Site Investigation and Field Testing
MATLAB Materials Laboratory carries out geotechnical site investigation in Cambodia for buildings, factories, roads, solar farms and infrastructure. Our drilling rigs perform soil boring with standard penetration tests (SPT) and rock coring with RQD logging, supported by dynamic cone penetration (DCP), dynamic probing (DPL), vane shear, plate load tests at 100 kN and 500 kN, in-situ CBR, light weight deflectometer and field density testing.
Because the laboratory is ours, every sample from the borehole is logged, tested and reported by the same accountable team, and the factual report is delivered with the laboratory results attached. Crews mobilise nationwide by pickup or drilling truck, priced by distance band up to 600 km.
Investigation
| Test | Method |
|---|---|
| Soil drilling, sampling and SPT | ASTM D1586 |
| Rock coring with RQD and UCS | ASTM D2113 |
| Dynamic probing light (DPL, 10 kg) | ISO 22476-2 |
| Dynamic cone penetration (DCP, 8 kg) | ASTM D6951 |
| Vane shear (field) | ASTM D2573 |
In-situ testing
| Test | Method |
|---|---|
| Plate load test, 100 kN and 500 kN | DIN 18134 / ASTM D1196 |
| In-situ CBR | ASTM D4429 / BS 1377-9 |
| Light weight deflectometer (LWD) | ASTM E2835 / E2583 |
| Field density, sand cone | ASTM D1556 |
| Field density, nuclear gauge | ASTM D6938 |
| Concrete and asphalt coring | ASTM C42 / D5361 |
| Slump and sampling on site | ASTM C143 / C172 |
Who uses this service
Developers and consultants planning foundations for buildings, factories and solar or industrial sites, road and earthworks contractors needing layer compaction approval, and mining and infrastructure projects requiring geotechnical parameters in remote provinces.
How it works
- Quotation: send the specification clause or test list; the quotation names each standard and unit price.
- Sampling: deliver samples to #271, Street 1964, Sen Sok, Phnom Penh, or book our crew for site sampling anywhere in Cambodia.
- Testing and report: tests are run to the named method and the signed report is issued on completion, with results against the specified limits.
Why contractors and consultants choose MATLAB
- MLMUPC General Construction Laboratory License No. 0001 and CANC-registered conformity assessment body.
- Part of IMECS (Cambodia) Co., Ltd., a geoscience and engineering consultancy with exploration, survey and geotechnical teams.
- Field data and laboratory testing from one team: no handover between a driller and a separate lab.
- Engineers, senior technicians and labourers available by the day or month for long programmes.
Frequently asked questions
How many boreholes does a site investigation need?
It depends on the structure, plot size and ground variability; the geotechnical engineer sets the layout. As a guide, small buildings often use two to three boreholes and larger plots a grid, each to a depth below the influence zone of the foundations. Send us the site plan and we will propose a scope.
How deep can you drill?
Soil boring with SPT to the depth required by the design, and rock coring to 100 m.
What is a plate load test used for?
The plate load test (DIN 18134 / ASTM D1196) measures bearing capacity and settlement of a soil layer under a loaded plate. It is used for shallow foundations, compacted fill, pavement layers and crane or equipment pads. We offer 100 kN and 500 kN setups.
Do you provide the geotechnical interpretive report?
We deliver the factual report with borehole logs, field and laboratory results. Interpretive reporting and foundation recommendations are available through IMECS geotechnical engineers on request.
Request a quotation
Call +855 11 922 823, email contact@imecskh.com or request a quotation online. Laboratory: #271, Street 1964, Phum Poung Peay, Sangkat Phnom Penh Thmei, Khan Sen Sok, Phnom Penh. Khmer, English and Chinese spoken.