On-Site and Laboratory Materials Testing
At CTS, we provide comprehensive laboratory and on-site materials testing services for residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects across the UK. We support sectors including roads, rail, airports, tunnelling, mining, utilities, and brownfield regeneration, helping teams make informed decisions about material suitability, quality, and performance.
Whether you need one-off material testing to understand soil strength before an extension or a coordinated testing programme for a major infrastructure project, our teams can deliver the appropriate site and laboratory support. This includes mobile materials testing laboratories, giving you immediate access to material analysis where and when your project needs it.
Our Material Testing Services
We pride ourselves on consistently delivering high-quality materials testing services that support your project and compliance requirements. With accurate results and fast turnaround times, we aim to help you reduce project timelines, manage costs, and deliver savings across the project lifecycle.
On-Site Mobile Laboratories
Our flexible scope of accreditation enables us to provide a fast and efficient mobile test laboratory service. We can mobilise site laboratories quickly, allowing testing and analysis to begin as soon as possible for aggregates, earthworks, concrete, and bituminous materials.
On-Site Material Testing Methods
Our experienced site teams carry out a wide range of in-situ testing methods alongside material sampling and laboratory analysis. Our on-site material testing services include but are not limited to:
- Plate load testing
- California Bearing Ratio (CBR) testing
- Nuclear density meter surveys
- Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) testing
- Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD) testing
- Moisture Condition Value (MCV) testing
- In-situ shear strength testing
- In-situ settlement and bearing capacity testing
These methods help assess properties such as bearing capacity, stiffness, moisture condition, density, and compaction directly on site.
Off-Site Laboratory Material Testing
Our material testing laboratories provide a range of physical, mechanical, and chemical testing to support construction, civil engineering, and infrastructure projects. We combine lab analysis with our site services so clients can build a clearer picture of material properties and performance across the project lifecycle.
Depending on the material and testing programme, lab analysis can include particle size distribution, density, moisture content, plasticity, compaction, strength, chemical properties, and other specialist assessments. Our laboratory material testing supports material classification, specification compliance, quality assurance, and investigation work.
All CTS laboratories are UKAS accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 for applicable testing activities, providing independent and traceable results that clients can rely on for quality assurance, approvals, and technical review.
The Importance of Independent Material Examination
Independent materials testing from a trusted provider gives project teams objective data about the materials they’re using and how they’re likely to perform throughout the project lifecycle, from design and construction through to maintenance, repairs, and investigations.
Testing results support quality control, help verify compliance with industry standards, and provide the data needed to make informed technical decisions. Testing can also identify potential issues early, helping reduce the risk of failures, delays, and costly remedial work.
Experienced Site Technicians and Lab Teams
CTS carries out sampling and testing to stringent BS EN, ISO, ASTM and Highway Works requirements. Our practical experience across construction materials and site conditions helps us deliver testing programmes that are technically appropriate and useful to the people making decisions on the project.
Our material testing laboratory teams work alongside our site specialists to provide accurate results and responsive support. Where you're unsure which tests you need, we can advise on the most appropriate and cost-effective testing scope for your material, application, and project specification.
Why Choose CTS?
At CTS, our focus on technical quality and outstanding customer service is what sets us apart. For every material testing service we provide, we work closely with clients to understand what they need from the testing, then deliver clear, reliable results that help them meet compliance requirements and keep their projects moving.
UK-Wide Testing Capability
Our extensive network of field teams, laboratories, and mobile facilities allows us to support projects across the UK with both on-site and laboratory testing.
Accurate, Reliable Results
We test to recognised standards and applicable UKAS-accredited methods, providing reliable data for quality control, compliance, and technical decision-making.
Practical Technical Support
We are always happy to discuss your project needs, help identify appropriate tests, and coordinate site and laboratory services where a broader testing programme is needed.
Testing Tailored to Your Project
From individual tests to major infrastructure programmes, we can deliver testing around the materials, specifications, site conditions, and data your project requires.
Talk to CTS Today
The CTS team are among the best in the business, bringing a wealth of experience in construction testing, inspection, and certification across a wide range of businesses and industries. If you have any questions about our services, please get in touch – our team will be happy to discuss how we can help.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is construction material testing?
Construction materials testing assesses the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of materials used in construction and civil engineering. Depending on the material and application, testing can take place on site, in a laboratory, or through a combination of both to confirm suitability, quality, and compliance.
Why is material testing important?
Laboratory and on-site material testing provides the evidence needed to confirm that construction materials are suitable for their intended use and meet project specifications. It can also identify potential issues early, support quality control, and provide information for maintenance, failure investigation, and other technical decisions.
What materials can CTS test?
CTS provides laboratory and on-site material testing for soils and earthworks materials, aggregates, concrete, asphalt and bituminous materials, contaminated materials, soil stabilisation, and a range of materials requiring chemical analysis. The appropriate testing programme depends on the material, its intended use, and the project requirements.
Can CTS provide both site and laboratory material testing?
Yes. CTS provides both site testing services and laboratory analysis across the UK. Our field teams can carry out sampling and in-situ testing, while our UKAS-accredited laboratories provide a wide range of physical, mechanical, and chemical testing for applicable materials.
What is the difference between on-site and laboratory material testing?
On-site testing measures or assesses material properties directly where construction is taking place, which can provide useful information for immediate quality control and verification. Laboratory material testing allows more detailed analysis under controlled conditions, and the two approaches can be used together as part of a wider testing programme.
Can CTS help decide which material tests are required?
Yes. Testing requirements depend on the material, intended application, project specification, and information you need to establish. Our team can discuss your requirements and help identify an appropriate testing scope, including site sampling, in-situ testing, and laboratory analysis.
Can CTS provide UKAS-accredited materials testing?
Yes. CTS laboratories hold UKAS accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 for applicable materials testing activities. Accreditation provides assurance that those activities are carried out under recognised quality and competence requirements.
Can CTS provide a soil compaction test on site?
Yes. CTS provides in-situ density and compaction testing as part of our earthworks and on-site material testing services. Depending on the project requirements, methods include nuclear density meter surveys and other recognised site testing techniques.
What is involved in on-site soil testing?
On-site soil testing assesses the properties and performance of soil directly at the construction site. Depending on the project requirements, CTS can carry out tests such as CBR, in-situ density, moisture content, MCV, and other earthworks testing to help verify ground and material suitability.
What is involved in on-site concrete testing?
On-site concrete testing assesses fresh or in-situ concrete to help verify its quality and compliance with project requirements. At CTS, we can provide sampling and testing services at the point of construction, with laboratory analysis also available where further testing is required.