shrinkage limit set
Click to enlarge
PLASTIC LIMIT SET AZA0848
PLASTIC LIMIT SET AZA0848
Back to products
LINEAR SHRINKAGE MOULD AZA0850
LINEAR SHRINKAGE MOULD AZA0850

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
View Specification PDF
Enquiry on WhatsApp
Category:
Description

Description

Purpose and Significance

The apparatus is used not only to determine the shrinkage limit, but also to calculate other important soil properties, including:

  • Shrinkage Ratio

  • Shrinkage Index

  • Volumetric Shrinkage

These parameters are crucial for evaluating shrink–swell potential, soil stability, and suitability for construction under varying moisture conditions.

Components of AZA0849 Shrinkage Limit Set

The set is supplied as a complete, ready-to-use kit, consisting of the following components:

  1. Porcelain evaporating dish

  2. Shrinkage dish

  3. Glass cup

  4. Perspex plate with three metal prongs

  5. Flexible spatula – 100 mm

  6. Glass cylinder

  7. Measuring cylinder – 25 ml × 1 ml (supplied without mercury)

  8. Plastic wash bottle – 500 ml

Optional Accessory:

  • Mercury supplied in a sealed bottle of 500 gms (available at extra cost)

All components are manufactured from laboratory-grade materials to ensure durability, dimensional stability, and consistent performance over repeated use.

Applications and Importance

Shrinkage limit data obtained using AZA0849 is widely used in:

  • Soil classification of fine-grained soils

  • Design of foundations and retaining structures

  • Earth dams, embankments, and pavement construction

  • Prediction of soil volume change and cracking behavior

  • Geotechnical investigations and research studies

The apparatus is suitable for civil engineering laboratories, geotechnical testing labs, academic institutions, and research organizations.

Why Choose AZA0849 from AZALAB?

  • High-Quality Construction: Durable porcelain, glass, and stainless-steel components

  • Precision & Accuracy: Designed to meet strict testing tolerances

  • Standards Compliant: Fully conforms to IS, ASTM, BS, and AASHTO specifications

  • Complete Kit: No additional accessories required for standard testing

  • Trusted Brand: Backed by AZALAB’s technical expertise and post-sale support

Technical Specifications

Parameter Details
Model AZA0849
Test Type Shrinkage Limit of Soil
Standard Compliance IS 2720 (Part VII), ASTM D427, BS 1377, AASHTO T 92
Material Porcelain, glass, stainless steel
Application Cohesive soil shrinkage characteristics
Kit Contents Complete set with standard accessories
Use Case Laboratory soil testing
Country of Origin India
Brand AZALAB

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the shrinkage limit test used for?
A: It determines the moisture content at which further drying of soil does not result in volume reduction.

Q2: Is mercury mandatory for the test?
A: Traditionally mercury is used, but safer substitutes such as wax or alternative methods may be permitted depending on laboratory standards.

Q3: Does AZA0849 include all required accessories?
A: Yes, the set is supplied complete for conducting standard shrinkage limit tests.

Q4: Can the kit be used outside the laboratory?
A: It is primarily designed for laboratory use but is portable enough for field laboratory setups.

Q5: Is technical guidance available?
A: Yes, AZALAB provides manuals and technical support upon request.

Additional information

Additional information

Material

Porcelain, glass, stainless steel
Use Case

Laboratory soil testing
Kit Contents

Full set with all accessories

You may also like…

BLAINE’S AIR PERMEABILITY APPARATUS AZA0787

  • Determines cement fineness via air permeability
  • Conforms to IS 4031 and ASTM C204 standards
  • Ideal for labs, QC departments, and cement plants
  • Precision glass manometer and permeability cell
  • Supplied with timer, filter paper, and plunger
Read more
Quick view
Cement Sampler, Cement Sampling Tool, Lab Cement Sampler

CEMENT SAMPLER AZA0786

  • Accurate dry sampling from cement bags or containers
  • Ideal for lab use in quality control and material testing
  • Made of corrosion-resistant steel for long-term use
  • Easy-to-handle, portable, and highly durable
  • Complies with IS 3535 and related standards
Read more
Quick view

FLOW TABLE AZA0791

  • Tests flow and workability of fresh concrete/mortar
  • Rigid brass or steel table with drop mechanism
  • Conforms to IS 1199 and ASTM C230 standards
  • Ideal for site QC and construction material labs
  • Supplied with mould and hand-operated handle
Read more
Quick view
Gillmore Needle Apparatus, Cement Needle Tester, AZA 0790, Setting Time Apparatus

GILLMORE NEEDLE APPARATUS AZA0790

  • Used to determine initial and final setting time of cement
  • Complies with ASTM C266 standards
  • Consists of two needles and a support frame
  • Durable brass and stainless-steel construction
  • Precision machined weights for accurate results
  • Ideal for construction and materials testing labs
Read more
Quick view
Ring Mould, Cement Ring Mould, Mortar Expansion Mould

RING MOULD AZA0789

  • Standard ring mould for cement/mortar specimen formation
  • Used in expansion, consistency, and setting tests
  • Built from brass or gunmetal for durability
  • Conforms to IS 4031 and ASTM C151 standards
  • Suitable for use with Le Chatelier apparatus
Read more
Quick view

VICAT NEEDLE APPARATUS WITH DASHPOT AZA0788

  • AZA 0788 Vicat Needle Apparatus with Dashpot
  • Tests cement consistency and setting time
  • Includes dashpot for stable needle movement
  • Durable construction for lab reliability
  • Ideal for educational and industrial labs
Read more
Quick view

    Related products

    HEAVY COMPACTION TEST AZA0866

    The AZA0866 Heavy Compaction Test Set from Azalab is designed for determining the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) and Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) of soils using the Heavy Compaction (Modified Proctor) Method, in accordance with IS 2720 (Part VIII). This test is fundamental in geotechnical engineering, road and highway construction, foundation design, embankment works, and earthworks where soils are subjected to high compactive effort. The heavy compaction test realistically simulates field compaction achieved by modern construction equipment, enabling reliable prediction of soil behavior under service loads. This configuration is supplied with a 150 mm diameter mould (2250 cc volume), making it particularly suitable for coarse-grained and granular soils. Scope of Use The AZA0866 Heavy Compaction Test Set is used to establish the relationship between moisture content and dry density of soil under heavy compaction energy. The resulting compaction curve is used to determine MDD and OMC, which are essential parameters for compaction control and quality assurance in field construction.
    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

    PARTICLE SIZE SEDIMENTATION (HYDROMETER METHOD) AZA0857

    AZA0857 – Particle Size Sedimentation Apparatus (Hydrometer Method) The AZA0857 Particle Size Sedimentation Apparatus (Hydrometer Method) from AZA Lab is designed for determining the particle size distribution of fine-grained soils, particularly silts and clays smaller than 75 microns. This method is widely adopted in soil mechanics, geotechnical engineering, civil construction quality control, and academic laboratories where accurate characterization of cohesive soils is essential. The hydrometer method is based on the sedimentation principle governed by Stokes’ Law, measuring changes in the density of a soil–water suspension over time. By recording hydrometer readings at defined intervals, the percentage of soil particles remaining in suspension is calculated, enabling precise determination of grain size distribution for fine soils beyond the practical limits of sieve analysis.
    Read more
    Quick view

    PLASTIC LIMIT SET AZA0848

    The AZA0848 Plastic Limit Set is a standardized soil testing kit designed for the accurate determination of the plastic limit of fine-grained soils, in accordance with IS: 2720 (Part 5) and ASTM D4318. The plastic limit is a fundamental soil index property used in soil classification and in evaluating soil behavior under varying moisture conditions. This test kit is an essential component of geotechnical investigations, civil engineering projects, and soil mechanics laboratories, providing reliable and repeatable results in both laboratory and field environments. Purpose & Importance The plastic limit represents the lowest moisture content at which soil remains plastic and can be rolled into threads of 3 mm diameter without crumbling. Determination of this limit is critical for:
    • Soil classification (Atterberg limits)
    • Assessing workability and consistency
    • Evaluating shrink–swell characteristics
    • Supporting foundation, pavement, and earthwork design
    The AZA0848 set provides all required accessories to conduct the test accurately, efficiently, and in full compliance with applicable standards.
    Read more
    Quick view

    PLUMMET BALANCE AZA0862

    The AZA0862 Plummet Balance is a specialized laboratory apparatus designed for determining the specific gravity of fine-grained soils, particularly clays and silts that are difficult to test using conventional pycnometer methods. It is widely used in geotechnical engineering, soil mechanics laboratories, and construction quality control applications. Manufactured by Azalab, the instrument complies with ASTM D854 and IS 2720 (Part 3 / Sec 1) standards and provides rapid, repeatable, and reliable results for dispersed soil samples commonly used in sedimentation, pipette, and hydrometer analyses.
    Working Principle The plummet balance method determines the specific gravity of soil solids by measuring the apparent weight of a suspended plummet immersed in a soil–water suspension. The balance pointer directly indicates the percentage of soil in suspension via a calibrated scale, eliminating lengthy calculations. A rack-and-pinion height adjustment allows the plummet to be positioned at the required depth. The percentage of soil in suspension is read directly from the graduated scale, making this method faster and more user-friendly than traditional sedimentation calculations. The set is supplied with a temperature correction chart relating the constant K to suspension temperature for soils with specific gravity ranging from 2.4 to 2.8, facilitating accurate application of Stokes’ law.
    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

    SPEEDY MOISTURE ZI 3027 METER (D2 LARGE) AZA0873

    The AZA0873 Speedy Moisture ZI 3027 Meter (D2 Large) from Azalab is a high-performance field instrument designed for rapid and accurate determination of moisture content in soils, aggregates, sand, and similar materials. Based on the proven calcium carbide gas pressure method, this instrument is widely used in earthwork compaction control, road construction, geotechnical investigations, and concrete production, where immediate moisture data is critical for quality assurance.

    The D2 Large configuration distinguishes the AZA0873 by allowing a larger sample size, providing more representative and reliable results, especially for heterogeneous materials and aggregates with larger particle sizes. Its rugged ZI 3027 construction ensures dependable performance under demanding site conditions.

    Read more
    Quick view

    WATER LEVEL INDICATOR AZA0871

    The AZA0871 Water Level Indicator from Azalab is a high-precision electronic instrument designed for accurate measurement of groundwater levels in boreholes, wells, standpipes, and observation tubes. It is an essential tool for professionals involved in groundwater monitoring, environmental site assessments, hydrological investigations, geotechnical projects, and dewatering operations.

    Accurate water level measurement is fundamental for understanding aquifer behavior, monitoring seasonal or pumping-induced fluctuations, assessing contamination plumes, and supporting the design of foundations, irrigation systems, and water resource management plans. The AZA0871 provides a reliable, fast, and field-ready solution for both static and dynamic water level measurements.

    Read more
    Quick view