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.