Geotechnical Testing Equipment
Field and laboratory equipment for soil strength assessment, bearing capacity testing, compaction verification, and site investigation across New Zealand.
Built for Geotechnical Site Investigation and Testing
Geotechnical investigation demands accuracy across two environments that don't always cooperate - the field and the laboratory. Field conditions vary, access is not always straightforward, and the data collected needs to hold up to engineering scrutiny long after the site visit. In the lab, test results for shear strength, bearing capacity, and particle size distribution need to be repeatable and traceable to recognised standards.
Our geotechnical testing range covers the principal test methods used in foundation design, pavement subgrade assessment, earthworks compaction, and slope stability investigation across New Zealand. Equipment meets AS 1289, ASTM, and BS standards where applicable, and spans both laboratory instruments and field-deployable tools suited to varying site conditions. The range also supports the geotechnical components of environmental site investigations, where soil characterisation forms part of a broader assessment programme.
Common Testing Applications
Soil Shear Strength Testing
Shear strength parameters - internal friction angle and cohesion - are fundamental inputs to foundation design, retaining wall analysis, slope stability assessment, and earthworks specification. Laboratory direct shear testing under AS 1289.6.2.2 and ASTM D3080 provides these values from undisturbed or remoulded specimens under defined normal stress conditions. Our direct shear range includes the QualiShear-1 motorised apparatus for controlled strain rate testing and the QualiShear-2 manual dead-weight unit for laboratories without power access or where lower throughput is required. Both units accept standard 60mm square specimens.
CBR and Bearing Capacity Testing
California Bearing Ratio testing is the standard method for characterising the bearing capacity of subgrades, subbases, and granular fill under NZTA roading specifications and AS 1289.6.1.1. CBR values directly drive pavement thickness design, and the accuracy of the test determines the adequacy of the pavement structure over its design life. Our CBR range covers the QualiCBR-A automatic motorised apparatus for labs running consistent penetration rate and high testing volumes, and the QualiCBR-M manual frame for lower-volume labs or sites without reliable power access. Both configurations accommodate the standard CBR mould for 150mm diameter specimens.
Soil Gradation and Moisture Determination
Particle size distribution and moisture content are two of the most frequently determined properties in any geotechnical laboratory programme. Sieve analysis to AS 1289.3.6.1 requires a consistent sieve stack, representative sample mass, and reliable mechanical agitation - our motorised sieve shaker range covers 200mm, 300mm, and 450mm sieve diameters with variable timer settings and automatic cut-off. Moisture content determination requires accurate oven drying to a constant mass at 105°C as specified under AS 1289.2.1.1, and our Thermoline drying oven range provides consistent forced convection performance across capacities from 80L to 600L to suit different sample throughput requirements.
Why Choose TestingCore
Equipment That Covers the Full Geotechnical Testing Programme
Geotechnical investigation projects rarely require just one piece of equipment. A typical site investigation programme moves from field penetration testing and vane shear through to laboratory moisture content, particle size, shear strength, and bearing capacity testing before reaching an engineering conclusion. Our range is assembled to cover that sequence rather than isolated test methods, which reduces the number of suppliers a geotechnical lab or consultancy needs to deal with.
We supply geotechnical testing equipment to engineering consultancies, soil testing laboratories, local authorities, and construction contractors across New Zealand. If you are equipping a new geotechnical lab, replacing specific instruments within an existing programme, or sourcing equipment for a project with defined standard requirements, our team can confirm specifications, standard compliance, and lead times on request.
Standards and Compliance
Geotechnical testing equipment across our range meets AS 1289, ASTM D-series, and BS 1377 standards where applicable. Standard compliance is specified on individual product pages. For laboratories operating under IANZ accreditation programmes or working to specific project quality plans, contact us to confirm that individual instruments meet your stated test method and equipment requirements.
