality, performance, and compliance of materials used in construction and infrastructure projects. Our state-of-the-art laboratories and experienced technicians conduct a full range of tests to assess the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of aggregates in accordance with industry standards.
Our services include grading and particle size distribution analysis, flakiness and elongation index testing, moisture content determination, aggregate crushing value (ACV) and Los Angeles abrasion testing, as well as chemical composition assessments.
By delivering precise and reliable results, we help suppliers, contractors, and engineers select the right materials for their projects, ensuring durability, safety, and regulatory compliance.
Rock Testing
Igne provides comprehensive rock testing services to assess the strength, durability, and suitability of rock materials for construction, mining, and geotechnical applications. Using advanced laboratory techniques, our experienced team conducts a full range of tests to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of rock samples in accordance with industry standards.
Our services include uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) testing, point load testing, shear strength analysis, and durability assessments such as slake durability and soundness testing. By delivering precise and reliable data, we support engineers, geologists, and project managers in making informed decisions about material selection, design parameters, and long-term performance in infrastructure, tunnelling, and foundation projects.
Bituminous
Igne provides comprehensive bituminous testing services to ensure the quality, performance, and compliance of asphalt and bituminous materials used in road construction and infrastructure projects.
Our state-of-the-art laboratories and experienced technicians conduct a full range of tests to evaluate the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of bituminous mixtures and binders in accordance with industry standards.
Our services include insitu density by non-nuclear or nuclear methods, texture depth analysis, air-voids, binder content, flow testing, wheel-tracking and rutting resistance assessments, and performance-based durability evaluations.
By delivering precise and reliable results, we help contractors, engineers, and material suppliers optimise mix designs, enhance pavement durability, and ensure compliance with regulatory and project specifications.
Earthworks Testing - Site
California Bearing Ratio (CBR) – A penetration test used to evaluate the strength of subgrade soil and base materials, essential for road and pavement design.
Plate Load Test (PL) – A field test that determines the bearing capacity and settlement of soil under a given load, commonly used for foundation and road construction.
Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD) – A rapid, non-destructive test for assessing the stiffness and compaction quality of unbound materials and subgrades.
Hand Shear Vane (HSV) – A quick and effective field test for measuring the undrained shear strength of cohesive soils, commonly used in geotechnical investigations.
Trial Pits / Sampling Materials – Excavations used to visually assess soil conditions, take samples for laboratory analysis, and verify ground conditions for construction projects.
Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) – A portable device for measuring soil strength and compaction by driving a cone into the ground and recording penetration depth per blow.
In-Situ Density by Nuclear Gauge (NDM/NDG) – A fast and precise method for measuring soil and aggregate density and moisture content using a nuclear moisture-density gauge.
In-Situ Density by Core Cutter (CC) – A simple field test for determining the density of cohesive soils by extracting a cylindrical core sample and weighing it.
In-Situ Density by Sand Replacement (SRD) – A traditional method for determining the in-situ density of compacted soils by replacing excavated material with calibrated sand.
Earthworks Testing - Laboratory
Grading Classification / Particle Size Distribution (PSD) – Determines the particle size distribution of soils and aggregates to classify materials for construction and engineering applications.
Moisture Content (MC) – Measures the amount of water present in soil or aggregate samples, which is essential for assessing compaction and strength characteristics.
Atterberg Limits / Plasticity Index (PI) – Defines the moisture content at which fine-grained soils transition between liquid, plastic, and solid states, indicating their suitability for construction.
California Bearing Ratio (CBR) – A laboratory test that assesses the strength of subgrade and base course materials for road and pavement design.
Moisture Condition Value (MCV) – Measures the soil's moisture sensitivity and compaction characteristics, helping to determine its suitability for earthworks.
Shear Strength – Quick Undrained Triaxial – Evaluates the shear strength of cohesive soils under undrained conditions, providing critical stability data for geotechnical engineering.
Shearbox – Large & Small – Determines the shear strength of soils by applying horizontal force to a sample, essential for slope stability and foundation design.
One-Dimensional Consolidation / Odometers – Measures the rate and magnitude of soil settlement under applied loads, helping to predict ground movement for foundation design.
Compaction Study (2.5kg / 4.5kg / Vibrating Hammer) – Assesses the optimal moisture content and compaction characteristics of soils using standard and modified proctor tests or vibratory compaction.
Concrete Compliance
Slump Test – Measures the consistency and workability of fresh concrete by assessing its slump when released from a cone-shaped mould.
Flow Test – Determines the flowability of high-workability concrete by measuring the spread of a concrete sample on a flat surface.
Compaction Factor Test – Evaluates the workability of concrete by comparing the density of partially compacted and fully compacted samples.
Air Content Test – Measures the percentage of air voids in fresh concrete, ensuring proper durability and freeze-thaw resistance.
Compactibility Test – Assesses how easily concrete compacts under vibration, helping to determine its suitability for placement and finishing.
Fibre Content Test – Determines the distribution and concentration of fibers in fiber-reinforced concrete, ensuring compliance with design specifications.
Compressive Strength Test (Cubes & Cylinders) – Measures the strength of hardened concrete by applying compressive force to cube or cylinder samples, ensuring structural integrity.
Aggregate Testing
Sampling – Ensures representative aggregate samples are taken for laboratory testing, following standardized procedures.
Sample Reduction – Provides guidelines for reducing bulk samples into smaller, representative test portions without altering material properties.
Particle Size Distribution – Determines the gradation of aggregates by sieving, ensuring compliance with construction specifications.
Flakiness Index – Measures the proportion of thin and elongated particles in an aggregate sample, affecting compaction and stability.
Shape Index – Assesses the shape of coarse aggregates, influencing workability and mechanical performance in concrete and asphalt.
Percentage of Crushed and Broken Surfaces – Determines the proportion of crushed particles in aggregates, ensuring adequate interlock and strength.
Constituent of Coarse Recycled – Evaluates the composition of recycled aggregates to verify suitability for use in construction.
Aggregate Crushing Value (ACV) – Determines the resistance of aggregates to crushing, vital in ensuting durability of roads and concrete.
Aggregate Impact Value (AIV) – Assesses the impact resistance of aggregates, simulating aggregates subjected to dynamic forces in road bases and pavements.
Micro-Deval Coefficient – Measures the resistance of aggregates to wear and abrasion, indicating durability.
Resistance to Fragmentation (LA Test) – Assesses the strength and toughness of aggregates using the Los Angeles (LA) test.
Loose Bulk Density and Voids – Determines the bulk density and void content of aggregates, affecting mix design and compaction.
Water Content – Measures the moisture content in aggregates, ensuring proper water-cement ratio in concrete.
Particle Density/Water Absorption – Determines aggregate density and absorption rate, essential for concrete mix design.
Magnesium Sulphate Soundness – Evaluates aggregate resistance to weathering and freeze-thaw cycles using magnesium sulfate.
Uniformity Coefficient – Defines the range of particle sizes in an aggregate sample, indicating its grading uniformity.
Aggregate - Chemical Analysis
Water Soluble Chloride Salts – Determines chloride content in aggregates, preventing corrosion in reinforced concrete.
Water Soluble Sulfates – Measures sulfate levels in aggregates to prevent expansion and deterioration in concrete.
Total Sulfur Content (High-Temperature Combustion) – Identifies total sulfur in aggregates, ensuring compliance with durability standards.
Acid Soluble Sulfides – Detects sulfides in aggregates that may cause expansive reactions in concrete.
Acid Soluble Sulfates – Determines sulfate presence in aggregates to assess their effect on concrete durability.
Loss on Ignition – Measures organic and volatile material content in aggregates, ensuring stability in concrete production.
Rock Testing
Point Load Strength Test – Determines the strength of rock samples by applying a concentrated load until failure, providing an estimate of uniaxial compressive strength (UCS).
Porosity & Density Testing – Measures the porosity and bulk density of rock samples, essential for understanding material permeability and strength.
Slake Durability Test – Evaluates the resistance of rock to weathering and disintegration when exposed to moisture cycles, crucial for assessing long-term performance.
Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) Test – Determines the ultimate compressive strength of intact rock cores, essential for foundation and tunnel design.
Bituminous / Blacktop Testing
Non-Nuclear Density Testing – Measures asphalt and soil density without radioactive sources, often using an electrical or mechanical method.
Surface Texture and Macrotexture Analysis – Evaluates the surface roughness of pavements to assess skid resistance and water drainage properties.
Surface Regulatory Testing (Rolling and Transverse Straightedge) – Checks pavement smoothness and surface regularity to ensure compliance with construction specifications.
Rate of Spread of Binder and Chippings – Measures the application rate of bitumen binder and aggregate chippings to ensure proper surface treatment.
Temperature Measurement: Infrared and Contact Method – Monitors asphalt temperature during placement to ensure optimal compaction and performance.
Road Skid Resistance Test: Pendulum Test – Determines the skid resistance of road surfaces using a swinging pendulum device, ensuring safety and compliance.
Mobile Laboratories
Our mobile laboratory services provide on-site testing for earthworks, concrete, and blacktop, ensuring real-time results and faster decision-making during construction. Designed to meet industry standards, our mobile labs are fully equipped to perform a wide range of tests, reducing delays and improving quality control on-site.
Earthworks Testing
Compaction Control – In-situ density testing using nuclear, core cutter, and sand replacement methods.
California Bearing Ratio (CBR) – Evaluating soil strength and load-bearing capacity.
Plate Load & Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) Testing – Assessing ground stability and compaction effectiveness.
Moisture Content & Plasticity Index – Determining soil suitability for construction.
Concrete Testing
Slump & Flow Testing – Measuring workability and consistency of fresh concrete.
Air Content & Compactibility – Ensuring concrete meets specification for durability and strength.
Cube & Cylinder Compression Tests – On-site curing and strength assessment for compliance verification.
Fibre Content Testing – Verifying reinforcement distribution in fibre-reinforced concrete.
Blacktop (Asphalt) Testing
Nuclear & Non-Nuclear Density Testing – Assessing asphalt compaction to prevent premature failures.
Surface Regularity & Texture Analysis – Ensuring smoothness and compliance with road specifications.
Temperature Monitoring – Infrared and contact measurements for correct asphalt placement.
Skid Resistance (Pendulum Test) – Evaluating road surface safety.
Our mobile laboratory service provides rapid turnaround times, expert analysis, and full compliance with industry standards, helping projects stay on track and within specification.
For more information regarding any of our solutions, contact Igne today
Email: hello@igne.comCall: 0371 789 1000