Soil Mechanics Division is fully equipped for doing all the tests on foundation soil in laboratory as well as in field.
Insitu tests like Dynamic Cone Penetration test, Static Cone Penetration test, Standard Penetration test, Vane Shear test, Plate Load test and Pile Load test can be conducted in the field. Facilities for collecting undisturbed samples are also available.
The Soil Mechanics laboratory is fully equipped to conducts all laboratory tests on samples received from borrow areas as well as from foundation of structures.
Plate Load Test
Where undisturbed sampling is not possible and/or ground is made by filled up soil insitu load test on ground is more useful to evaluate the bearing capacity. A plate load test is conducted in the field at foundation level to develop a load settlement curve. On the basis of permissible settlement of the foundation and using appropriate formula and load settlement curve, allowable load on foundation can be estimated. A truss anchored in the ground is used as a reaction system and load is used as a reaction jacks. Settlement is measured by mechanical dial gauges. However , results gained from plate load test are representative for the depth equal to twice the depth of plate only.
Pressure Meter
Pressure meter is a most versatile device available for investigating insitu static and cyclic strength and deformation of soils and for evaluating bearing capacity of soils. It is a quick test to be conducted in a bore hole at the desired depth. It consists of a probe and a pressure system. The probe is lowered to the required depth in a predrilled hole. Incremental pressures are given which results in expansion of the probe which in turn exerts pressure on walls of the hole causing strain/deformation. Stress-deformation curve and creep curve are generated. From the analysis of the data bearing capacity of the soil is evaluated.