GeoTest Laboratories Ltd , Fairclough House , Church St , Adlington , Lancs , PR7 4EX Tel 01257 481782 , Fax 01257 482291

GeoTest Newsletter Jan 2010

Laboratory Services
The Laboratory has had an exceptionally busy 12 months capitalising on the investments of the past two years. We have undertaken a major bentonite cut off wall project and a research project into the use of cement stabilisation to improve permeability for Farm Slurry Pit construction. The launch and early success of the new Site Investigation side of the business also contributed to the growth of the business. The Laboratory continues to focus on its key markets of Construction and Landfill and has established itself as a key Laboratory service provider for the Bentonite Enriched Soil market offering mix design testing, Site Trials and Quality Control and Assurance testing. It is anticipated that the same service will be offered for the Cement/Lime Stabilisation market in the near future capitalising on the experience gained whilst carrying out recent research projects.
To discuss Laboratory Services contact Jo.latham@geotest.co.uk
Site Services
The Site Services side of the business continues to grow. Our experienced site teams have been exceptionally busy undertaking projects throughout the United Kingdom. We offer in situ density by NDG, Core Cutter and SRD, accredited sampling and Plate Load Testing, as well as full on site monitoring and testing for Construction and Landfill. We are currently undertaking projects in the Midlands and Cumbria for two prestigious clients.A new development has been the provision of a separate UKAS accredited site operation for one of our major clients in January 2009, our first since Geotest was established.
To discuss site services contact Jo.latham@geotest.co.uk or Andrew.crawford@geotest.co.uk
UKAS
Following a successful full reassessment in April 2009 we increased our scope to include further tests to  BS EN Standards to complement the range of aggregate testing to BS EN standards already available. For details of our accredited scope please visit   www.ukas.org/testing

Site Investigation
In September 2008, Derek Daniels joined GeoTest to head up a comprehensive Site Investigation service.  Derek brings with him close on twenty years of SI experience, gained throughout the UK and Eire on projects ranging up to £1,000,000.  Despite the slow down in the SI market, we have successfully completed a number of projects for Clients such as Cumbria County Council, Capita Symonds, Urban Vision, SITA, Parsons Brinkerhoff and Stobart Rail, on time and to their utmost satisfaction.
We aim to offer a professional service, delivered to program and budget at competitive rates.  Services include cable percussion and rotary drilling, dynamic sampling, trial pitting, observation pits, foundation inspections, diamond drilling, in situ testing and surface geophysics.  If you have a challenging or problematic site there’s a good chance that we will be able to offer you an innovative solution
 For further details contact Derek at derek.daniels@geotest.co.uk .
UVDB Verify
During 2009 we successfully undertook an Achilles UVDB Verify assessment, passing with flying colours in all areas. Our supplier number under the scheme is 702964
Future Planning
In early 2010 the Laboratory capability will be increased by the addition of a 300mm shear box. This will enable us to carry out standard shear box tests to BS 1377 and HA requirements and also conduct tests to determine the friction characteristics of Geosynthetics for Environment Agency projects. We will also be looking to increase our on site capability with further investment in Dynamic Cone equipment later in the year.
For details of these developments and to discuss any other requirements you may have please contact Jo Latham at Jo.latham@geotest.co.uk
Feedback Survey
Our annual feedback survey is attached .P lease take the time to complete and return as it helps us to continue to improve our service to clients. As an incentive we are offering a £25.00 M&S gift voucher for one lucky winner who will be drawn from all entries received before the closing date of 1st February 2010