Laboratory Equipment & Services Information System by Centralized Laboratory Management Office (CeLMO)

A triaxial machine for soil strength testing is a key apparatus used in geotechnical engineering to evaluate the mechanical properties of soil samples. These machines perform various tests to measure the soil's shear strength and deformation characteristics under controlled stress conditions.

Applications

• Geotechnical Analysis: Used in the design and analysis of foundations, slopes, embankments, and earth-retaining structures.
• Research and Development: Helps in understanding soil behavior under different stress conditions, crucial for developing new construction materials and techniques.

Testing Capabilities

Unconsolidated Undrained (UU) Test:

• Procedure: Soil sample is subjected to a confining pressure without allowing drainage. The axial load is applied until failure, measuring total stress.

Consolidated Undrained (CU) Test:

• Procedure: Sample is first consolidated under a confining pressure, then sheared without allowing drainage. Measures pore water pressure and effective stress.

Consolidated Drained (CD) Test:

• Procedure: Sample is consolidated and sheared with drainage allowed. This test takes longer but provides detailed information on effective stress and volume change.