Comprehensive On-Site and Laboratory Materials Testing
At ACS, we deliver a comprehensive UKAS-accredited service covering sampling, on-site testing, and laboratory testing for a wide range of construction materials, including fresh and hardened concrete, natural and recycled aggregates, soils, bituminous materials, stabilised materials, and natural stone.
Our Materials Testing Services
We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality materials testing services that help you meet your project and compliance requirements. Whether you need one-off physical properties testing to determine soil strength or a full programme of material examinations for a major infrastructure project, we’re your trusted partner for reliable support at every stage.
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.
California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Testing
We carry out in-situ California Bearing Ratio (CBR) testing and reporting to help you understand how your ground will perform under load.
Accredited Testing Expertise
You need confidence that material testing is carried out accurately, consistently, and in line with recognised industry standards. At ACS, we deliver testing to British and European standards alongside approved in-house methods, supported by experienced technicians, engineers, and laboratory specialists with extensive construction and civil engineering knowledge.
Our physical and chemical material testing labs allow us to assess a wide range of environmental and construction materials under one roof. We’re accredited to carry out sampling and testing to many BS, EN, ISO, ASTM, and Highway Works specifications, helping you meet compliance requirements while keeping projects moving with reliable turnaround times and clear reporting.
The Importance of Independent Material Examination
Independent materials testing gives you a clearer understanding of how construction materials are likely to perform throughout a project’s lifecycle, from design and construction through to maintenance, repairs, and investigations.
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.
ACS provides on-site and laboratory testing for a wide range of construction materials, including:
- Aggregates and soils, to assess the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of natural and recycled materials.
- Bituminous materials, to evaluate the quality, consistency, and expected performance of asphalt and related products.
- Concrete, to determine and optimise properties such as strength, durability, stability, and workability.
- Mortar and screed, to check whether mixes are suitable for construction, repair, and refurbishment projects.
- Rock, natural stone, and armour stone, to assess geological, physical, and mechanical properties for various projects.
Why Choose ACS for Construction Material Testing Services?
When you’re making decisions about construction materials, you need testing results you can rely on. At ACS, we provide material testing and consultancy services that help you assess quality, verify compliance, and better understand how materials are likely to perform in real-world conditions. From our material testing labs in Poole, Bristol, Horsham and Maidstone, we carry out testing to relevant industry standards, supported by UKAS accreditation and decades of industry experience.
We support clients across a wide range of construction and civil engineering projects with both on-site and laboratory material testing. Our experienced technicians work to strict safety and quality procedures, ensuring you receive accurate, consistent results with minimal disruption to your project. Alongside testing, we can also advise on suitable test methods and help you interpret results clearly, giving you the information needed to move forward with confidence.
The ACS team are happy to discuss and assist with any construction materials testing and investigations you may need. Get in touch today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is construction materials testing?
Construction materials testing involves assessing the mechanical, chemical, and physical properties of materials used across the built environment. This can include aggregates, soils, asphalt, concrete, mortar, screed, and natural stone.
Testing may take place on-site or within a lab, depending on the material and the type of assessment required. The results help engineers, contractors, and developers evaluate quality, consistency, durability, and compliance with project specifications and industry standards.
Why is material testing important?
Materials testing provides the data needed to make informed decisions about the materials used in construction and civil engineering projects. It helps confirm that materials are suitable for their intended application, meet relevant standards, and can deliver the required level of performance.
Physical properties testing of materials like concrete, asphalt, aggregates, and soils also plays an important role in identifying defects, investigating failures, supporting maintenance strategies, and reducing the risk of costly issues developing later in a project’s lifecycle.
What does a construction materials testing technician do?
A construction materials testing technician carries out assessments on construction materials to help determine whether they meet required standards and project specifications. Their work can include on-site sampling, lab testing, equipment operation, data recording, and reporting on results. Technicians also help ensure testing is completed safely, accurately, and in line with recognised test procedures and industry standards.