Construction Observation and Materials Testing
In-Progress Construction Observation
Development projects unearth a wealth of unknown and unexpected conditions. For this reason, EOI recommends maintaining geotechnical observation services throughout construction, especially during construction of the foundation and other below-grade structures. As construction progresses, unexpected variations in geology or previous construction activities, undetectable through the borings alone, become evident.
Our Construction Observation & Materials Testing Team will:
- Observe and document fill placement and measure the level of compaction
- Observe and document asphaltic pavement installation and asphalt density testing
- Observe and document deep and shallow foundation constructions
- Examine foundation-bearing materials for drilled piers
- Calculate capacities for driven steel and concrete piles in foundation
- Monitor settlement of pre-consolidation fills
- Core concrete and asphalt to obtain samples for testing
- Perform field and laboratory testing of soil, aggregate, concrete, asphalt, mortar and masonry units
- Conduct floor flatness testing
- Conduct fire proofing testing
Material Laboratory Testing
To conduct our environmental and geotechnical services, it is essential to provide state-of-the-art laboratory testing of soils, rocks and other construction materials. Our in-house testing lab is equipped to perform the following tests:
| Classification Unified Method (ASTM D 2487) |
Moisture Content (ASTM D 2216) |
Estimate of Strength Hand Penetrometer |
Unit Weight (ASTM D 2937) |
| Specific Gravity (ASTM D 854) |
pH of Soil (ASTM D 4972) |
Porosity Calculation | Atterberg limits (ASTM D 4318) |
| Consolidation (ASTM D 2435) |
Unconfined Compression Testing | Triaxial Testing Unconsolidated Undrained (ASTM D 2850) |
Triaxial Testing Consolidated Undrained (ASTM D 4767) |
| Hydraulic Conductivity, Flexible Wall (ASTM D 5084) |
Rigid Wall, Constant Head (ASTM D 2434) |
Hydrometer (ASTM D 422) |
Material Finer than no. 200 Sieve (ASTM D 1140) |
| Standard Proctor (ASTM D 698) |
Modified Proctor (ASTM D 1557) |
Relative Density (ASTM D 4253 and 4254) |
Asphalt Extraction (ASTM D 2172) |
| Marshall (ASTM D 1559) |
Tensile Strength Ratio (Stripping Test) |
Gmm Maximum Specific Gravity (Big D) |
Compressive Strength Tests of Concrete Cylinders (ASTM C 39) |
| Compressive Strength Tests of Two-Inch Cubes (ASTM C 109) |
Compressive Strength Tests of Grout Prisms (ASTM C 1019) |
Compressive Strength Tests of Beams (ASTM C 78) |
Certified Lab Testing
Our lab is certified by AASHTO and CCRL for testing soil, aggregates and concrete; and by the Illinois Department of Transportation to test concrete and aggregates. Shively Geotechnical participates in the AMRL proficiency testing program.