The classification of a building site is one of the most important steps for owners and builders looking to construct their new home. The classification of a site is dependent on a multitude of factors, therefore it is crucial to have this undertaken by a suitably qualified person. Our qualified Geotechnical Engineers at Aitken Rowe Testing Laboratories Pty Ltd have been providing detailed Site Classification reports in accordance with AS 2870 in NSW, ACT and VIC for over 25 years.

ARTL are also leading providers of “Effluent Disposal Assessments” (also referred to as a Land Capability Assessment), which are required when a dwelling does not have access to sewer mains. The application of effluent to land requires careful consideration and expertise, with most new homes under closer scrutiny than in days past. ARTL consults with a number of local councils to ensure compliance during the design phase. Using our state of the art testing and water modelling, our Geotechnical Engineers provide a site specific report with detailed recommendations to ensure a cost-efficient and long-lasting system whilst minimising the environmental footprint.

Aitken Rowe Testing Laboratories Pty Ltd is the leading provider of testing and certification of fill placement in Southern NSW. Using state of the art nuclear density gauges, ARTL work hand-in-hand with developers and contractors to ensure the best possible outcome for the site. The core components of Level 1 Fill Certification are listed below:

• Inspect the existing site and test the natural subgrade for suitability
• Supervise the quality and placement of fill, testing each layer to ensure compliance with AS 3798 and any site specification requirements
• Proof roll the final fill layer before construction commences
• Field and laboratory test results are reviewed by our qualified Geotechnical Engineers who then issue a “Fill Certification Report”

ARTL is Nata Accredited in over 130 individual test methods for construction materials. Samples can either be delivered to our laboratories for analysis, or our experienced Geotechnicians can attend site and undertake sampling in accordance with the appropriate standards (AS 1289.1.1 / AS 1141.3.1 / T100).

• Comprehensive soil, aggregate, concrete, rock and asphalt testing and analysis
• Permeability testing and analysis
• California Bearing Ratio (CBR) testing
• Environmental waste classification ie. ENM & VENM assessments 
• Soil strength tests
• Pavement stabilisation trials
• Soil consolidation tests ie. Shrink-Swell Index
• Sealing aggregate properties ie Resistance to Stripping & Initial Adhesion
• Concrete trial mixes
• TfNSW accredited panel member

In addition to our NATA Accredited Laboratories, ARTL also employs a number of in-house qualified Geotechnical Engineers. Our Engineers provide high quality Geotechnical Investigation reports for a number of projects and fields, including the following:

• Foundation Analysis and Design (Residential/Commercial/Industrial)
• Deep Foundations (Bridges/Multi-Storey Buildings)
• Water Retaining Structures (Dam Embankments/Irrigation Channels)
• Solar Farms and Renewable Energy Projects (BESS)
• Pavement Investigation and Design (Circly Software)

Our Geotechnical Engineers also offer specialised testing and advice including the following:

• Crane Pad Assessments
• Rock Slope Support/Anchorage
• Soil and Site Improvement
• Earthworks/Reclamation
• Excavation and Slope Stability
• Pavement Overlay Design by Deflection Survey
• Retaining Wall Foundation Design
• Computer Analysis (Foundation bearing Capacities, Foundation Settlement, Seepage and Slope Stability) 
• On site Bearing Capacity Assessment during construction ie. Pier and Strip Footing Inspections
• On site advice for civil works
• In-situ Earth Resistivity measurement and reporting for power structures and network towers