UNCONFINED COMPRESSION TESTER (MOTORISED) AZA0902 - Image 1
Click to enlarge
DIRECT SHEAR (MOTORISED TWELVE SPEED) AZA0901
DIRECT SHEAR (MOTORISED TWELVE SPEED) AZA0901
Back to products
TRIAXIAL CELL AZA0903
TRIAXIAL CELL AZA0903

UNCONFINED COMPRESSION TESTER (MOTORISED) AZA0902

The AZA0902 Motorised Unconfined Compression Tester from Azalab is a fundamental geotechnical testing instrument designed for accurate determination of the unconfined compressive strength (qᵤ) of cohesive soils. This parameter is critical for evaluating the undrained shear strength of clays and silts and is widely used in foundation design, slope stability assessment, and preliminary geotechnical investigations.

Unlike manual systems, the motorised operation of the AZA0902 ensures a constant and controlled rate of strain, which is essential for achieving repeatable and standards-compliant test results. The apparatus is designed in accordance with internationally recognized standards such as ASTM D2166 and IS 2720 (Part 10).

View Specification PDF
Enquiry on WhatsApp
Category:
Description

Description

Test Principle

In the unconfined compression test, a cylindrical soil specimen is subjected to an increasing axial compressive load without lateral confinement until failure occurs. The maximum axial stress at failure is recorded as the unconfined compressive strength (qᵤ). For saturated cohesive soils, the undrained shear strength (cᵤ) is derived as:

cᵤ = qᵤ / 2

The AZA0902 applies load through a gear-driven, motorised screw jack, ensuring smooth, uniform deformation throughout the test and minimizing operator-dependent variability.

Applications

  • Determination of unconfined compressive strength (qᵤ)

  • Evaluation of undrained shear strength of cohesive soils

  • Foundation and bearing capacity assessment

  • Slope stability and embankment analysis

  • Educational demonstrations and routine laboratory testing

Construction & Features

  • Motorised loading system with constant strain rate

  • Gear-driven screw jack for smooth axial loading

  • Heavy-duty rigid frame for stability and durability

  • Compatible with proving ring or electronic load cell

  • Provision for axial deformation measurement via dial gauge or LVDT

  • Designed for standard cylindrical soil specimens (L/D ≈ 2:1)

Standards & Compliance

Manufactured to comply with:

  • ASTM D2166 – Unconfined Compressive Strength of Cohesive Soil

  • IS 2720 (Part 10) – Determination of Unconfined Compressive Strength

Technical Specifications

Feature Specification
Model AZA0902
Test Type Unconfined Compression Test
Operation Motorised, Constant Rate of Strain
Loading Mechanism Gear-driven Screw Jack
Load Capacity 50 kg / 100 kg / 200 kg (as per proving ring or load cell)
Rate of Strain Typically 1.25 mm/min (or as per standards)
Sample Size 38 mm or 50 mm diameter (standard)
Load Measurement Proving Ring or Electronic Load Cell
Deformation Measurement Dial Gauge (0.01 mm) or LVDT
Power Supply 230 V AC, 50 Hz
Construction Steel Frame with Precision-Machined Components
Mounting Benchtop Design

Key Benefits

  • Motorised operation ensures uniform strain rate

  • Accurate and repeatable strength measurements

  • Simple setup and intuitive operation

  • Suitable for routine, academic, and commercial testing

  • Durable construction for long-term laboratory use

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the primary use of AZA0902?
It is used to determine the unconfined compressive strength (qᵤ) of cohesive soils such as clays and silts.

Q2: Why is a motorised system important?
Motorisation ensures a constant rate of strain, which is critical for accurate, repeatable, and standard-compliant results.

Q3: What soils are suitable for this test?
Cohesive soils that can stand unsupported, typically clays and silts.

Q4: How is undrained shear strength obtained?
For saturated cohesive soils, undrained shear strength is calculated as cᵤ = qᵤ / 2.

Q5: Is AZA0902 suitable for educational use?
Yes, it is ideal for teaching soil mechanics concepts and standard laboratory procedures.

AZA0902 – Motorised Unconfined Compression Tester

A reliable Azalab solution for precise, repeatable, and standards-compliant evaluation of cohesive soil strength in modern geotechnical laboratories.

Additional information

Additional information

Model Number

AZA 0902
Test Type

Unconfined Compressive Strength of Cohesive Soils
Operation

Motorised, constant rate of strain
Loading Mechanism

Gear-driven screw jack
Material Construction

Robust frame (steel), precision-machined components
Safety Features

Overload protection, emergency stop (depending on specific model)
Dimensions

Varies, designed for laboratory benchtop use.

Related products

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer AZA 0872 - In-Situ Soil Strength Test

DYNAMIC CONE PENETROMETER AZA0872

The AZA0872 Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) from Azalab is a robust, field-proven instrument designed for rapid in-situ evaluation of soil strength, stiffness, and compaction. It is extensively used by civil engineers, geotechnical consultants, and construction teams for pavement design, quality control, and site investigation works.

The DCP test provides a fast and economical method to assess the strength of subgrades, sub-bases, and granular base course layers, with results that can be directly correlated to California Bearing Ratio (CBR) values. This eliminates the need for time-consuming laboratory testing or undisturbed soil sampling, enabling immediate decision-making at site.

Read more
Quick view

HIGH SPEED STIRRER AZA0855

The AZA0855 High Speed Stirrer from AZA Lab is a robust and versatile laboratory instrument designed for efficient mixing, homogenizing, and dispersion of liquids and semi-liquids. Engineered for mechanical analysis as well as general laboratory applications, it is ideal for research, analytical, academic, and industrial laboratories requiring precise and reliable stirring performance. Driven by a high-torque motor, the AZA0855 is capable of achieving high stirring speeds of approximately 4000 RPM under load, ensuring uniform blending, effective particle dispersion, and consistent results. The unit supports a dispersion cup mounted on a dedicated rest provided on the stirrer stand, complete with a removable baffle to enhance mixing efficiency and reduce vortex formation. Operating on 230V AC, the AZA0855 is suitable for continuous laboratory use and is supplied with a dispersion cup / baffle cup in accordance with AZA Lab design principles.
Read more
Quick view

LIQUID LIMIT DEVICE WITH COUNTER AZA0853

The AZA0853 Liquid Limit Device with Counter from AZALAB is a precision-engineered instrument used for determining the liquid limit of soils in accordance with the Casagrande method. This test is a fundamental component of soil classification and geotechnical investigation, providing critical insight into the plasticity, compressibility, and shear strength of fine-grained soils.

Designed for reliable, repeatable, and standardized testing, the AZA0853 is widely used in geotechnical laboratories, civil engineering departments, construction quality control labs, and academic institutions.

Principle of Liquid Limit Test (Casagrande Method)

The liquid limit is defined as the water content at which soil transitions from a plastic state to a liquid state. In practice, it is determined as the moisture content at which a standard groove cut in the soil sample closes over a length of 12.5 mm under 25 blows of the liquid limit apparatus.

The AZA0853 consists of a polished brass cup mounted on an adjustable bracket. The cup is repeatedly raised and dropped from a fixed height of 1 cm onto a hard rubber base by means of a manually operated cam mechanism. A built-in mechanical counter accurately records the number of blows, ensuring compliance with testing standards and reducing operator error.

Read more
Quick view

MOTORISED SAND EQUIVALENT SHAKER AZA0861

The AZA0861 Motorised Sand Equivalent Shaker is a precision-engineered laboratory instrument designed to automate the agitation phase of the Sand Equivalent Test. It ensures uniform, repeatable shaking in full compliance with ASTM D2419, AASHTO T176, and IS 2720 (Part 37), eliminating operator variability associated with manual shaking. This shaker is an essential accessory for soil, aggregate, and construction material testing laboratories where accurate assessment of sand cleanliness and clay-like fines is critical.
Purpose & Function The Sand Equivalent Test evaluates the relative proportion of sand versus clay-sized or plastic fines in fine aggregates. During testing, the sample and calcium chloride solution must be agitated for a defined stroke length and rate. The AZA0861 automates this process using a controlled reciprocating motion, delivering consistent agitation that improves repeatability, reduces operator fatigue, and enhances overall test reliability.
Read more
Quick view

POCKET PENTROMETER AZA0869

The AZA0869 Compact Pocket Penetrometer from Azalab is a field-ready instrument designed for rapid estimation of unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and shear strength of cohesive soils. Fully compliant with ASTM D1558 and ASTM D2573, it enables engineers, geologists, and site inspectors to quickly assess soil consistency and short-term stability without the need for laboratory equipment. Widely used in foundation evaluation, trench wall inspection, and field soil classification, the AZA0869 delivers immediate, reliable results for clays and silts during preliminary geotechnical assessments.
Applications
  • 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
Read more
Quick view

SEMI AUTOMATIC CONE PENETROMETER AZA0852

The AZA0852 Semi Automatic Cone Penetrometer from AZALAB is a precision-engineered laboratory instrument used for determining the liquid limit and consistency characteristics of fine-grained soils. Designed to eliminate operator-dependent errors, this semi-automatic model ensures uniform cone release and repeatable penetration results, making it an ideal choice for geotechnical, civil engineering, and construction material testing laboratories. The apparatus conforms to IS 2720 (Part 5) and BS 1377 standards and is widely used for soil classification, foundation assessment, and settlement analysis. Its semi-automatic clutch-based drop mechanism allows the cone to penetrate the soil sample under controlled conditions for a fixed duration of 5 seconds, ensuring consistent and reliable test outcomes.

Principle of Operation

A soil paste prepared at known moisture content is placed in the sample cup. The standardized cone, attached to a calibrated weight, is released using the semi-automatic clutch mechanism, allowing free fall penetration into the soil. After the specified time (typically 5 seconds), the penetration depth is measured using a high-precision dial gauge. The moisture content corresponding to a penetration of 20 mm is considered the liquid limit of the soil, as defined in IS and BS standards.
Read more
Quick view
shrinkage limit set

SHRINKAGE LIMIT SET AZA0849

The AZA0849 Shrinkage Limit Set from AZALAB is a precision-engineered laboratory instrument used for determining the shrinkage limit of cohesive soils, a critical parameter within the Atterberg limits framework. This test plays a vital role in understanding the volume change characteristics of fine-grained soils when subjected to drying. The shrinkage limit represents the maximum moisture content at which further reduction in water content does not cause any appreciable decrease in soil volume. Beyond this point, air begins to enter the soil voids, and the soil mass maintains a constant volume. Accurate determination of this parameter is essential for predicting soil behavior in foundations, embankments, earth dams, and pavement structures.

Standards Compliance

The AZA0849 Shrinkage Limit Set conforms to major national and international testing standards, ensuring reliable and universally accepted test results:
  • IS 2720 (Part VII)
  • ASTM D427
  • BS 1377
  • AASHTO T 92
Read more
Quick view

STANDARD COMPACTION TEST AZA0864

The AZA0864 Standard Compaction Test Apparatus from Azalab is precision-engineered to perform the British Standard Proctor (Light Compaction) Test, as specified in BS 1377-4 and BS 1924-2. This apparatus is used to determine the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) and Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) of soils subjected to light compactive effort.

The test simulates field compaction achieved by light rollers and rammers and is essential for quality control of subgrades, embankments, road bases, and foundation soils. The AZA0864 is widely used in geotechnical laboratories, site investigation works, and academic institutions following British Standards.

Read more
Quick view