MCV Compaction Testing: Find the Right Moisture Range for Workable Fill
The MCV (Moisture Condition Value) test is a compaction-based method used to assess a cohesive soil’s workability and resistance to compaction, helping engineers and site teams identify the optimal workable moisture range in the field. Because the equipment is portable, MCV testing can be carried out in the laboratory or on site, making it especially useful for controlling cohesive fill and stabilised soils during earthworks.
How the MCV test works
The MCV test involves placing approximately 1500 g of soil into a mould and compacting it using a 7 kg hammer. After each set of blows, the change in penetration is measured, and the hammer drop height is reset to a consistent 250 mm. The test continues until the change in penetration is less than 0.5 mm, at which point the MCV is determined.
Interpreting MCV results
The MCV value indicates how easily a soil can be compacted:
-
MCV < 7: typically too soft / too wet
-
MCV 7–12: generally workable
-
Ideal target often 8–10: practical compaction control range
-
MCV > 12: typically too stiff / too dry
MCV can be run as a single test on natural moisture soil or across multiple moisture contents (often a series of tests) to show the relationship between MCV and moisture content. In some regions—particularly where soils are frequently wet—MCV may also be carried out on saturated soils to reflect real site conditions.
Why choose The Testing Lab PLC?
At The Testing Lab PLC, we deliver MCV testing with clear reporting and practical interpretation, supporting faster decisions on earthworks control, moisture conditioning, and stabilisation performance.
Need MCV testing? Contact The Testing Lab PLC to discuss your material and turnaround.
Dear The Testing Lab PLC,
Many thanks for your prompt and professional asbestos survey report service, I would not hesitate to recommend your company in this regard.
This must be an absolute record for getting a report back, considering the surveyor arrived around 3pm – very well done!
Thank you for the very quick response for the quote and scheduling the survey. There’s never any fuss, and always straight forward. Thanks again.
Thank you for offering such a prompt turnaround for ACM testing and for your courteous service in doing so – I had a nervous client to placate and knowing the report would be back with them in such a short time was very reassuring to them, and for no more than a basic service from the competition!
Bradley, thank you for your efforts at short notice today, please pass on our gratitude to your surveyor Tim who did your company proud!
Thank you very much for the air sampling results – and please accept our grateful thanks for resolving this issue so quickly and for the promptness of the report.
Your analyst, Lee, was very helpful and his suggestions and advice appreciated.
We would have no hesitation in recommending The Testing Lab and will be in touch soon with regards arrangements for a full asbestos survey for the rest of the site.
TTL have been working directly as my analyst for the last 12 months on a very complex asbestos removal scheme, they have achieved all of their KPI’s without fail and on a number of occasions surpassed their SLA in acting for us on planning issues associated with the demolition in regard to contamination which cannot be removed as part of the normal sequence of operation.
There reports are always issued within timescales and they have policed the reports by the Licensed asbestos contractor faultlessly sometimes in very difficult circumstances.
Send Us Some Feedback
Please use the below form to give us your feedback.
