When it comes to public highways, precision and expertise are paramount to delivering projects safely, on time, and on budget.
From new residential developments to large-scale local authority schemes, input from site investigation and construction materials consultancy is vital to ensure compliance is achieved and appropriate standards are followed. In a competitive commercial market, the management of local and regional infrastructure cannot be overlooked.
Norfolk Partnership Laboratory, part of the Norse Group, plays a pivotal role in this field. As a UKAS Testing Laboratory (No. 0920), it conducts a wide range of tests both on-site and in its accredited facility. Serving contractors and clients across both the public and private sectors, the laboratory combines consultancy services with industry standard technology and extensive experience. Specialising in geotechnical and geoenvironmental services, materials testing and pavement engineering, Norfolk Partnership Laboratory’s expertise extends throughout the UK, with interest from industry across Europe. It’s expansive project portfolio demonstrates the laboratory’s ability to meet a variety of standards and tackle complex challenges across different regions.
A key strength of Norfolk Partnership Laboratory is its ability to improve efficiency and reduce costs for clients. By working closely with Norse Group’s highways division and leveraging expertise from across the broader group, the laboratory streamlines project delivery, reducing the need for multiple contractors and simplifying management processes. Additionally, Norfolk Partnership Laboratory collaborate with local authority laboratories, sharing strategies, ideas, and expertise to enhance the maintenance of local roads.
High-stakes environments, where the margin for error is minimal, are where Norfolk Partnership Laboratory excels. From critical roads and motorways to major bridges and airport assets, they ensure every project meets the highest durability and performance standards. As specialists in pavement engineering, they carry out failure investigations, asphalt selection and quality control, ensuring infrastructure is not only repaired or built to last but also optimised for safety and efficiency.
When a failing subgrade was identified on the carriageway during a recent large-scale highway reconstruction project, Norfolk Partnership Laboratory collaborated with their client to implement an innovative soil stabilisation solution. Working with key partners, a high-strength soil cement mix was developed, approved, and utilised, addressing complex challenges and contributing to the project’s success. This solution also offers a model for potential improvements in future construction practices.
The geotechnical and geoenvironmental expertise within Norfolk Partnership Laboratory designs and delivers in-house site investigations for new road schemes, schools, and large and small housing and commercial developments. This includes ground probing radar surveys, followed by intrusive investigations and laboratory testing, to develop a detailed understanding of ground conditions. Brownfield site investigation, remediation and validation services also enable sites previously deemed unviable to be brought back into use, primarily for housing.
Norfolk Partnership Laboratory’s work extends beyond ground investigation. The team is regularly involved in the assessment of bridges for highway authorities, alongside detailed investigations of concrete structures to understand reinforcement layouts, chemical attack and concrete strength. This work is often delivered in collaboration with other parts of the Norse Group.
With sustainability goals at the forefront of clients’ agendas, Norfolk Partnership Laboratory is actively supporting the transition to net zero by designing in-situ pavement recycling and advising on the use of recycled aggregates, championing green civil engineering practices.
Norfolk Partnership Laboratory’s expertise in geotechnical, geoenvironmental, and pavement engineering allows them to deliver reliable and cost-effective solutions for infrastructure projects. Their commitment to precision and innovation ensures the delivery of resilient, sustainable infrastructure that meets the complex engineering challenges of today and the future.
