Soil Mechanics Laboratory

Location            - 

Opening Hours - 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Brief description

Laboratory testing for determination of the physical and engineering properties of soils: specific gravity, grain size analysis, Atterberg's limits, permeability value, compaction, CBR, unconfined compressive strength, and shear strength, settlement; field practices, soil exploration, sampling, field density test, Dutch cone and vane shear test, plate bearing test, report writing and its application.

Lab Materials

An oedometer or Consolidation Test Apparatus: to measure the consolidation properties of soil, which refers to the gradual reduction in soil volume due to the expulsion of pore water under an applied load. The apparatus typically consists of a sample chamber, a loading device, a dial gauge for measuring settlement, and a drainage system. During the test, a soil sample is subjected to a series of increasing loads, and the resulting settlement is measured over time. This test helps determine the soil’s compressibility and the rate at which consolidation occurs, which is critical for understanding how soils will behave under the weight of structures.

Triaxial Test Apparatus: to measure the strength and deformation characteristics of soil under different loading conditions. It consists of a cylindrical soil sample that is encased in a flexible membrane, placed inside a pressure chamber. The apparatus applies three types of stress: axial stress (vertical load), confining pressure (lateral stress), and pore pressure. The test measures how the soil responds to these stresses, providing valuable data on shear strength, elasticity, and failure behavior.

Permeability Test Apparatus: to measure the rate at which water flows through soil, indicating the soil's permeability or ability to transmit water. It typically consists of a soil sample contained in a cylindrical mold, with water passing through the soil under controlled pressure or head conditions. Common types of permeability tests include the constant head test (used for coarse-grained soils) and the falling head test (used for fine-grained soils). The apparatus helps determine the coefficient of permeability, which is essential for understanding drainage, seepage, and water flow behavior in geotechnical engineering projects.