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Lucion Excels in National Geotechnical Laboratory Proficiency Testing 

Kerren Hayball

Kerren Hayball

8th January, 2025

Lucion continues to demonstrate commitment to quality and accuracy through successful participation in the GeoLabs Proficiency and Interlaboratory Comparison Testing Scheme (PICTS) program.

This achievement reinforces our position as a trusted provider of geotechnical laboratory services and highlights our dedication to maintaining the highest standards in testing accuracy. 

Excellence in Geotechnical Testing Since 1936 

Operating since 1936, our specialist geotechnical laboratory has been at the forefront of ground investigation and materials testing. As a UKAS accredited testing laboratory No. 8180, we ensure that our testing and calibration meet the highest standards, supported by certifications including ISO 17025:2017 and ISO 9001:2015. 

What is the GeoLabs Proficiency Testing Program? 

The GeoLabs Proficiency and Interlaboratory Comparison Testing program stands as the premier scheme of its kind in the UK. With participation from more than 60 laboratories nationwide, this comprehensive testing program provides crucial benchmarking data and quality assurance across the full spectrum of geotechnical testing capabilities. 

Geotechnical testing is a pivotal part of any ground investigation, and crucial to ensuring your development’s success. Our extensive range of UKAS-accredited services includes: 

Classification Tests 

  • Particle size distribution 
  • Atterberg limits 
  • Specific gravity 

Strength Tests 

  • Triaxial testing 
  • Direct shear 
  • Unconfined compression 

Specialised Testing 

  • Compressibility tests (Oedometer) 
  • Compaction Testing (MCV, CBR) 
  • Chemical analysis (pH, sulfate, organic content) 
  • Triaxial permeability tests 
  • Constant head permeability tests 
  • Empirical Index testing (Puddleclay test) 
  • Dispersion testing (Pinhole test) 
  • Shrinkage testing (linear testing) 

These comprehensive testing capabilities support the design of foundations, slopes, embankments, and road pavements, ensuring the safety, stability, and longevity of your development. 

Rigorous Geotechnical Testing and Evaluation Process 

The strength of the GeoLabs program lies in its standardised approach to quality assessment. Participating laboratories receive identical samples, prepared under controlled conditions, for testing. This standardisation ensures a fair and thorough evaluation of each laboratory’s capabilities, with results submitted to GeoLabs for comprehensive analysis and comparison against industry standards. 

Excellence in Geotechnical Testing 

Our laboratory’s recent performance demonstrates exceptional correlation with industry median values across all test parameters. In the geotechnical testing industry, results are evaluated using z-scores, with values less than 2.0 indicating acceptable performance. Our consistently low z-scores across all tests showcase the precision and reliability that defines our testing procedures. 

Expert Geotechnical Guidance and Support 

At Lucion, our approach extends beyond testing. Our experienced team of geotechnical engineers, geologists, and laboratory technicians work collaboratively with clients throughout their projects. We provide expert interpretation of results, offer strategic guidance, and help navigate potential challenges, ensuring your project’s success through informed decision-making. 

While UKAS accreditation requires participation in the GeoLabs scheme every four years, we make the proactive choice to participate annually. This commitment reflects our dedication to maintaining the highest testing standards and ensures continuous quality improvement through regular validation of our testing processes. 

Start Your Project Right with Lucion 

Gain access to independently verified testing accuracy, assured compliance with industry standards, and the peace of mind that comes from working with a laboratory committed to consistent quality control. Our high-quality data and reports, coupled with expert support throughout the project lifecycle, ensure you receive exceptional value and reliable results. 

Collaborate with our certified teams to access the data and insights you need to make informed decisions about your development. 

Access UKAS-Accredited Testing Services

Testimonials

Mark Hughes and the surveyors we have used to complete our Asbestos surveys in Scotland for SSEN have been very easy to work with. They are responsive to queries we have had and are very helpful. Planning visits to all our sites, some being quite remote, has been straightforward thanks to them. The reports are detailed and completed in a very timely manner. We are delighted with the service.

Sarah Rendall Asset Inspection Team Manager – Highland - SSEN

Efficient and completed the works on time and to the required timescale.

Kev James Project Manager ‑ Water, Aviation and Highways - Morgan Sindall Infrastructure

Lucion has proven to be an invaluable partner in managing our asbestos compliance requirements since 2016. Their resident-focused approach, combined with technical expertise, has made them a trusted presence across our housing portfolio.

Their surveyors’ professional appearance and conduct have helped build resident confidence, while their thorough reporting and project management ensure we maintain the highest standards of safety.

The renewal of our contract to 2029 reflects our confidence in their continued excellence.

Sharon Taylor Procurement & Facilities Manager

It was really good to see the use of [Lucion’s] road/pavement recycling kit – something which I personally had not come across before. I think [Lucion’s] use of this innovation on one of our projects is a great initiative. This approach of work ticks many green boxes around recycling, carbon footprint and site efficiency.

Christopher Bright Senior Engineer

I recently attended Lucion’s Asbestos Awareness course at Severn Trent in Coventry. The course was led by Technical Consultant Adam Lomas, who demonstrated exceptional knowledge and expertise throughout the session.

Adam went above and beyond to ensure all participants fully understood the material. His breadth of knowledge across the subject matter was evident, and he handled questions with professionalism and clarity.

Adam is a real credit to Lucion, and I would highly recommend this course to anyone requiring asbestos awareness training.

Roy Clifton Severn Trent

Lucion logomark

Certified Geotechnical Testing Services

UKAS Accredited – 8180

Our geotechnical laboratory operates under the legal entity Lucion Ground Engineering. Lucion Ground Engineering is a UKAS-accredited testing laboratory No. 8180.  

View our UKAS Schedule

Ground Probing Radar Licence

It is a legal requirement in the UK for Ground Penetrating Radar users to hold an Ofcom licence, the licence needs to be renewed every three years.

Lucion Surveys are licence holders 0996045/1

Lucion Excels in National Geotechnical Laboratory Proficiency Testing 

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