This project improves an existing geotechnical laboratory by adding soil characterization instrumentation having computer interfaced data acquisition. These instruments are used to measure permeability, compressibility and shear strength. The equipment acquired includes triaxial testing units with pore pressure and volume change measuring apparatus, consolidometers, permeameters, and data acquisition computers and software. This project permits the addition of a required laboratory to improve the teaching of geotechnical engineering. The laboratory introduces recent development in theory, practice, and methods of testing. The addition of this apparatus permits a unified approach to theory and practice while promoting the understanding of basic concepts and enhancing the utility and creativity of graduates. The award is being matched by an equal amount from the principal investigator's institution.
