LINEAR SHRINKAGE MOULD AZA0850
The AZA0850 Precision Linear Shrinkage Mould from AZALAB is a compact and highly accurate laboratory instrument designed for determining the linear shrinkage of fine-grained cohesive soils in accordance with BS 1377-2. This test is a key component of soil classification and is especially important in identifying shrink–swell behavior of clays and expansive soils.
Linear shrinkage testing measures the reduction in length of a soil specimen upon drying, expressed as a percentage of its original length. The results provide valuable insight into soil expansiveness, volume stability, and suitability for foundations, pavements, and earthworks.
Manufactured from high-quality brass or stainless steel, the AZA0850 mould offers precise internal dimensions, excellent corrosion resistance, and a smooth polished finish for easy sample preparation and removal. Its robust construction ensures repeatable, reliable results even under high-frequency laboratory use.
Description
Principle of Test
The mould is filled with a prepared wet soil sample and struck off flush. The specimen is then dried in a controlled oven environment. After drying, the reduction in specimen length is measured and used to calculate the linear shrinkage percentage. This parameter is widely used in geotechnical engineering to assess soil behavior under moisture variation.
Standards Compliance
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BS 1377-2 – Methods of test for soils for civil engineering purposes
Applications
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Linear shrinkage testing of fine-grained soils
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Soil classification as part of Atterberg limits evaluation
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Foundation design in expansive and problematic soil regions
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Assessment of shrink–swell potential of clayey soils
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Civil, agricultural, and geotechnical engineering laboratories
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Academic teaching and research in soil mechanics
Key Features and Benefits
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Standards Compliant: Fully conforms to BS 1377-2 requirements
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Precision Machined: Accurate internal dimensions ensure consistent results
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Durable Construction: Brass or stainless steel body for long service life
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Corrosion Resistant: Suitable for repeated wetting and drying cycles
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Easy Sample Release: Polished internal surfaces prevent soil adhesion
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Reusable Design: Ideal for routine and high-volume laboratory testing
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | AZA0850 |
| Standard | BS 1377-2 |
| Internal Dimensions | 140 mm (L) × 25 mm (W) × 12.5 mm (H) |
| Material | Brass / Stainless Steel |
| Finish | Machined and polished |
| Use | Laboratory soil testing |
| Sample Type | Fine-grained cohesive soils |
| Brand | AZALAB |
What’s Included
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1 × Precision Linear Shrinkage Mould (140 × 25 × 12.5 mm)
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Instruction guide (available on request)
Optional Accessories:
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Digital or manual caliper for shrinkage measurement
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Steel ruler or measurement kit
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What does the Linear Shrinkage Mould measure?
A: It measures the reduction in length of a soil specimen during drying, expressed as linear shrinkage percentage.
Q2: Is it suitable for all soil types?
A: No. It is specifically designed for fine-grained cohesive soils such as clays and silts.
Q3: How accurate is the AZA0850 mould?
A: It is precision-machined to BS standard dimensions, ensuring high accuracy and repeatability.
Q4: Is the mould reusable?
A: Yes. The corrosion-resistant metal construction allows repeated use under laboratory conditions.
Q5: Can it be supplied with a measurement kit?
A: Yes. Digital calipers or manual measurement tools can be supplied optionally.
Related products
GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS (PIPETTE METHOD) AZA0856
HEAVY COMPACTION TEST AZA0866
METHYLENE BLUE TEST SET AZA0860
Standards Compliance
- EN 933-9 – Tests for geometrical properties of aggregates (Methylene Blue Test)
- NF P94-068
- UNE 83 180
- UNI 8520-15
- ASTM C837 – Methylene Blue Index of Clay in Fine Aggregate
MOTORISED SAND EQUIVALENT SHAKER AZA0861
PARTICLE SIZE SEDIMENTATION (HYDROMETER METHOD) AZA0857
PLASTIC LIMIT SET AZA0848
- Soil classification (Atterberg limits)
- Assessing workability and consistency
- Evaluating shrink–swell characteristics
- Supporting foundation, pavement, and earthwork design
POCKET PENTROMETER AZA0869
- Estimation of UCS and shear strength of soft to stiff cohesive soils
- Field classification of soil consistency
- Pre-construction soil stability checks
- Trench safety and shallow foundation planning
- Geotechnical education and field research
