Geosciences Laboratory (Testing Field Accredited Laboratory)
Background
The Geosciences Laboratory provides geosciences investigation and testing services for water resource engineering projects. First established in late 1974 as ainitially established in late 1974 as a temporary materials testing unit, its role expanded rapidly, it was formally established with provincial government approval in 1977. In 1991, it was restructured into the current Geosciences Laboratory to meet growing operational demands.
Core Mission & Field Operations
The laboratory’s primary mission is to execute testing for key investigation projects across water resources, river and coastal management, and irrigation and drainage investigations conducted by the The Water Resources Planning Branch.
Beginning in 2006 under the direction of the Water Resources Agency (WRA), Ministry of Economic Affairs, the laboratory assumed responsibility for earthwork quality inspection for major infrastructure projects. To fulfill these duties, it established several dedicated site laboratories, including:
- Hushan Reservoir Site Laboratory
- Zhongzhuang Retention Basin Site Laboratory
- Niaozuitan Artificial Lake Site Laboratory
Certification & Services
To guarantee technical competency and impartiality in quality control testing, the laboratory applied for and obtained TAF accreditation. In compliance with the CNS 17025 (ISO/IEC 17025) standard, a quality assurance system was established to deliver professional, impartial, and consistent testing services.
accredited for 10 test items, including the following categories:
- Soil moisture content
- Specific gravity of soils
- Sieve analysis and grain-size distribution analysis
- Specific gravity and absorption of coarse and fine aggregates
- Materials finer than $75\ \mu\text{m}$ (No. 200) sieve in aggregate
- Field density testing
- Soil compaction testing
To maintain certificate validity, the laboratory undergoes TAF extension audits every three years. Presently, it provides commissioned testing and inspection services primarily for units within the WRA and the Planning Branch.