Specialized Testing

specialized-tests

The GRC consists of several modern research laboratories, numerous microcomputers and workstations, and extensive access to Western’s high performance computing assets. In addition to the standard geotechnical and geoenvironmental laboratory equipment, the following specialized equipment are available for projects.

The GRC performs various specialized tests in addition to those listed. Enquiries are welcomed.

  • Anion analysis by HPLC (Chloride, Bromide, Nitrate, Nitrite, Phosphate and Sulfate)
  • Porosity by MIP (Mercury Intrusion Porosimeter)
  • Triaxial k-testing
  • Harvard miniature compaction
  • Cation exchange capacity
  • Grainsize analysis
  • Clay content only (hydrometer)
  • Relative density (specific gravity)
  • Atterberg limits
  • Consolidation test
  • Direct shear (one pass)
  • Standard proctor
  • Modified proctor
  • CIU Triaxial test with stress-strain and Mohr circle plots
  • CID Triaxial test with stress-strain
  • Moisture contents
  • Unconfined compression
  • Laboratory vane test
  • Porewater chemistry of Cations (Na, K, Mg and Ca) and Anions (Cl and SO4) plus pH and Salinity
  • Quantitative mineralogy
  • Qualitative mineralogy
  • Flexible wall permeability (for barrier materials only)
  • Deionized distilled water leach tests (all materials- included ICP analysis of leachate)
  • Complex permittivity test
  • Zeta potential test (for surface change of soils)
  • Nutrient Water Quality Analysis (Lachat Flow Injection Analysis) (NO3-,NH4+, PO43-)

Special Tests on Rock

The following list is types of tests offered:

  • Simple shear tests on rock joint with roughness angle measurement
  • Uniaxial compression tests on rock or concrete/rock contact at dam/foundation interface
  • Free swell test on shales and shaly rocks
  • Semi-confined swell test for stress-dependent swelling
  • Null swell test for suppression pressure of rock or concrete expansion under AAR reaction
  • Calcite content test
  • Salinity of pore fluid in rock

Soil Testing

  • Consolidation - incremental loading
  • Consolidation - controlled-rate of strain loading
  • Cyclic loading test - triaxial method
  • Cyclic loading test - torsional ring shear method (ASTM D6467)
  • Cyclic loading - simple shear method (Norsok Standard G-001)
  • Resonant column method (ASTM D4015-07)
  • Ultrasonic pulse method