Geotechnical laboratory

Earth

Opening samples

Undisturbed samples contained in cylindrical dies (steel, PVC, etc...) Disturbed samples contained in a bag Description and identification of the sample, including the execution of consistency tests with Pocket Penetrometer and/or Torvane Color photography with reference scale.

Physical, volumetric and granulometric characteristics

(Reference standards: ASTM, UNI, BS, DIN)

Determination of the water content in the natural state Determination of the weight of the volume unit in the natural state using a calibrated die Determination of the weight of the volume unit in the natural state using hydrostatic weighing Permeability tests at constant or variable load Determination of the liquidity and plasticity limits, jointly Determination of the shrinkage limitParticle size analysis by dry and wet screeningParticle size analysis by sedimentation with hydrometer, including determination of the specific weightDetermination of the percentage of pass through the #200 sieve (0.074 mm)Determination of the specific weight of the granules (average of two measurements)Classification according to CNR -UNI10006 (HRB)AASHTO compaction testCBR test

Mechanical characteristics

(Reference standards: ASTM, UNI, BS, DIN)

Consolidated drained direct shear test (standard procedure 3 specimens); Residual shear test for the determination of residual strength, with 6 shear cycles after failure; Unconsolidated, undrained triaxial compression test (UU test) standard procedure on 3 specimens; Consolidated, undrained triaxial compression test (CU test), with preliminary saturation and measurement of pore pressure during the test (standard procedure 3 specimens); Consolidated, drained triaxial compression test (CD test) with or without saturation preliminary (standard procedure 3 specimens); Oedometric consolidation test; determination of the secondary compressibility coefficient, Ca; determination of the swelling pressure at constant volume in an oedometer; determination of the swelling deformation in an oedometer at a defined pressure, applied dry and followed by imbibition; Shear test with laboratory scissometer on cohesive soils; Unconfined compression test with free lateral expansion (ELL) with measurement of the deformation curve.

Rocks

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

(Reference standards: ASTM, UNI, BS, DIN)

Volume weightSpecific gravityWater contentPorosityVoid indexDegree of saturationPermeability

MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS

(Reference standards: ASTM, UNI, BS, DIN)

Direct shearUniaxial and triaxial compressionBending resistanceIndirect tractionWear resistanceSliding friction wearAbrasion resistanceUltrasonic speed of elastic wavesMeasurement of joint roughnessLos Angeles testSclerometric test