Soil Mechanics is a science dealing with equilibrium, stress
and deformation of soils. Soil consists of three phases:
solid phase (grains of soil), which is the only one phase
having a shear strength, liquid phase (water) and gaseous
phase (air). Last two mentioned phases have got no shear
strength, but, however, they can transmit compression stress
or tensile stress.
For basic classification of soils, it is necessary to determine
a grain-size distribution, moisture content and plasticity
properties, bulk density of soil.
For all stability calculations, it is necessary to know the
parameters of shear strength of soil. Deformation tasks can
be only solved with knowledge of compressibility characteristics.
For assessment of soil utilization, as a bottom layer and
into embankments, it is necessary to determine the compaction
property of soil and optimal values of moisture content and
bulk density of soil.
To answer to these requirements, i.e. determination of descriptive,
physical and mechanical properties, the Soil Mechanics Laboratory
of the company GEO Slovakia realizes, within the scope of its
activity, the following analyses, tests and determinations,
as follows:
•Determination of the grain-size distribution of soil,
•Determination of the natural moisture content of soil and
determination of the moisture content at the limit of fluidity
and plasticity,
( Atterberg limits) with consequent calculation of plasticity
index and consistency index,
•Determination of the bulk density and apparent particle density
and consequent calculation of pore volume and degree of soil
saturation,
•Carbonate content determination,
•Organic matter content determination,
•Determination of the swelling capacity of soils,
•Determination of the deformation parameters in the oedometric
equipment (with or without reconsolidation of soil sample)
and time behaviour,
•Determination of the peak or residual shear strength in the
shear box apparatus,
•Determination of the compaction property of soil by means
of the Proctor-standard compaction test,
•Determination of the bearing capacity of soil by means of
the CBR ( California bearing ratio)
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