Laboratory soil testing
MATTEST performs laboratory soil testing for engineering surveys, design and construction control. We determine the composition, physical state and properties of the soil required for its classification, assessment of the foundation subgrade, construction of embankments and comparison with design data.
The laboratory works with construction, survey, geological and design organisations.
What MATTEST determines in the laboratory
- 01Natural moisture content
Actual water content in the soil. Basis for calculation of other physical characteristics.
- 02Grain-size distribution
Sieve analysis for sandy and coarse soils; hydrometer method for fine-grained soils.
- 03Liquid limit and plastic limit
Plasticity index and classification of clayey soil.
- 04Density and bulk density
State of the material for engineering calculations and construction control.
- 05Maximum dry density and optimum moisture
Laboratory reference for comparison with actual on-site density.
- 06Coefficient of permeability
Ability of the soil to transmit water.
- 07Organic matter content
Identification of soils whose properties may change due to organic content.
- 08Free swelling
Ability of the soil to increase in volume upon contact with water.
The set of parameters is defined by the client task, the project and the laboratory scope.
Typical applications of the results
- classification of an unknown soil
- confirmation of engineering survey data
- comparison of actual properties with design values
- assessment of excavation or foundation subgrade soil
- verification of material for embankment and backfill
- selection of the compaction regime
- preparation of a laboratory reference for field control
- independent re-verification of results from another laboratory
How the work is performed
- We receive or take soil samples.
- We review the task, the project and the geological description.
- We prepare and split the material for the required methods.
- We carry out the laboratory tests.
- We classify the soil based on the combined characteristics obtained.
- We compare the results with the provided design requirements.
- We issue the test report.
The name of a soil cannot be reliably determined by visual inspection alone. For example, classification of a clayey soil requires laboratory values of plasticity and grain-size distribution.
Deliverables for the client
- identification and description of samples
- actual values of the tested characteristics
- soil classification according to the applicable standard
- methods and equipment used
- comparison with the provided design requirements
- laboratory test report
Applicable standards for Uzbekistan
- GOST 5180-2015 — physical characteristics of soils
- GOST 12536-2014 — grain-size and microaggregate composition
- GOST 22733-2016 — maximum dry density and optimum moisture
- GOST 23740-2016 — organic matter content
- GOST 24143-80 — swelling and shrinkage of soils
- GOST 25100-2020 — soil classification (not a test method)
For the coefficient of permeability, the standard is chosen based on the project and the laboratory scope. In Uzbekistan the following are encountered: O‘z DSt 743:2025 and the previous edition GOST 25584-2016; the currently effective interstate document is GOST 25584-2023.