SearchAGS Guide: The Selection of Geotechnical Soil Laboratory Testing
Updated version published August 2025. Previous version published 9th March 2018. In 2024, the AGS Laboratories WG reviewed the AGS Guide to…
Working Group
Laboratories
The Laboratories group deals with issues surrounding testing, safety and quality that relate to the accurate analysis of the fluids, soils, gases and materials found in the ground.
Strategic Plan
To provide a focus for promoting best practice. To facilitate a group approach to identifying and resolving issues faced by laboratories. To be a forum for formulating unified industry responses to proposed changes in legislation and standards.
To encourage and assist Members to provide high quality, appropriate and reliable testing services.
Permanent objectives
- Provide a forum for discussion of commercial issues.
- Provide a forum for discussion of issues affecting the testing sector of the ground industry (eg Health and Safety accreditation training
- Facilitate co-ordination of industry views and comments on new legislation, regulations and standards. (eg current work in CEN/TC 341)
- Support external accreditation.
Publications
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Guidance
Position Paper
UKAS Accreditation for Laboratories - The AGS View
Original version published in 2004. Updated version published August 2025. UKAS accreditation is mandatory for analytical and materials testing laboratories working on…
AGS Annual Conference 2026
We’re pleased to announce that our flagship event, the Annual Conference will return to One Great George Street in London’s Westminster on…
AGS Annual Conference 2025
This event is now at full capacity. The AGS Annual Conference 2025 is taking place on Thursday 1st May at One Great…
Guidance
An Introduction to Geotechnical Laboratory Testing for Routine Construction Projects
Published August 2024. This document replaces the version published in December 2008. This guide explains the purpose of laboratory testing, and highlights…
Position Paper
Laboratory Proficiency Testing
Published August 2024. This paper sets out the AGS position on Laboratory proficiency testing and replaces the version published in August 2013.
Articles
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Article
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AGS Early Careers Poster Competition 2026 – Top Five Industry Insights
The AGS Early Careers Poster Competition is back for a third year and this time, we want to hear your top five…
Event
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Save the Date – Annual Conference 2026
We’re pleased to announce that our flagship event, the Annual Conference will return to One Great George Street in London’s Westminster on…
Article
, Event
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AGS Event Programme 2025
[webinar] Effective Procurement of Ground Investigations Wednesday 9th April 11:00 – 13:00 FOC for AGS members / £50 (plus VAT) for non-members.…
Article
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Early Careers Poster Competition 2025
The AGS Early Careers Poster Competition is returning for a second year, this time with a new theme of workplace innovations. This…
Article
, Event
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AGS Annual Conference 2026 – Sponsorship Opportunities
We’re pleased to announce that the AGS Annual Conference will return once again to One Great George Street in London’s Westminster on Thursday…
Article
, News
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Early Careers Video: Discover a Rewarding Career in the Geo-Industry
Our new early careers video discusses the many different career paths which are open to graduates entering the geo-industry. If you’re…
Members
