anybody who is a land surveyor, soil analyst, geologist can answer this

[zippitippitoes]

what do you call a test for soil shrinkability

DH would know this but hes at work at the moment.
If you can hang on a few hours I can ask when he gets back!

plasticity index...

just googled "test for soil shrinkability"

I found it too and it has to be to BS 1377 apparetly

now I next need to know who to ask to do it and how much it would cost how long it might take

Sounds intriging ! DH sends his to a lab in Liverpool I think - not sure of costs - but again can ask him later

it's ok we have decided to go for plan b instead which is a nuisance to say the least

thank you