Specialized Test Equipment

testing

The GRC operates several modern research laboratories.  In addition to the standard geotechnical and geoenvironmental laboratory equipment, the following specialized equipment are available for projects.

Advanced Concrete Technology

  • Malvern laser diffraction particle size analyzer
  • Freeze thaw cabinet

Environmental Geochemistry

  • Mercury intrusion porosimeter
  • Gas chromatograph with mass spectrometer
  • High performance liquid ion chromatograph
  • Zeta potential and dynamic light scattering particle analyzer
  • Pore water squeeze
  • Inductive-coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES)
  • X-ray fluorescence (Earth Sciences)
  • Scanning electron microscopy
  • Spectrophotometer
  • Diffusion cells for monitoring oxygen diffusion through unsaturated soils
  • Pressure plate extractors (1-100 Bar)

Geotechnical

  • Computer controlled fixed wall and flexible wall hydraulic conductivity
  • Soil calibration chamber for controlled CPT and pile testing
  • Experimental soil testing site for full-scale pile testing
  • Computer controlled triaxial stress path systems (monotonic and cyclic)
  • Resonant column and hollwo cylinder apparatus
  • Free swell, sem-confined, and null swell tests for rocks and AAR reaction
  • Test pit for conduting half- or full-scale tests of piles, tunnel segments and other elements

Structures

  • Various compression and extension loading machines up to 1780 kN compression and 960 kN tension