Geotechnical Laboratory

This facility is maintained to meet the program’s needs in soil mechanics, foundation engineering and specialized geotechnical studies such as soil stabilization, etc. Professor Vito Guido is responsible for the development, direction and operation of this laboratory. This laboratory is used in CE131, CE361, CE 369 and by master’s students for their research.  It contains the following major items of equipment:

  • Two tri-axial/CBR/unconfined compression machines for the confined strength determination of soil samples. Confined pressures up to 100 psi can be achieved with this equipment
  • High and low range consolidation units with the capability of testing samples from 2.5 to 4.4 inches in diameter- several units are available in the laboratory for simultaneous student use
  • Complete set of equipment to perform the California Bearing Ratio Test
  • Constant head and variable head permeability equipment
  • Relative density set, including a vibrating table
  • Equipment for determining the direct shear strength of soil samples

The following acquisitions were made in the last 6 years:

  • One Karol-Warner Triaxial/CBR/UC load frame , Model No. 7611, load capacity 10,000 lb
  • One Karol-Warner Direct Shear Machine, Model No. 2001, load capacity 15,000 lb
  • Four double wall laboratory ovens
  • One 2,500 lb load ring calibrated in tension
  • One 1,000 lb load ring calibrated in tension
  • Two high vacuum pumps
  • Two vacuum gages 0-760 mm Hg
  • Four plastic limit plates
  • Ohaus Explorer Pro Precision Top loading balance, 610g capacity, 0.01 g readability
  • Tyson tubing, various sizes
  • Stainless steel work bench with back splash 36 in x 24 in.
  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.