Physical and mechanical soil properties

Physical and mechanical soil properties are the inputs to every foundation calculation. Index properties tell you what the soil is — its type, state and density — while mechanical properties show how it will behave under load: how much it will settle and how much it can carry.

The index test suite covers natural moisture content, bulk and dry density, particle density, void ratio, degree of saturation, liquid and plastic limits, plasticity index and liquidity index. These parameters are used to classify the soil and divide the ground into engineering-geological units. Mechanical properties — deformation modulus, angle of internal friction and cohesion — are determined in oedometer and shear apparatus.

Tests are carried out on undisturbed samples with their natural moisture preserved. The laboratory uses calibrated balances, drying ovens, a Casagrande apparatus, oedometers and direct shear devices, and every test is documented in line with applicable standards (GOST, AzDTN/SNiP).

Results are statistically processed and tabulated as characteristic and design values for each engineering-geological unit, ready for direct use by the designer in Baku or anywhere in Azerbaijan.

When you need it

• Foundation design for buildings and structures
• Preparing a geotechnical report
• Assessing excavation slope stability
• Adding storeys to an existing building
• Road and earthwork design

What's included

• Natural moisture content and density
• Particle density and void ratio
• Liquid and plastic limits
• Oedometer test and deformation modulus
• Shear strength parameters
• Standard soil classification
• Statistical processing of results

How we work

1. Agreeing the test programme
2. Sample receipt and registration
3. Index property testing
4. Mechanical testing
5. Statistical processing and issue of certificates

Deliverables

• Test certificates for each sample
• Summary table of physical and mechanical properties
• Characteristic and design values per engineering-geological unit
• Oedometer and shear test charts