Soil testing laboratory services

Laboratory Soil Testing

Unique in the industry, Midwest has its own laboratory both for research and development and for testing. It is designed to support both laboratory analysis of mineral and organic soils and sediments and field installations of our products. Because soils vary throughout the world, and the engineering properties of soils are equally variable, the key to success in soil stabilization is soil testing. Ultimately, those who verify the efficacy of the soil stabilization method they plan to use before construction – and preferably before specifying or ordering materials – will save money.

Thoroughly state of the art
Our geotechnical soils-testing laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to perform tests in accordance with the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) and other applicable standards. We enable clients to confidently:

• Select the correct product
• Identify the optimum application rate and dilution ratio
• Evaluate depth of penetration, bond surface formation and strength of the bond surface
• Develop engineered solutions based on the correct stabilizing method, technique, product and quantity of material required.

A menu of valuable tests
Your stated needs and our testing outcomes result in a detailed plan that meets your requirements. Our service capabilities include but are not limited to the following tests:

Earth work
Standard Proctor – Soil
Modified Proctor – Soil
Sample preparation for soil-aggregate mixtures                              
Mini – proctor (2.8-in. diameter)                                                 
Proctor Check point, single point @ natural moisture
Hydrometer Analyses

UC compression
Unconfined Compression

California Bearing Ratio
CBR, without compaction curve, one point            
CBR, with compaction curve, three points             
CBR with range of water contents, nine points                          

Classification and index testing
Soil Classification
Moisture Content of soil & rock              
Visual Classification                                                             
Unit weight                                                                       
Atterberg Limits – 3 point method               
Atterberg Limits – 1 point method                  
Specific Gravity

Gradation analysis
Sieve analysis, through #100 sieve- 6 nest dry method                   
Sieve analysis, through #100 with wash #200                                  
Additional sieves, each                                                           
Materials finer than #200 sieve, by washing                                     
Washing entire sample (sample contains larger than 1”)                
Percent passing a single sieve dry method $

Volume change tests
Percent swell                                                                     
Percent swell and swell pressure (ASTM D-4546) 

Miscellaneous tests
Maximum or minimum densities, wet or dry method
PH Test, water                                                                  
PH Test, soil                                                        
Liquid Limit
Plastic Limit