Testing
As part of our commitment to keep projects moving according to schedule, soils and materials testing are conducted in-house at our local laboratories. Leighton's laboratory facilities are some of the best available in southern California and have been audited and approved by several agencies including:
- AASHTO
- Caltrans
- City of Los Angeles
- City of San Diego
- Division of the State Architect (DSA)
- National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- U.S. Navy
In addition, our laboratories participate in the Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory and AMRL Sample Proficiency Testing and consistently achieve the highest possible ratings.
Leighton has the capability to perform over 160 test methods in each of our laboratories. These include a wide variety of routine tests as well as highly sophisticated test programs in support of research and development. Tests are run in accordance with ASTM, USACE and Caltrans Methods. Standardized tests can also be modified to meet specific field and/or contract requirements.
Our ability to load-level our tests between laboratories allows us to accept large volumes of samples and be more responsive to our clients’ needs for fast turn-around results. Incorporating progressive technology with proactive management practices, laboratory and field reports are generated and distributed quickly to clients while a document control system is maintained for structured record-keeping.
Geotechnical Soils Testing
Soils testing is performed in correlation with our field investigation for the analysis of soil conditions and characteristics relative to geotechnical design engineering. Additionally, Leighton’s field technicians conduct geotechnical observation and testing during the construction phase to verify that construction activities conform to approved project plans and specifications. Our field technicians observe, test, document and report on work performed by contractors involved in earthwork grading as well as underground and foundation construction.
Testing of selected soil samples are performed to evaluate the following:
- Atterberg Limits
- Grain size/gradation analysis
- Maximum density/optimum moisture values (Modified Proctor)
- Expansion index
- Soluble sulfates
- Corrosion suite
- R-value
- Direct shear
- Consolidation
- Collapse
- Dry density of drive samples
- Moisture or water content
- Field wet density using nuclear gauge or sand cone
As a leading consulting firm with distinguished laboratories, Leighton also provides soils testing for other geotechnical engineering firms in southern California. Leighton ’s ability to conduct soils tests as a third party benefits firms that do not have an in-house laboratory; other geotechnical labs that may have an extremely heavy work load; firms that do not have a wide range of equipment; or firms that require complex testing methods such as triaxial and torsional shear strength. For whatever the case, these firms trust us for accurate information and fast turn-around service.
Materials Testing
From transportation projects to building structures, Leighton’s certified technicians are on site during construction to perform quality assurance by means of materials testing. All samples come directly to our laboratory for in-house testing, assuring quick turn-around results, thereby not holding up on-the-job decisions. All test reports are reviewed and approved by our Civil Engineer of Record prior to being distributed to our clients. Typically with more than 100 samples a day, testing of materials includes:
- Compressive Strength – Concrete
- Compressive Strength – Mortar
- Compressive Strength – Grout
- Compressive Strength – Masonry Units
- Compressive Strength – Roofing Tile
- Modulus of Elasticity – Concrete
- Splitting Tensile – Concrete
- Tensile Strength – Reinforcing Steel
- Bend Test – Reinforcing Steel
- Organic Impurities
- Drying Shrinkage – CMU
- Moisture – CMU
- Unit Weight – CMU
- Absorption – CMU
- Asphalt Extraction
- Aggregate Testing
- Durability Density/Asphalt Absorption
- Bulk Density – Asphalt
- Marshall Test
- Specific Gravity
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