Donald M. Burmister Soil Mechanics Laboratory
The Geotechnical Laboratory was established by Prof. Donald M. Burmister in 1933 as one of the first soil mechanics laboratories in the United States. It is now equipped with several unique apparatuses for advanced soil testing and research.
The laboratory is equipped with automated triaxial testing machines for both plane strain and axis symmetric conditions. These testing machines allow stress path testing of soils in both drained and undrained conditions.
Regular triaxial compression, direct shear and consolidation testing machines are also installed for student experimental classes. A large scale direct shear device is available for studying shear strength of soils and interaction properties between soils and geosynthetic materials. A strong box equipped with vertical loading system is also available for studying soil-structure interaction problem in a scaled model base.
Figure 1: Triaxial system
developed by Prof.
Burmister in the 1930-40's.
Figure 2: Automated triaxial testing apparatus: plane strain and axis
symmetric.
Figure 3: Large scale direct shear
device.
Figure 4: Strong box equipped
with vertical loading system.
For further information contact Hoe Ling at +1.212.854.1203.