The Soil Mechanics Laboratory at GG is equipped with a state-of-the art fully-automated triaxial testing equipment for advanced cyclic and static testing of soils and cellular geosynthetic materials. Tests performed by the laboratory include cyclic liquefaction and post-cyclic triaxial testing of soils, cyclic testing of cellular geosynthetic materials (e.g., EPS geofoam); dynamic testing for the evaluation of soil dynamic shear modulus degradation curve and damping ratio-cyclic shear strain amplitude relationships required in numerical earthquake response analysis of earth structures. 

In addition to dynamic testing, advanced triaxial static stress path tests are performed associated with excavation works, phased embankment construction, increase in pore water pressure along the sliding surface in landslides, mobilization of active earth pressure behind retaining walls, etc. The stress-strain-strength soil properties obtained from special triaxial stress path tests are required in numerical stability analyses for various geotechnical works, such as excavations, embankments, retaining walls, and landslides.

For more information on the laboratory tests offered by the Soil Mechanics Laboratory of the Department of Geology and Geophysics contact Dr. Aurelian Trandafir (e-mail: a.trandafir@utah.edu, phone: 801-585-0491).