Shear Strength Testing

Ensure safe and stable construction with Lucion’s geotechnical shear strength testing services. Our UKAS accredited laboratory provides accurate QUT, shear box, and hand shear vane testing to evaluate soil stability and mitigate risks.

In geotechnical engineering, understanding the shear strength of soils is crucial for ensuring the stability and safety of slopes, embankments, foundations, and other earth structures. Lucion’s comprehensive shear strength testing services provide you with the accurate data needed to evaluate soil stability, mitigate risks, and make informed decisions for your construction projects.

Tailored Shear Strength Testing Solutions

Our specialist geotechnical laboratory offers a range of shear strength testing services tailored to your specific project needs:

Quick Undrained Triaxial (QUT) Testing

Our UKAS accredited Quick Undrained Triaxial (QUT) Testing determines the undrained shear strength of cohesive soil samples in a rapid and cost-effective manner. Using a triaxial apparatus and standardised procedures, we provide accurate undrained shear strength values to help you assess short-term stability, design temporary excavations, and make informed decisions for your construction projects.

Shear Box Testing*

Shear box testing determines the shear strength parameters of soil samples, including the cohesion and angle of internal friction, under drained conditions. Using a direct shear apparatus and standardised procedures, we provide accurate shear strength values to help you analyse slope stability, retaining wall design, and foundation capacity for your geotechnical projects.

Hand Shear Vane Analysis*

Hand shear vane analysis provides a quick and convenient method for estimating the undrained shear strength of cohesive soils in the field. Using a hand-held shear vane device, we provide approximate shear strength values to help you make preliminary assessments, guide sampling and testing programmes, and make rapid decisions during site investigations.

Trusted Geotechnical Shear Strength Testing

When you partner with Lucion Ground Engineering for shear strength testing, you can trust in the quality and reliability of the results. As a UKAS accredited testing laboratory (No. 8180) with ISO 17025:2017 certification, we adhere to the highest standards of quality assurance and follows rigorous procedures to ensure accurate and consistent results.

Our team of experienced geotechnical engineers and laboratory technicians goes beyond just providing test results. We offer expert interpretation and guidance to help you fully understand the implications of the shear strength data for your specific project. By working closely with you to develop a tailored testing programme and delivering clear, comprehensive reports, we empower you to make informed decisions about your geotechnical design and construction projects.

Reliable Data Designed to Facilitate Your Decisions

With state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, a commitment to quality, and a customer-focused approach, Our team is well-equipped to support your shear strength testing requirements. Whether your project involves slopes, embankments, foundations, or other geotechnical structures, we will provide you with the reliable data and expert guidance you need to ensure the safety, stability, and performance of your project.

*Non-UKAS Accredited

Matt Hartnup,Laboratory Manager

Contact Matt Hartnup

General enquiries:

Phone: 01733 566 566
[email protected]

If you would like to discuss your project, you can arrange a call with one of our consultants today

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Case Studies

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Geo-Environmental Ground Investigation for the Public Sector

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Geotechnical / Contamination Consultant – UEA, Norfolk

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Geotechnical Consulting for National Car Parks

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Tried, Tested Geotechnical 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

CIRIA – Supporter Member

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

Learn more about CIRIA

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

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

Shear Strength Testing FAQs

Lucion’s experienced team works closely with you to understand your project’s unique needs and develop a tailored shear strength testing programme. By discussing your project goals, design requirements, and site conditions, we can recommend the most appropriate testing methods, sample preparation techniques, and reporting formats to ensure that the results are relevant and valuable to your project. Throughout the testing process, our team maintains open communication with you, providing regular updates and opportunities for feedback and collaboration.

Lucion is committed to providing you with the highest standards of quality and reliability in shear strength testing. As a UKAS-accredited testing laboratory (No. 8180), Lucion follows rigorous quality assurance procedures, including:

Adherence to recognised industry standards, such as BS 1377 and ASTM standards
Regular calibration and maintenance of testing equipment
Staff training and competency assessments
Participation in proficiency testing programmes
Comprehensive documentation and record-keeping

Additionally, Lucion holds ISO 9001:2015 certification for its quality management systems, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

Lucion offers a range of shear strength testing services to suit your project’s specific needs, including:

Quick Undrained Triaxial (QUT) Testing

Determines the undrained shear strength of cohesive soils, suitable for assessing short-term stability and designing temporary excavations.

Shear Box Testing

Determines the shear strength parameters (cohesion and angle of internal friction) of soils under drained conditions, suitable for analysing slope stability, retaining wall design, and foundation capacity.

Hand Shear Vane Analysis

Provides a quick, field-based method for estimating the undrained shear strength of cohesive soils, suitable for preliminary assessments and guiding sampling and testing programmes.

Shear strength testing is critical for assessing the stability and safety of geotechnical structures, such as slopes, embankments, foundations, and retaining walls. By understanding the shear strength parameters of soils, you can: