Lucion Excels in National Geotechnical Laboratory Proficiency Testing

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

Case Studies

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Geotechnical Site Investigation at an Old Ironstone Quarry

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A Geotechnical and Geo-Environmental Site Investigation Contract Beside the A1

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Geo-environmental Surveying at West Midlands Interchange

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Testimonials

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

We’ve worked with Lucion Services since 2018, and they’ve become an invaluable partner to our CP&P Minor Works team. Managing hundreds of projects a year across Manchester’s diverse portfolio, from our historic Town Hall to schools and leisure centres, requires a partner who truly understands our needs.

What sets Lucion apart is their responsiveness and consistency. Whether it’s a planned survey or an emergency requiring a 4-hour response, they deliver without compromising on quality. Their team knows our properties and procedures, and they communicate clearly with all our stakeholders. They’re not just contractors, they’re trusted partners in keeping our buildings safe and compliant.

Team Lead Manchester City Council

I wanted to just say a quick thank you for the work you have put in on the Wimbledon site and, in particular, the call that we held with the ET SHE management team – They advised that they were really impressed with the points that you covered and how you came across (and by association Lucion) in your advice.

Sam Young NG Electricity Transmission

The new NexGen portal represents a significant advancement in how we manage our compliance data. The modern, intuitive interface is a massive upgrade, and the dashboard’s six-tile layout provides exactly what we need for our board reporting requirements.

The system’s enhanced tracking capabilities allow us to monitor changes efficiently, with the data intelligence providing precise insights into our compliance journey. The improved search functionality through ‘My Sites’ is particularly valuable, eliminating the need for complex coding and making data access straightforward. The ability to generate targeted compendiums for specific areas has streamlined our contractor communications significantly.

One of the standout features is the ‘My Jobs & Reports’ section, which provides clear visibility of upcoming work, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. The user experience is notably improved, making data management and reporting more efficient than ever.
NexGen as a platform is a game-changer for our compliance management processes, delivering exactly what we needed in terms of functionality, accessibility, and user experience.

Rob Lowe Capital Project Manager (RAAC, Asbestos & CDM)

We’ve worked with Lucion for over 13 years now, and they’ve become a real part of our team at City of York Council. Whether it’s tackling big planned projects or responding quickly when something unexpected comes up, Lucion always delivers. They’ve helped us tighten up our compliance processes and make sure we’re keeping our residents and members of the public safe, something we really value. Their team is easy to work with, always keeps us in the loop, and brings real expertise to every job. We trust them completely with the safety of our housing and commercial properties.

Paul Simpson Compliance Manager

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