Tests & Capabilities

TRI has the ability to extrude or remold soil samples for a large variety of diameters ranging from 1.4 to 6 in. (36 – 150 mm) to determine the shear strength of the material. TRI operates twenty 2000 lb (8.9 kN), two 5000 lb (22 kN), and one 40k lb (180 kN) fully automated load frames with ten flow pumps capable of applying effective stresses up to 500 psi (3,500 kPa) for performing a large variety of geotechnical shear strength testing. TRI maintains a direct simple shear apparatus and nine direct shear devices (2.5 in/63.5 mm diameter). In addition to isotropically and anisotropically consolidated triaxial compression/extension and, TRI also performs multi-stage triaxial testing.

TRI operates 12 fully automated 1-D consolidation frames that are capable performing custom loading schedules with loading pressures in excess of 64,000 psf (3,000 kPa). Our capabilities also include secondary compression (cα) analysis, constant rate of strain (CRS, three cells), swell potential, expansion index, and collapse potential analysis.

TRI has the capability to determine the permeability of soil and aggregates over a large range of velocities ranging from 1 x 10-11 cm/sec to 300 cm/sec. Field samples are extruded and mounted in the laboratory in one of our 55 triaxial permeability cells (Diameters 1.4 to 6 in., or 36 mm to 150 mm) with results often reported within 1-2 days depending on the sample’s initial saturation. For effective stresses less than approximately 5 psi (34 kPa) flow pumps are utilized to control the effective stress during backpressure ramping. For effective stresses greater than approximately 50 psi (340 kPa) and upwards of 400 psi (2,800 kPa) flow pumps are often utilized in concert with aluminum walled cells. The hydraulic conductivity of sand and gravel samples is measured in a variety of fixed wall cells utilizing manometers along the sample length to directly measure head losses. TRI is capable of testing up to approximately one-inch minus coarse grained material and is capable of applying confining loads during permeation.

TRI performes unsaturated soil mechanics testing to support evapotranspirative cover systems, foundation design and field instrumentation and monitoring. TRI has the ability to determine the full soil water characteristic curve using a variety of methods that include hanging column, pressure plate, chilled mirror hygrometer, and humidity chamber. TRI can also perform column studies for multi-layered soil system interaction including capillary break evaluation. TRI has the capabilities to make laboratory measurements to support design of structures on expansive soils including TxDOT’s PVR methodology, PTI, and BRAB. We also have the ability to provide soil specific calibrations of suction-based and volumetric-based field instrumentation equipment for field deployment.

TRI is capable of determining index and shear strength properties of rock interfaces and intact rock. Shear strength capabilities include testing of rock interfaces and intact rock in direct shear, unconfined, and triaxial stress states. TRI has the ability to impart a load of up to 100,000 lb (440 kN) in compression and in shear. TRI also performs testing for the evaluation of tunnel boring machine cutter wear and rock excavatability.

TRI performs chemical analysis of soil samples for soil corrosion, thermal conductivity, and leachate analysis in support of geotechnical projects. TRI utilizes spectrographic methods and wet methods for analysis. TRI maintains laboratory grade equipment for testing and is capable of performing additional testing methods upon request.