SOIL MECHANICS LABORATORY

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERINGLABORATORY FACT SHEETSOIL MECHANICS LABORATORYEquipment listIntroduction: Soil Mechanics is an important branch of civilengineering that contributes to the understanding of groundbehaviour. Laboratory testing forms an integral part of thestudies required to provide engineering parameters in thedesign of building and bridge foundations, dams, road andairfield pavements, tunnels, embankments and slopes. Oursoil mechanics laboratory is well equipped and providesstudents with all facilities required to deepen theirunderstanding of the principles governing soil engineeringproperties and behaviour.ApparatusCone penetration test fordetermination of liquid limitCompaction test fordetermination of dry densityv/s moisture contentrelationshipCalifornia Bearing Ratio (CBR)for determination ofsubgrade strengthList of ExperimentsThe laboratory facilities areused by students to experimenton the following aspects of theground:Soil classification Soil identification &description Particle sizedistribution, includingsedimentation test Specific gravity Plasticity of cohesivesoils Linear shrinkageMechanical stabilisation Standard and ModifiedProctor tests Unsoaked and soakedCBR testsIn-situ density Sand cone replacementtestSoil permeability Constant head test Variable head test

Oedometer to studyconsolidation characteristicsOne dimensional consolidationand swell characteristics ofsoilsTotal stress and effectivestress shear strength of soilsCompressive strength of rockShear box for determination ofshear strength parametersTriaxial test for determinationof shear strength parameterswith measurement ofporewater pressures.Computer controlled triaxialtest for simulation ofstress pathsConsultancy servicesThe Soil Mechanics Laboratoryhas been offering its testingservices to industry for morethan 25 years. It has beeninvolved in the testing of soilsand rocks for most of the majorcivil engineering projects inMauritius. Examples of mostrecent involvement are: SSR Airport NewTerminal Building Bagatelle Dam Terre Rouge – Verdun– Trianon Link Road Port-Louis Ring Road High rise buildings inPort Louis and EbeneContact DetailsAcademic staff:Dr A. Chan Chim Yuk(achan@uom.ac.mu)Point load index test fordetermination of compressivestrength of rock coresTechnical staff:Mr. S.A. Venkatasawmy(vencat@uom.ac.mu)