At PIL&M Tests Laboratory, our expert analytical professionals are highly trained and well versed in project scopes for regulatory programs by CALTRANS, and Department of Transportation (DoT) restoration regulatory criteria.

We provide a full range of analytical chemistry services directed toward the analysis of aggregate, cement, and sediment/soil. We evaluate, analyze, interpret the characteristics and behavior of subsurface soils and the groundwater, prepare reports, recommend soil parameters to be used for design, construction and/or remedial purposes of structural components such as foundations, pavement, slope stability, and retaining walls.

Value to our customers

We take pride in our professional engineering experience and provide fast and reliable service. We are dedicated to helping guide our clients through the investigation and inspection process. With our combined engineering and customer service experience, you can rest assured that we will generate fast turnaround solutions for your farm, residential and commercial site projects.

Why is soil testing important?

Prior to start of construction of a building or road or embankment, it is important to check the condition of soil and study the behavior of soil under expected loading patterns. Soil has a direct relation to geography, and this explains the variety of soil behaviors.  The load bearing capacity of the location enables an idea of the weight a cross-sectional unit area of soil can support. Based on this, designers can decide the depth to be dug for foundation elements. Soil containing a higher portion of clay shall expand or shrink depending on the amount of moisture present.

Layers of soil diagram as educational labeled earth structure outline concept. Underground profile horizon division with separated terrain levels for geology and geography study vector illustration.

Types of Soil

Soil testing is primarily divided into residual, physical, and chemical tests. Typical prominent physical tests performed are Shear strength, Elasticity, and Porosity. There are more tests like grain size analysis, density, moisture levels, permeability, load bearing capacity, penetration strength, etc.  In material testing, it is common practice to specify in standards, the process to be adopted for sample preparations as the test results will depend on the way the samples were prepared.

Most common standards used are ASTM, ISO, EN, DIN, JIS, and BIS.

Shear Strength Test

The most extensively used test method for load bearing ability is the shear strength test. This test is carried out in a special transparent container called triaxial cell The sample preparation involves special devices and the dimensions of the sample (generally cylindrical) depend on the end use or the type and detailed design of building or road.

Triaxial Test

The Triaxial test involves not only the test-cell that houses the test-sample, but also a loading system along with soil testing lab equipment that has the provisions and features to carry out the steps, process and pattern of loading. With the loading system comes the measurement, control, and the display and analytical systems required to present the results. The precise needs of this test are made possible with the use of advanced hydraulics including hydraulic power pack that is well controlled by hydraulic valves driven by complex computer algorithms.

Our Accreditation

• AASHTO 11
• AASHTO 27
• AASHTO R 76
• AASHTO T 166
• AASHTO T 176
• AASHTO T 209
• AASHTO T 255
• AASHTO T 269
• AASHTO T 275
• AASHTO T 308
• AASHTO T 329
• AASHTO T 335
• ASTM C88
• ASTM C 127
• ASTM C 128
• ASTM C 136
• ASTM D 2141
• ASTM D 2172
• CT105
• CT125
• CT202
• CT205
• CT216
• CT217
• CT227
• CT229
• CT235
• CT301
• CT382