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Geotechnical Rock Testing

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Trusted Geotechnical Testing Solutions

UKAS Accredited – Testing

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

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CIRIA – Supporter Member

Lucion is a Supporter Member of the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA).

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AGS Member

Lucion Delta-Simons Ltd is a member of the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS).

Testimonials

“For over 15 years, Lucion has been an invaluable partner to Freeland Horticulture Ltd, providing exceptional permeability testing services crucial to our success as the UK’s leading soil supplier.

Their UKAS-accredited geotechnical laboratory consistently delivers accurate and reliable results. Their comprehensive approach has been instrumental in ensuring the quality of our soil products for numerous projects, including our significant contribution to the Olympic Park.

Lucion’s technical expertise, coupled with their ability to tailor services to our specific needs, sets them apart. Their insightful recommendations help us optimise our products to meet the most stringent standards.

I wholeheartedly recommend Lucion to any organisation seeking top-tier geotechnical testing services. Their expertise and customer-focused approach make them an indispensable partner in our industry.”

Patricio Hudson Technical Manager and Business Development Manager

For nearly two decades, Lucion has been our go-to partner for geotechnical testing.

Their expertise in this specialised field has been invaluable to our landscape consultancy work. Lucion’s consistent reliability and high-quality results have supported us in numerous projects, including our significant contribution to the 2012 Olympic Park and Athletes Village projects. Their technical proficiency and long-standing commitment to our needs have made them an integral part of our success.

I would highly recommend Lucion for any organisation seeking trusted geotechnical laboratory services.

Tim O’Hare Partner & Principal Consultant, Tim O’Hare Associates LLP

Lucion Delta-Simons Ltd has provided invaluable advice on the environmental elements at West Midlands Interchange allowing us as owners and development managers to proceed with confidence on this complex and challenging scheme.  Lucion Delta-Simons Ltd has worked with sensitivity and flexibility around the various land ownership issues encountered and combined seamlessly with the other members of the professional team to help move through the purchase of the site towards enabling works, infrastructure, and unit construction.  We look forward to continuing our work with the team to deliver this exciting and significant logistics scheme.

Michael Kirkland Logistics Capital Partners

Thorough risk assessment, considerate of the nature of the proposed development. Lucion Delta-Simons Ltd identified pragmatic, cost-saving solutions designed to reduce disposal requirements and negate potential risks to future development.

Royal Albert Docks Representative

The project team have provided invaluable advice and expert reports on the geo-environmental aspects of this complex site culminating in obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals from the Local Authority, Natural England and the Environment Agency to allow the development to proceed. The team have allowed us to proceed with confidence on this complex and challenging scheme. We look forward to working with the team throughout the enabling/construction works and also on future brownfield regeneration projects.

James Mawson Director

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Geotechnical Rock Testing FAQs

Rock testing is essential for understanding the properties and behaviour of rock materials, which are critical for the design and construction of safe, stable, and cost-effective infrastructure projects.

By determining key parameters such as uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and point load strength index, rock testing helps project teams to:

  • Classify rock strength and quality for engineering purposes
  • Assess the excavatability and rippability of rock for construction planning
  • Design stable rock slopes, foundations, and underground excavations
  • Select appropriate construction methods and equipment
  • Comply with relevant industry standards and regulations
  • Mitigate potential risks and liabilities associated with rock-related failures
  • Optimise project costs and schedules based on rock properties and behaviour

Some of the most common types of rock tests used in geotechnical engineering include:

Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) Testing

Determines the maximum compressive stress that a rock sample can withstand before failure under unconfined conditions, providing a direct measure of rock strength.

Point Load Testing

Provides an index of rock strength by measuring the force required to cause failure in a rock sample between two conical platens, allowing for rapid and cost-effective strength estimations.

Brazilian Tensile Strength Testing

Measures the tensile strength of rock by applying a compressive load diametrically to a rock disc, causing tensile failure.

Triaxial Compressive Strength Testing

Determines the shear strength and deformation properties of rock under different confining pressures, simulating in-situ stress conditions.

Slake Durability Testing

Assesses the resistance of rock to weathering and degradation by measuring the weight loss of rock samples after repeated wetting and drying cycles.

These tests are performed in accordance with recognised industry standards, such as ASTM and ISRM standards, to ensure the quality and consistency of the results.

Reputable geotechnical laboratories ensure the quality and reliability of rock testing results by implementing rigorous quality assurance procedures, including:

  • Adherence to recognised industry standards, such as ASTM and ISRM standards, for testing methods and procedures
  • Regular calibration and maintenance of testing equipment to ensure accuracy and precision
  • Staff training and competency assessments to ensure consistent and reliable testing practices
  • Participation in proficiency testing programmes to benchmark performance against other laboratories
  • Comprehensive documentation and record-keeping to ensure traceability and accountability

Additionally, laboratories may hold accreditations such as UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) or ISO 9001 certification for their quality management systems, demonstrating a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Project teams should select rock tests based on factors such as the project objectives, design requirements, site conditions, and budget.

Some key considerations include:

  • The type and scale of the infrastructure project (e.g., foundations, slopes, tunnels)
  • The anticipated rock types, weathering grades, and discontinuity characteristics
  • The required design parameters and level of detail for geotechnical analysis
  • The availability and quality of existing geological and geotechnical data
  • The project timeline and budget for site investigation and testing

It is recommended to consult with experienced geotechnical engineers and engineering geologists to develop a targeted and cost-effective rock testing programme that meets the specific needs of the project. The testing programme should be reviewed and updated as new information becomes available during the site investigation and design process.

Rock testing data should be integrated into geotechnical design and decision-making through a systematic and iterative process, involving:

  • Developing a comprehensive site characterisation model that incorporates geological, hydrogeological, and geotechnical data, including rock testing results
  • Using rock mass classification systems, such as the Geological Strength Index (GSI) and Rock Mass Rating (RMR), to assess the overall quality and engineering properties of the rock mass
  • Applying empirical and analytical design methods, such as the Hoek-Brown failure criterion and numerical modelling, to evaluate the stability and performance of rock structures under different loading and environmental conditions
  • Conducting sensitivity analyses to assess the impact of uncertainties and variability in rock properties on design outcomes and risk assessments
  • Documenting design assumptions, methodologies, and decisions in geotechnical reports and risk registers, and communicating them effectively to project stakeholders
  • Monitoring and validating design performance during construction and operation, and updating the geotechnical model and design as needed based on actual performance data

By following a robust and transparent geotechnical design process that integrates rock testing data with other relevant information, project teams can make informed decisions that optimise safety, cost-effectiveness, and constructability.

Lucion’s rock testing services can benefit infrastructure projects in several ways:

  • Providing accurate and reliable data on rock strength, deformability, and durability properties, which are essential for geotechnical design and analysis
  • Offering a range of testing capabilities, including uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and point load testing, to suit different project requirements and budgets
  • Delivering expert interpretation and guidance on the implications of rock testing results for specific projects, taking into account site-specific factors and design considerations
  • Ensuring quality and consistency of testing through UKAS accreditation (No. 8180), ISO 9001:2015 certification, and adherence to recognised industry standards
  • Providing responsive and flexible service, with the ability to accommodate urgent testing needs and adapt to changes in project scope or timeline
  • Collaborating closely with project teams to develop targeted testing programmes that meet specific project objectives and add value to the geotechnical design and decision-making process

By partnering with Lucion for rock testing services, infrastructure projects can benefit from reliable data, expert insights, and a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, ultimately contributing to the success and safety of the project.

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