Lab Test
Site Test
Standard(s): BS EN ISO 17892-12:2018+A2:2022
Plasticity Index

The Plasticity Index (PI) measures the range of water content over which soil remains plastic, providing valuable insight into the clay content and compressibility of the material.

The Process

  1. Sample Preparation: A soil sample is dried and sieved to remove larger particles, isolating the fine-grained fraction.
  2. Liquid Limit Determination: The water content at which the soil changes from a plastic to a liquid state is measured.
  3. Plastic Limit Determination: The water content at which the soil transitions from a plastic to a solid state is measured.
  4. Calculation of PI: The PI is calculated as the difference between the liquid limit and the plastic limit: PI = Liquid Limit – Plastic Limit

Why Is This Test Important?

  • Soil Classification: Identifies soil types and their suitability for construction.
  • Compressibility Indicator: Predicts how the soil will behave under load, including settlement risks.
  • Workability: Assesses how easily the soil can be manipulated during construction.
  • Stability Assessment: Determines the soil’s resilience to water-induced volume changes.

The Plasticity Index test is crucial for soil analysis in infrastructure projects, ensuring safe and effective construction. Contact us for accurate PI testing and expert guidance.

Get in Touch
Back to all tests

View more Aggregates testing services:

View all
Aggregates
UKAS Accredited
Lab Test

Plastic Limit

Determination of the plastic limit of fine-grained soils in accordance with BS EN ISO 17892-12:2018+A2:2022.
BS EN ISO 17892-12:2018+A2:2022
Aggregates
UKAS Accredited
Lab Test

Particle Size Distribution

Determination of particle size distribution of aggregates using sieving in accordance with BS EN 933-1:2012.
BS EN 933-1:2012
Aggregates
UKAS Accredited
Lab Test

Sample Reduction

Sample reduction by riffle box, by quartering, or to a test portion of a specified mass within a small tolerance
BS EN 932-2:1999
Aggregates
UKAS Accredited
Lab Test
Site Test

Dynamic Cone Penetration (TRL-DCP)

Rapid measurement of the in-situ strength of existing flexible pavements constructed with unbound materials.
DMRB, CS 229 Data for Pavement Assessment Rev.0: 2020
Aggregates
Site Test

In-Situ California Bearing Ratio (CBR)

Penetration of soil with a plunger over a standard area. The harder the surface, the higher the CBR percentage.
Aggregates
UKAS Accredited
Site Test

Constituents of Course Recycled Aggregates

Ensure the quality and compliance of recycled aggregates with our constituents analysis, supporting sustainable and reliable construction practices.
BS EN 933-11:2009
Aggregates
UKAS Accredited
Lab Test
Site Test

Plasticity Index

A higher Plasticity Index indicates a greater range of water content where soil remains plastic, signifying higher compressibility and potential for settlement.
BS EN ISO 17892-12:2018+A2:2022
Aggregates
UKAS Accredited
Lab Test

Water Content

Determination of the water content of aggregates in accordance with BS EN 1097-5:2008.
BS 1377-2:2022
Aggregates
Site Test

In-Situ Bulk Density Nuclear Method

The in-situ bulk density nuclear method ensures soil compaction meets construction standards by measuring density and moisture directly on-site.
BS 1377-9:1990
Aggregates
UKAS Accredited
Lab Test

Resistance to Fragmentation – Los Angeles Test

Subjects a coarse aggregate sample to abrasion, impact, and grinding.
BS EN 1097-2:2020
Site Test
Lab Test
Plasticity Index

The Plasticity Index (PI) measures the range of water content over which soil remains plastic, providing valuable insight into the clay content and compressibility of the material.

The Process

  1. Sample Preparation: A soil sample is dried and sieved to remove larger particles, isolating the fine-grained fraction.
  2. Liquid Limit Determination: The water content at which the soil changes from a plastic to a liquid state is measured.
  3. Plastic Limit Determination: The water content at which the soil transitions from a plastic to a solid state is measured.
  4. Calculation of PI: The PI is calculated as the difference between the liquid limit and the plastic limit: PI = Liquid Limit - Plastic Limit

Why Is This Test Important?

  • Soil Classification: Identifies soil types and their suitability for construction.
  • Compressibility Indicator: Predicts how the soil will behave under load, including settlement risks.
  • Workability: Assesses how easily the soil can be manipulated during construction.
  • Stability Assessment: Determines the soil's resilience to water-induced volume changes.

The Plasticity Index test is crucial for soil analysis in infrastructure projects, ensuring safe and effective construction. Contact us for accurate PI testing and expert guidance.

BS EN ISO 17892-12:2018+A2:2022