We use proprietary nutrient and water balance modelling built on interpolated weather data covering the past 25 years. That lets our geotechnical engineers write a site-specific report with recommendations that produce a cost-efficient, long-lasting system — without putting the environment at risk.
Systems we design for
Every approved Australian system, matched to the soil and the site rather than the catalogue.
Absorption trenches
Subsurface irrigation
Composting toilets
Wetlands
Evapotranspiration beds
Low pressure effluent (LPED)
Mound systems
Our experienced Geotechnicians are trained to carry out a variety of field testing to cover your construction site requirements.
Fresh concrete testing (slump, procurement of cylinders, dry shrinkage, air content)
Sand and gravel blends are best assessed by loading a plate against site machinery and measuring settlement over 40 minutes.
Fine-grained soils
Dynamic cone penetrometer
Silts and clays are best assessed with a DCP, driven in the base of the excavation to a maximum test depth of 3.0m.
The classifications, in plain terms
The terminology that ends up on your dockets and disposal paperwork.
VENM
ENM
GSW
RSW
HW
Clean fill
Category D
CAT4
Quarry material
Material leaving a quarry
We assess across all local quarries so crushed rock being exported is confirmed as natural in origin, with no contamination introduced during processing.
Defence and PFAS
Beyond the state guidelines
Some sites need testing outside the usual state framework. We work closely with Australian Defence Force sites, conducting PFAS assessments for soil categorisation and re-use.
Soil test prices
Local pricing for a standard residential lot. Sloping sites, fill, restricted access and acreage are quoted individually.
Soil test prices
Wagga
Griffith
Albury
Drilling depth required
3.0m
4.0m
3.0m
Boreholes required
2
2
2
Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) test
Included
Included
Included
Site Classification (soil test)Local price
$1,100 +GST
$1,350 +GST
$1,100 +GST
Land Capability AssessmentSeptic assessment · local price
$1,100 +GST
$1,100 +GST
$1,100 +GST
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
