SML Laboratories
Geotechnical testing laboratory

Is your ground investigation waiting on geotechnical testing?

SML is a subcontract geotechnical lab that keeps your investigation moving. We return a full scope of soil testing to BS1377:2022 in 10 working days as standard, with expedited testing on request.

Call 01323 302280
Quote request SAME-DAY REPLY

    10 working days standard Expedited on request Nationwide collection

    No obligation. An expert replies with your quote the same working day.

    How we help▊

    Here is how SML Laboratories gets your results back on time

    SML Laboratories is a subcontract testing laboratory in Eastbourne, working for the site investigation specialists, engineers and consultancies who carry out the ground work. We handle your geotechnical testing in house to BS1377:2022 and return results you can rely on, on time.

    Inside the SML Laboratories facility in Eastbourne
    IN-HOUSE TESTING · EASTBOURNE
    An established testing house in Eastbourne

    Direct access to key staff

    Talk to the people running your testing, not a ticket queue.

    Dependable turnaround

    10 working days standard, with expedited testing on request.

    High-volume capacity

    Set up for repeat programmes and seasonal surges.

    Nationwide collection

    Courier collection plus our own lab driver to get samples in.

    The process▊

    From borehole to report in 10 working days

    DAY 0

    Request a quote

    Send your test schedule and deadline. Priced the same working day.

    →
    COLLECTION

    Samples collected

    Nationwide courier collection, plus our own lab driver.

    →
    ON ARRIVAL

    Booked in and prepped

    Fragile samples logged and prepared under controlled conditions.

    →
    IN THE LAB

    Testing

    Classification, index and strength testing to BS1377:2022.

    →
    BY DAY 10

    Results reported

    Reported in the format your project needs, on time.

    Need it sooner?▊
    Expedited testing is available on request. Tell us your programme dates when you request a quote.
    On site▊

    Outsource your geotechnical testing to SML Laboratories

    Samples arrive from your boreholes and trial pits, logged and prepared for classification, index and strength testing to BS1377:2022.

    Our lab is set up for high-volume repeat work, so busy periods and seasonal surges are handled without the wait.

    Repeat programmes are scheduled around your delivery dates, and we keep capacity in reserve for the peaks, so a busy season on site does not turn into a bottleneck in the lab.

    Driller operating a soil sampling rig on site
    Testing to BS1377:2022▊

    We offer a full scope of geotechnical soil testing

    Soil classification testing, index and strength testing carried out to the methods of BS1377:2022, from Atterberg limits to triaxial testing. Our BS1377 testing covers soil shear strength testing and is the current standard for the geotechnical testing of soils.

    01
    BS1377
    Moisture content testing
    02
    BS1377
    Plastic limit and Atterberg limits testing
    03
    BS1377
    Plasticity index testing, 1-point liquid limit
    04
    BS1377
    Plasticity index, 4-point liquid limit
    05
    BS1377
    Particle size distribution test, wet and dry sieve
    06
    BS1377
    Particle size distribution by sedimentation, hydrometer
    07
    BS1377
    Particle density test by pycnometer
    08
    BS1377
    Saturated moisture content of chalk
    09
    BS1377
    Intact dry density of chalk
    10
    BS1377
    Linear shrinkage test
    11
    BS1377
    Quick undrained triaxial test, single and multi-stage

    Ground investigation waiting on results?

    Send us your test schedule and deadline. We will confirm turnaround and price the same working day.

    Construction chemical testing▊

    Full BRE suites through our environmental lab

    Chemical determinands relevant to ground and construction, analysed alongside your geotechnical package so it all comes back together.

    • ✓ pH value
    • ✓ Sulphate, water soluble and total
    • ✓ Sulphur, total
    • ✓ Magnesium, nitrate and chloride, water soluble and total
    • ✓ Ammonium, total

    Sending geotechnical samples

    ⚠

    Geotechnical samples are fragile, please pack and handle them with care.

    ❄

    Avoid extreme temperatures, including frost, in transit and storage.

    ⚖

    A maximum of two U100 samples per container, due to a 20kg package weight limit.

    Sample handling▊

    Geotechnical samples couriered from your site to our lab

    Geotechnical samples are fragile. We handle them carefully from the moment they arrive, protecting them from extreme temperatures including frost.

    So your results reflect the ground you investigated, not the journey to the lab.

    Fragile tubes and disturbed bags are logged, stored and prepared under controlled conditions, and we will flag any sample that arrives compromised so you can decide how to proceed before testing begins.

    Technician placing a soil sample into a test tube on site
    HANDLED WITH CARE
    “
    Client feedback▊

    What our clients say

    ★★★★★
    We rely on SML Laboratories for high-volume geotechnical testing and root identification, and they supported us exceptionally well during the busy 2025 surge. Having both services under one roof provides a real benefit
    C Constructive EvaluationConstruction Site Investigation Company
    ★★★★★
    A super company providing a great service covering sample bottles, accurate analysis and a personal response to customer needs. It's particularly valuable that you can always talk directly to responsive key staff.
    A ATSVerified client

    Ready to send us your samples?

    Request a quote and we will arrange collection anywhere in the country.

    Request a quote▊

    Get your geotechnical testing moving

    Send us the essentials and a member of our team will come back to you the same working day with turnaround and pricing.

    ☎Call us01323 302280 ✉Email uscs@sml-laboratories.co.uk

      10 working days standard Expedited on request Nationwide collection

      No obligation. An expert replies with your quote the same working day.

      FAQ▊

      Frequently asked questions

      Everything you need to know about sending geotechnical samples to our lab. Cannot see your question? Talk to us directly.

      01323 302280
      What is your standard turnaround?+
      Our standard turnaround is 10 working days from receipt of samples, with expedited testing available on request. Let us know your programme dates when you request a quote.
      Which testing standard do you follow?+
      All geotechnical soil testing, from soil moisture content testing to triaxial testing, is carried out to the methods of BS1377:2022, the current British Standard for the geotechnical testing of soils. BS1377 is a testing standard, not an accreditation.
      Can you carry out construction chemical testing too?+
      Yes. We run full BRE suites through our environmental lab, including pH, sulphate, sulphur, magnesium, nitrate, chloride and ammonium, alongside your geotechnical package.
      How should samples be packaged?+
      Geotechnical samples are fragile and should be protected from extreme temperatures, including frost. Please limit each container to a maximum of two U100 samples, in line with a 20kg package weight limit.
      Can you handle high-volume programmes?+
      Yes. We are set up for high-volume repeat work and support clients through busy periods and seasonal surges.