10 Owler Ings Road, Brighouse, HD6 1EJ      +44 (0)1484 717776       info@bics-labs.co.uk

SERVICES

BICS Laboratories Ltd

Our tests are marked (U) are UKAS Accredited and those marked (F) are accredited under our flexible scope. Click here for our current Schedule of Accreditation.  Tests which are technically equivalent tests to those which are accredited can be provided as accredited under our flexible scope.  Please contact us for more information

If there is a test you require that does not appear on this list please do not hesitate to contact us, we have a wide range of test equipment and expertise available

Tests we regularly provide are listed below, and are grouped into the following categories:

Below is a list of our accredited test methods and an example of methods of testing we provide

Geomembranes

Geomembranes are impermeable membranes used in engineering and environmental projects to control fluid movement in a man-made structure or system. They are typically made from synthetic materials like high-density polyethylene (HDPE), Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), known for their durability, flexibility, and resistance to chemicals and ultraviolet light.

  • Asperity Height ASTM D7466 (U), GRI GM12 (U)
  • Carbon Black Content ASTM D1603 (U), ASTM D4218 (U)
  • Carbon Black Dispersion  ASTM D5596 (U)
  • Density ASTM D1505 (U), ASTM D792, EN ISO 1183-2 (U)
  • Dimensional Stability ASTM D1204 (U)
  • Melt Flow Index ASTM D1238 (U), BS EN ISO 1133 (U)
  • Stress Crack Resistance ASTM D5397 (U), EN 14576
  • Oxidative Induction Time ASTM D3895 (U), ASTM D8117-21 (U) BS EN ISO 11357-6 (U)
  • Oxidative Induction Time (High Pressure) ASTM D5885
  • Permeability to Liquids BS EN 14150
  • Puncture Resistance ASTM D4833 (U)
  • Pyramid Puncture BS EN 14574 (U)
  • Qualification Testing of Welders BS EN 13067 (U)
  • Seam Properties ASTM D6392 (U), ASTM D4437 (U)
  • Tear Resistance ASTM D1004 (U), BS ISO 34-1 (U)
  • Tensile Properties ASTM D6693 (U), ASTM D638 (U), ISO 527-3 (U)
  • 2% Secant Modulus ASTM D5323 (U)
  • Thickness ASTM D5994 (U), ASTM D5199 (U), BS EN ISO 9863-1 (U)
  • UV Resistance ASTM D7238 (U)
  • Welded Joints BS EN 12814-4 (U)
  • Wide Strip Method ASTM D4885

Geotextiles

Geotextiles are permeable fabrics used in civil engineering and environmental projects to provide separation, filtration, reinforcement, protection, or drainage. Made from polypropylene or polyester, these versatile materials come in woven, non-woven, and knitted forms, each tailored for specific applications and performance needs.

  • Characteristic Opening Size BS EN ISO 12956 (U), ASTM D4751 (U), AS 3706.7 (U)
  • Pore Size Characteristics ASTM D6767, ASTM F316 
  • Cylinder Test EA Methodology LFE2 (U), BS EN 13719 (U)
  • Protection Efficiency BS EN 13719 (U)
  • Grab Breaking Strength ASTM D4632 (U), AS 2001.2.3.2 (U)
  • Mass per Unit Area ASTM D5261 (U), BS EN ISO 9864 (U), AS 2001.2.13 (U)
  • Drop Cone Perforation Resistance BS EN ISO 13433 (U), AS 3706.5 (U)
  • CBR Puncture Resistance BS EN ISO 12236 (U), ASTM D6241 (U), AS 3706.4 (U)
  • Trapezoid Tear Resistance ASTM D4533 (U), AS 3706.3 (U)
  • Tensile Properties BS EN ISO 10319 (U), ASTM D4595 (U), AS 3706.2 (U)
  • Tensile Strip AS 2001.2.3.1
  • Thickness ASTM D5199 (U), BS EN ISO 9863-1 (U), AS 2001.2.15 (U)
  • Water Permeability & Permittivity BS EN ISO 11058 (U), ASTM D4491 (U), AS 3706.9 (U)

Geosynthetic Clay Liners

Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCLs) are advanced, engineered barriers used in environmental and civil engineering projects to provide highly effective containment solutions. Comprised of a layer of natural bentonite clay sandwiched between geotextiles or geomembranes, GCLs combine the self-healing characteristics of clay with the mechanical strength of geosynthetics.

  • Montmorillonite Content Methylene Blue API RP 13l (U), CUR33 (U), VDG P69 (U)
  • Fluid Loss ASTM D5891 (U)
  • Free Swell ASTM D5890 (U)
  • Grab Strength ASTM D4632 (U)
  • Index Flux/Hydraulic Conductivity ASTM D5887 (U), ASTM D5084 (U), BS EN 16416 (U)
  • Hydraulic Properties with Solutions ASTM D6766 (U)
  • Mass per Unit Area ASTM D5993 (U), BS EN 14196 (U)
  • Moisture Content ASTM D4643 (U), ASTM D2216 (U), AS 1289.2.1.1 (U), ISO 11465:1993 (U)
  • Montmorillonite Content XRD Analysis
  • Peel Strength ASTM D4632 (U), ASTM D6496 (U)
  • Screening Clay for Chemical Compatibility ASTM D6141
  • Tensile Strength ASTM D6768 (U)
  • Water Absorption DIN 18132 (U) Enslin Neff, BS EN ISO 10769 (U), ASTM E946 (U)

Geocomposites

Geocomposites are advanced engineering materials made by combining two or more geosynthetic products, such as geotextiles, geomembranes, or geonets. By integrating the unique properties of different materials, geocomposites offer enhanced performance in a wide range of civil engineering and environmental applications.

  • Compressive Strength ASTM D1621, ASTM D6364
  • In Plane Water Flow BS EN ISO 12958 (U), ASTM D4716 (U)
  • Water Permeability BS EN ISO 11058 (U), ASTM D4491 (U)
  • Mass per Unit Area ASTM D5621 (U), BS EN ISO 9864 (U)
  • CBR Puncture Resistance ASTM D4833 (U), BS EN ISO 12236 (U)
  • Tensile Properties BS EN ISO 10319 (U), ASTM D4595 (U)
  • Thickness ASTM D5199 (U), BS EN ISO 9863-1 (U)
  • Junction Strength BS EN ISO 13426-2 (U)
  • Internal Shear Strength ASTM D5321 (U)

Geogrids / Geonets

Geogrids and Geonets are specialized geosynthetic materials used in various civil engineering and environmental projects to enhance soil and slope stability, provide reinforcement and improve drainage.

  • Mass per Unit Area ASTM D5621 (U), BS EN ISO 9864 (U)
  • Tensile Properties ASTM D6637 (U), BS EN ISO 10319 (U)
  • Geonet Tensile ASTM D7179-18 (U)
  • Thickness ASTM D5199 (U), BS EN ISO 9863-1 (U)
  • Junction Strength GRI GG2
  • Aperture Size In House Method

Shear Strength

Shear strength is a crucial property in material science and engineering, representing the maximum stress a material can withstand when subjected to shear forces. It is the capacity of a material to resist sliding or failure along a plane parallel to the direction of the applied force.

  • Geosynthetic v Soil Interface ASTM D5321 (U)
  • Geosynthetic v Geosynthetic Interface ASTM D5321 (U)
  • GCL Internal Shear Strength ASTM D6243 (U)
  • GCL Interface Strength ASTM D6243 (U)
  • Shear Strength (Large Shear Box) BS 1377-2
  • Coefficient of Friction and Adhesion Specification for Highway Works Volume 1, Series 600
  • Geosynthetics Friction Characteristics BS EN ISO 12957-1 (U)
  • Geosynthetics Friction Characteristics as modified by Geosynthetic Landfill Guidance Group – Industry Code of Practice, LGG 115, February 2018 (U)
  • Soil Compaction BS 1377-2

Geosynthetic Cementitious Composite Mat (GCCM)

Geosynthetic Cementitious Composite Mats (GCCMs) are innovative construction materials that combine the properties of geosynthetics with cementitious materials. These mats provide a flexible, waterproof barrier that hardens upon hydration, forming a thin, durable and impermeable layer.

  • Flexural Strength ASTM D8058 (U)
  • Sample Preparation ASTM D8030/D8030M
  • Tensile Strength of GCCM ASTM D8480
  • Water Cementitious Ratio ASTM D8329

Durability

Durability is a critical property in materials science and engineering, referring to the ability of a material or product to withstand wear, pressure, or damage over an extended period. It ensures that structures and components maintain their functionality and integrity under various environmental conditions.

  • Artificial Ageing BS EN 1296:2001
  • Exposure to Liquid Chemicals BS EN 1847
  • Freeze Thaw BS EN 12467
  • Resistance to Oxidation BS EN ISO 13438 (U), BS EN 14575
  • Resistance to Weathering UV BS EN 12224 (U), ASTM D4355, ASTM D7238 (U)
  • Microbiological Resistance BS EN 12225
  • Oven Ageing ASTM D5721
  • Resistance to Hydrolysis BS EN 12447
  • Resistance to Liquids BS EN 14030, BS EN 14414, BS EN ISO 12960
  • Resistance to Leaching BS EN 14415
  • Resistance to Roots PD CEN/TS 14416
  • Durability assessment BS EN 12226

Plastics / Rubber

Plastics and rubber are essential components in geosynthetics, providing robust, efficient, and versatile solutions for modern engineering challenges.

  • Apparent Density BS EN ISO 845
  • Bend Test BS EN 12814-1
  • Carbon Black Content BS 2782-4
  • Glass Transition Temperature BS ISO 11357-2
  • Flexural Properties BS EN ISO 178
  • Linear Dimensions BS EN ISO 1923
  • Resistance to Environmental Stress Cracking BS EN ISO 22088-2
  • Shear Resistance BS EN 12317-2
  • Tensile Properties BS EN ISO 527-1 (general)
  • Tensile Properties BS EN ISO 527-2 (moulded and extruded)
  • Tensile Properties BS EN ISO 527-3 (films and sheets) (U)
  • Tensile Properties ASTM D882, ASTM D7275 (U)
  • Tensile Properties BS EN ISO 1421, BS EN ISO 1798
  • Tear Resistance BS EN ISO 4674-1, BS ISO 34 (U)
  • Trouser Tear BS 2782-3
  • Transmission Rate of Volatile Liquids ISO 6179
  • Water Absorption ASTM D570, BS EN ISO 62
  • Water Vapour Transmission ASTM E96/E96M, BS EN 1931

Adhesion

Geosynthetics can be applied or coated with adhesives to form Bond Strength or Ply Adhesion.

  • Peel Adhesion BS EN ISO 29862, BS EN ISO 29863
  • Peel Strength ASTM D903
  • Ply Adhesion ASTM D7005/D7005M

Textiles

Textiles are a component in many industrial materials.

  • Peel Adhesion BS EN ISO 29862, BS EN ISO 29863
  • Peel Strength ASTM D903
  • Ply Adhesion ASTM D7005/D7005M
  • Identification of textile fibres (Melt Point) ASTM D276 (withdrawn 2021)
  • Break Force and Elongation ASTM D5035 (U)
  • Soil Burial Test BS EN ISO 11721-1
  • Test Methods for Coated Fabrics ASTM D751
  • Textile Tensile Properties BS EN ISO 13934-1, BS EN ISO 13934-2
  • Non-Woven Tensile BS EN ISO 29073-3, BS EN ISO 9073-3
  • Mass Per Unit Area ASTM D3776 (U)
  • Tensile Properties BS EN ISO 13934-1
  • Water Absorption BS ISO 20158

Waterproofing Sheets

Waterproofing is the process of making a material water resistant. Waterproofed materials are an important part of the Building and Engineering Sector.

  • Dimensional Stability BS EN 1107-2 (U)
  • Ageing by UV, Heat and Water BS EN 1297 (U), EOTA TR 10
  • Thickness and Mass BS EN 1849-2 (U)
  • Resistance to Tearing BS EN 12310-2
  • Resistance to Tearing (Nail Shank) BS EN 12310-1
  • Resistance to Impact BS EN 12691
  • Resistance to Static Loading BS EN 12730
  • Water Tightness BS EN ISO 1928 Method A (U)
  • Water Vapour Transmission ASTM E96/E96M, BSEN 1931
  • Transmission Rate of Volatile Liquids ISO 6179

Pipes

Pipes are widely used across many industries. The strength of bends and joints is an important characteristic.

  • Resistance to external blows BS EN 744 (withdrawn 2018)
  • Joint Bend Test BS EN 12814-1
  • Joint Peel Test BS EN 12814-4
  • Tensile Test BS EN 12814-7, ISO 6259-1 & 2
  • Butt-fused Tensile Strength ISO 13953

Accelerated Weathering

Similar to Durability there are several methods which can be used to replicate exposure to Water and UV.

  • Plastic exposure to UV Light BS EN ISO 4892-3 (U), ASTM D4329
  • Plastic exposure to UV Light ASTM D4329, ASTM D4329
  • UV Exposure to non-metallic Materials ASTM DG154, SAE J2020
  • UV Exposure to Paint and Related coatings BS EN ISO 16474-3, ASTM D4587
  • Rubber exposure to UV Light ASTM D750, ASTM D1148
  • Textile exposure to UV & Moisture SAATCC 186, ACFFA Colourfastness
  • Weathering of Bituminous Materials ASTM D4799

 

Bitumen

Bitumen is a dense, highly viscous, petroleum-based hydrocarbon. It is used for its waterproofing and adhesive properties.

  • Resistance to Tearing (Nail Shank) BS EN 12310-1
  • Tensile Tear Strength ASTM D4073 (U)
  • Tensile Properties ASTM D7275 (U)

Did you find the test that you are after? Then give our team a call by clicking the button below

Call Us