Expert Aggregate Testing Services with ACS
Aggregates are used throughout construction projects, from roads and drainage systems to earthworks, concrete production, and building foundations. The performance of these materials directly affects the durability, stability, and long-term performance of completed assets.
At ACS, we provide comprehensive aggregate testing services to assess the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of natural, recycled, and secondary materials, helping to confirm whether materials are suitable for their intended use and comply with project specifications.
All testing is carried out in accordance with British Standards, European Standards, and the Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works (MCHW), supporting clients across the construction and civil engineering sectors with reliable data for decision-making, compliance, and quality control.
Why Is Aggregate Testing Important?
Aggregate testing helps identify whether materials are suitable for use before they are incorporated into a project. Early testing can help reduce the risk of material failure, specification non-compliance, delays, and unnecessary remedial works.
Our trusted testing data supports:
- Verification of compliance with project specifications and industry standards
- Quality control during construction and material production
- Assessment of material durability and long-term performance
- Material selection for roads, drainage, earthworks, and construction foundations
- The compliant use of recycled aggregates within construction projects
Accurate aggregate test services are particularly important where materials will be used in heavily loaded applications, including highways, earthworks, and pile foundation construction detail design.
Our Comprehensive Aggregate Test Capabilities
ACS offers a wide range of aggregate testing methods covering grading, strength, durability, density, moisture, and chemical performance.
Our aggregate testing labs carry out both routine quality control testing and more detailed investigations to help clients understand how materials are likely to perform in service. Testing programmes can be tailored to suit individual project requirements, production volumes, and specification needs.
Our aggregate testing capabilities include:
- Grading and particle size distribution testing
- Water content determination
- Density and water absorption testing
- Aggregate strength and fragmentation testing
- Abrasion and durability testing
- Shape and flakiness assessment
- Chemical analysis and constituent identification
- Testing of recycled and secondary aggregates
Available Aggregate Testing Methods
| Test | Method | What it shows |
| Water Content | BS 1097-5 | Percentage of water based on dry mass of sample. |
| Particle Size Distribution | BS EN 933-1 | Grading Aggregates to determine suitability using grading limits defined in BS Standards and MCHW. |
| Constituents of Coarse Recycled Aggregates | BS EN 933-11 | Recycled materials, physical examination to determine the constituent parts and foreign materials within a sample. (Note; this test is not suitable for sands) |
| Los Angeles (Fragmentation) | BS EN 1097-2 | A common test to indicate the resistance to fragmentation indicating toughness, replaces BS 812 Ten Percent Fines test. |
| Micro Deval | BS EN 1097-1 | Abrasion resistance and durability of aggregates |
| Magnesium Sulphate | BS EN 1367-2 | Soundness of aggregates, resistance to disintegration from soaking and crystallising of salts granules. |
| Frost Heave | BS 812 & SHW | Measurement of swell when a sample is subjected to available water in freezing conditions, requirement under MCHW for materials with 450mm of final construction |
| Particle Density & Water Absorption | BS EN 1097-6 | Particle density, sometimes referred to as specific gravity and absorption to show porosity of the aggregate when used in conjunction with Loose Bulk Density and Voids test. |
| Sand Equivalent | BS EN 933-8 | Determines the cleanliness of a fine aggregate. Reports to % sand presence in sample. |
| Methylene Blue | BS EN 933-9 | Determines how absorptive the fine fraction (<2mm fraction) of a material is. i.e. harmful fines content. |
| Particle Shape – Flakiness/Shape Index | BS EN 933-3/4 | Slotted sieves designed to determine flaked / elongated shapes with in the aggregate |
| Loose Bulk Density & Voids | BS EN 1097-3 | With single size material this will provide mass against volume and using PD/WA voidage can be calculated. |
| Max Dry Density/Optimum Moisture Content (Vibrating Hammer) | BS EN 13286-4 | 5 point test to determine the optimum water content to achieve the best density |
Need support with aggregate testing or material selection? Contact the ACS team to discuss your requirements and request a quote today.
ACS Aggregate Testing Laboratories and Consultancy
Since gaining our initial UKAS accreditation in 1990, ACS has continued to expand its testing capabilities and laboratory facilities. Today, our aggregate testing labs are supported by experienced technicians and material specialists with extensive construction and civil engineering knowledge.
Alongside laboratory testing, our team can advise clients on suitable test methods, testing schedules, and the interpretation of results. Our expertise makes us ideally placed to help you understand material performance requirements and make informed decisions with confidence.
Why Choose ACS for Aggregate Testing?
- UKAS-accredited aggregate testing laboratories
- Testing to British, European, and Highway Works standards
- Experienced technicians and material specialists
- Testing of natural, recycled, and secondary aggregates
- Technical support and interpretation of results
- Reliable turnaround times and clear reporting
ACS supports clients across the construction and civil engineering sectors with dependable testing services and practical technical expertise, helping projects progress efficiently and with certainty.
Contact us for Aggregate Testing Services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is aggregate testing?
Aggregate testing is the assessment of the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of materials such as sand, gravel, crushed stone, and recycled aggregates. The results help confirm whether materials are suitable for use in construction projects such as roads, drainage systems, earthworks, and building foundations.
Why is aggregate testing important in construction?
Aggregate testing helps ensure that materials will perform as expected once in use. Without testing, aggregates may be weak, poorly graded, or chemically unstable, which can lead to structural issues, reduced durability, and costly remedial work later in a project.
How can aggregate analysis support my construction project?
Aggregate investigations provide the data needed to make informed decisions about material selection and suitability. It supports quality control, helps verify compliance with standards, and ensures materials perform correctly in applications such as roads, drainage systems, earthworks, and building foundations.
What types of aggregate testing does ACS carry out?
ACS provides a full range of aggregate test services, including grading, strength, durability, density, moisture content, and chemical testing. These tests help assess performance for a wide range of construction applications, from earthworks to construction foundations and infrastructure projects.
What are aggregate testing methods?
Aggregate testing methods refer to the standard laboratory procedures used to assess material properties. These include particle size distribution, water content testing, abrasion resistance, fragmentation testing, shape analysis, and chemical analysis, all carried out in accordance with British and European Standards.
Where are aggregate tests carried out?
ACS performs aggregate tests in UKAS-accredited aggregate testing labs based in Poole, Dorset, as well as other regional laboratories. Testing is carried out under controlled conditions to ensure consistent, accurate, and traceable results.
Can aggregate investigations be carried out on recycled materials?
Yes. Aggregate analysis is used to assess recycled and secondary materials to confirm whether they meet specification requirements. This helps determine whether materials can be safely reused in construction projects or classified for specific applications.
Does ACS provide support beyond testing results?
Yes. Alongside laboratory analysis, ACS offers technical support to help interpret results and advise on appropriate aggregate test methods. This ensures clients can apply findings effectively during design, construction, and quality assurance processes.
Please see below for a list of the services provided by ACS:
Geo-Environmental Consultancy
The ACS Geo-Environmental Consultancy Department has been operating as part of ACS for over 10 years.
On-Site Testing Services
ACS offers a comprehensive range of professional on-site testing, all carried out by our fully trained site technicians.
Aggregates and Soils Testing
From our main laboratory in Poole, Dorset, ACS provide quality testing and material consultancy for the construction and civil engineering industry.
Bituminous Testing
ACS carries out testing on new bituminous binder material and testing on hardened material for physical and chemical properties. Circa pre 1980’s Tar (Carcinogenic effects) was also used as a binder, ACS staff can sample and test materials to assess if Tar was used.
Concrete Testing
Concrete was the first service to be offered by ACS back in 1987. Since then, we have increased our scope to cover a wide range of UKAS Accredited testing methods on fresh and hardened concrete.
Mortar and Screed Testing
ACS can sample and test new and hardened mortar. Hardened mortar for mix proportions and constituents, new mortar for compressive and flexural strength.
Natural Stone Testing
Our newly refurbished stone testing laboratory has given us the opportunity to expand our testing scope. In addition, we have increased production and improved on our turnaround of samples.
Site Laboratory Services
Over the last 35 years, ACS have supplied custom fitted site laboratories with technicians to many construction sites and projects worldwide.
