Aitken Laboratories has delivered independent site investigations across Scotland and the North of England for over 50 years, recovering the ground and soil samples that underpin safe, cost-effective construction.
Our methods include cable percussive and hydraulic percussion boring, rotary drilling, window sampling and trial pitting, sampling across a wide range of ground conditions. Every investigation is planned to provide you with robust subsurface data and a clear route to laboratory analysis.
Cable percussive drilling, also known as shell and auger drilling, is a well-established and widely used method for ground investigation and geotechnical analysis in the UK. It’s used across the UK to bore holes into the ground. This method involves lifting and dropping a heavy cutting tool into the borehole to penetrate soil and rock layers. It is highly effective for investigating subsurface conditions, obtaining soil samples, and installing monitoring wells. Cable percussive drilling is suitable for a wide range of soil types and ground conditions, including clay, sand, gravel, and soft rock and capable of drilling to significant depths and varying diameters, making it ideal for diverse geotechnical applications by providing high-quality undisturbed samples for accurate soil analysis and testing.
CPT is a widely recognised method for evaluating soil properties and determining the geotechnical parameters essential for construction and civil engineering projects. We provide expert CPT services across Scotland and the Northeast of England, delivering accurate and reliable data for your geotechnical needs. It involves pushing a cone-shaped penetrometer into the ground at a constant rate to measure the resistance of soil layers. This test provides continuous data on soil stratigraphy, identifying various soil properties such as density, strength, and friction.
Trial pitting is a fundamental method used for geotechnical site investigations and environmental assessments. We offer professional trial pitting services to provide you with essential insights into ground conditions to support your construction and engineering projects. Trial pitting involves the excavation of shallow, open pits to visually inspect and sample subsurface soils. This method is particularly useful for assessing near-surface soil conditions, identifying soil stratification, and collecting samples for laboratory testing.
Independent and unbiased: as an independent firm, we provide objective and reliable results.
Experienced team: our team consists of seasoned professionals with extensive industry experience.
Commitment to quality: we adhere to the highest standards of quality and safety in all our operations, and we implement rigorous quality control measures to ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.
Client-focused approach: we work closely with our clients to understand their specific project needs and provide tailored solutions.
Comprehensive reporting: our detailed reports offer clear, actionable insights to support your project planning and decision-making.
