At Celtest, we specialise in providing expert testing services to help you meet the compliance requirements outlined in MCHW Volume 1: Series 600 - Earthworks.
Developed by National Highways, the Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works (MCHW) is a vital set of specifications that govern the construction, improvement, and maintenance of the Trunk Road network. Volume 1, also known as The Specification for Highway Works (SHW), provides the standards for the materials, goods, and work required in highway construction projects, including earthworks.
What is SHW Series 600: Earthworks?
SHW Series 600 focuses on the proper procedures for handling earthworks in highway projects. This includes selecting, processing, compacting, and testing materials to ensure they meet the performance and durability requirements needed for safe, long-lasting roads.
Earthworks are essential in the construction of highways and involve materials placed under road pavements, including:
- Fill material behind structures
- Embankments for raising the roadbed
- Granular capping materials to improve weak subgrades
- Stabilised and selected fill materials used in various construction scenarios
Meeting the standards of Series 600 is critical to ensuring the longevity and strength of your highway infrastructure, and that’s where Celtest comes in.
Our Earthworks Testing Services
At Celtest, we offer a complete range of testing services to ensure your earthworks materials comply with the strict standards set in Series 600 of the MCHW.
Our services include both in-situ testing and laboratory analysis, all designed to provide you with accurate and reliable results. With our support, you can be confident that your project meets the required specifications for durability, strength, and performance.
In-Situ Testing Services:
- Density Testing: We carry out tests to confirm that the material compaction is in line with the specified requirements.
- Strength Testing: We assess the strength of your materials, including California Bearing Ratio (CBR), stiffness modulus, and shear strength, to ensure they are fit for purpose.
- Sampling: Our team collects representative samples directly from site to ensure accuracy in the laboratory analysis.
Laboratory Analysis for Earthworks:
We conduct a full suite of laboratory tests to assess the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of the materials used in your earthworks.
Our analysis ensures that your materials meet the high standards required by SHW Series 600.
Physical and Mechanical Tests:
- Classification Tests: We analyse particle size distribution, plasticity index, and moisture content to ensure the material is suitable for use.
- Permeability Testing: Our tests determine the permeability of both cohesive and granular materials.
- Moisture Condition Value (MCV): To assess the moisture sensitivity of your materials.
- Undrained Shear Strength: To evaluate the strength of the material under unsaturated conditions.
- Optimum Moisture Content (OMC): To find the moisture content that achieves the best compaction.
- Bulk Density and Los Angeles Coefficient: To assess the durability and strength of materials.
- California Bearing Ratio (CBR): To determine the load-bearing capacity of materials.
- Frost Heave Potential: To evaluate the risk of material expansion in cold weather.
- Effective Angle of Internal Friction (Cl 636): For understanding the material’s shear resistance.
- Drained Shear Parameters: To evaluate the shear strength of materials under saturated conditions.
Chemical and Electrochemical Testing:
- Organic Matter Content.
- Water-Soluble Sulphate Content.
- Oxidisable Sulphides (OS).
- Total Potential Sulphate (TPS).
- Redox Potential.
- Resistivity.
- pH Value.
- Chloride Ion Content.
- Contamination Analysis.
By providing this comprehensive testing, Celtest ensures that your earthworks meet the exacting standards required by SHW Series 600. Our testing services help you avoid costly project delays and ensure the long-term stability and safety of your highway infrastructure.
Why Choose Celtest?
- Expertise: We are highly experienced in providing testing services tailored to the highway construction industry.
- Comprehensive Services: From in-situ testing to detailed laboratory analysis, we cover every aspect of earthworks testing.
- Reliable Results: We deliver accurate, reliable results that you can trust for compliance with MCHW standards.
- Customer Support: Our dedicated team is here to help you at every stage of your project, offering guidance and support to ensure successful compliance.