Airports & Airfields Testing Services
Support your airfield project with independent materials testing, site investigation and verification services from Celtest. We deliver accurate, standards-led data to support pavement design, construction quality and compliance across civil and military aviation projects.
Our team has extensive experience working on airport and airfield schemes across the UK and internationally, including projects delivered to Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) specifications and commercial aviation standards.
Airfield Testing You Can Rely On
We provide testing and site support for both flexible and rigid pavements, ensuring compliance with key specifications such as:
- Defence Works Functional Specification (DWFS) 013 and 033
- Relevant BS EN standards for materials, design, testing and execution
Our approach focuses on delivering practical, reliable data that supports:
- Pavement design and material selection
- Construction quality control and assurance
- Compliance with client, regulatory and performance requirements
We have supported schemes including the development of Marshall Asphalt runway surface courses, ensuring performance aligns with specified design life and operational demands.
How We Support Airfield Projects
Celtest provides both laboratory and site-based services throughout the project lifecycle:
- Pre-Construction – material assessment, mix design input and trials
- Construction Phase – on-site laboratory testing and quality control
- Post-Construction – verification testing and compliance reporting
Our on-site laboratories enable real-time testing, delivering immediate feedback on material performance and compliance during mixing, laying and compaction.
Airfield Testing Services & Common Methods
We deliver a comprehensive range of in-situ and laboratory testing aligned to airfield requirements.
In-Situ Testing
- Compaction control using Pavement Quality Indicator (PQI)
- Surface regularity measurement using 3m straightedge (BS EN 13036-7)
- Surface macrotexture measurement using volumetric patch method (BS EN 13036-1)
- Coring for thickness and material verification
- Monitoring of laying conditions, including temperature and wind
Materials & Pavement Testing
- Asphalt and pavement material testing to relevant BS EN standards
- Mix design verification and production control
- Density, compaction and performance-related testing
- Compliance testing during laying and on completed surfaces
What We Do
We provide independent testing and technical support for airport and airfield infrastructure. Our services help ensure that materials and construction processes meet specification, perform as intended, and deliver long-term durability.
How We Work With You
- You share your project scope, specification and timelines
- We define a testing strategy aligned to standards and requirements
- Our teams deliver laboratory and/or on-site testing services
- You receive clear, structured data to support compliance and decision-making
Projects & Experience
Celtest has supported a wide range of airport and airfield projects, including:
- Birmingham Airport
- Broughton Airport
- Doncaster Airport
- East Midlands Airport
- Exeter Airport
- Gatwick Airport
- Heathrow Airport
- London City Airport
- Manchester Airport
- Mount Pleasant Airfield, Falkland Islands
- RAF Coningsby
- RAF Cranwell
- RAF Lossiemouth
- RAF Valley
- RAF Waddington
- Solent Airport
- Wick Airport
Frequently Asked Questions
What standards do your airfield testing services follow?
We work to relevant Defence Works Functional Specifications (DWFS) and BS EN standards covering materials, testing and construction.
Do you provide on-site testing for airfield projects?
Yes. We operate on-site laboratories to deliver real-time testing and quality control during construction.
Can you support both military and commercial aviation projects?
Yes. Our experience includes both DIO/RAF projects and major commercial airports.
What types of pavement testing do you carry out?
We undertake testing for both flexible (asphalt) and rigid (concrete) pavements, including compaction, surface regularity, texture and core verification.
Do you assist with mix design and material selection?
Yes. We support mix design development, trials and compliance testing to ensure materials meet performance requirements.
How do I request support for an airfield project?
Contact our team with your project details, and we will define a suitable testing approach aligned to your programme and specification.