Geotechnical Laboratory

The Geotechnical Laboratory is a fundamental structure for the evaluation of the physical-mechanical characteristics of soil or rock samples.

Our geotechnical laboratory, with ministerial authorization pursuant to art. 59 of DPR n. 380/2001 for the execution of tests on soils (Sector A) and rocks (Sector B), allows for precise geotechnical characterization and detailed analysis of the behaviours of these materials. All the samples taken are subjected to geotechnical tests aimed at defining their physical-mechanical parameters with the use of advanced equipment and automated processes (where possible). The tests are carried out by qualified personnel in compliance with the national and international reference regulations and according to an ISO 9001:2015 certified company Quality System; the laboratory equipment, in compliance with the regulations, is periodically subjected to internal calibration checks and calibration at authorized laboratories.

Geotechnical laboratory (Sector A: laboratory tests on soils)

– Physical and mechanical characterizations and definition of material properties
– Grain size analysis by sieving and sedimentation
– Atterberg limits
– Direct shear test (CD) and residual shear test
– Torsional shear test
– Oedometric compression test
– Free lateral expansion test (ELL)
– Unconsolidated undrained (UU), consolidated undrained (CIU), consolidated drained (CID) triaxial test
– Permeability tests
– Dynamic and cyclic tests on soils (Resonant Column and Cyclic Torsional Shear)

Geotechnical laboratory (Sector B: laboratory tests on rocks)

– Physical characterizations
– Direct shear test on rock
– Shear tests on rock joints
– Concentrated load test (point load test)
– Uniaxial compression test on rock
– Triaxial compression test on rock
– Permeability test on rock
– Indirect tensile test (Brazilian test)
– Resonant column test
– Measures longitudinal and transverse ultrasonic wave speeds