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LVM Zemes dzīles Laboratory Uses Latvian-Produced Devices for Determining the Filtration Coefficient

LVM Zemes dzīles testing and research laboratory conducts mineral testing in accordance with European standards. The methodology for determining the filtration coefficient of sandy soil is the only exception when testing must be carried out in accordance with the Road Construction Specifications of State Joint Stock Company “Latvijas valsts ceļi” or according to the GOST system, which was developed during the times of the Soviet Union. At the LVM Zemes dzīles laboratory, the demand for tests to determine the filtration coefficient has grown, and in the future, with the start of the construction of the Rail Baltica main track, an even more significant increase in such tests is predicted.

As the geopolitical situation has changed after 24 February 2022, it is currently not possible to purchase the necessary equipment for the filtration test, which was freely available on the market before that. To ensure the continuous operation of the LVM Zemes dzīles laboratory, alternatives to the Russian-made equipment were sought. As a result, in cooperation with SIA “Derox”, which is engaged in the sale, installation of laboratory and testing equipment and staff training, the LVM Zemes dzīles laboratory made a special order with one of the Latvian metalworking companies, in accordance with the specifications defined in the methodological instructions for determining the filtration coefficient of sandy soil equipment parameters. Already in November, the company received four new devices for determining the filtration coefficient; these devices were manufactured in Latvia.

LVM Zemes dzīles laboratory has verified the received equipment and assessed the compliance of the equipment with the functionality requirements. Gita Kārkle, Head of the laboratory: “A long-established method is used to characterize the properties of the drainage layer of the road surface, and this method so far required equipment that was manufactured in Russia. By successfully cooperating with Latvian companies, we have found an alternative solution to be able to respond to the growing demand for testing according to the Road Construction Specifications. After the verification of the new equipment, we have concluded that the dimensions of the equipment are appropriate. When performing comparative testing between the equipment manufactured in Russia and Latvia, it was found that the execution of the work is ensured at an equivalent quality and the results meet the requirements specified in the Road Construction Specifications.” 

In the flexible scope of accreditation, LVM Zemes dzīles laboratory determines the granulometric composition of mineral materials and their mixtures, the amount of crushed and broken surfaces, particle density and water absorption, Los Angeles coefficient, methylene blue value, form index, density of loose fill, proctor density, optimal humidity, as well as filtration coefficient.

Contact information: Gita Kārkle, Head of the LVM Zemes dzīles laboratory, e-mail address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., tel.: +371 29435674.