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.
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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.
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
SOIL CONE PENETROMETER AZA0851
Principle of Operation
A soil paste prepared at a known moisture content is placed in the sample cup. The stainless steel cone, of specified mass and angle, is allowed to penetrate the soil freely for 5 seconds. The depth of penetration (up to 20 mm) is measured using a precision depth gauge. The moisture content corresponding to 20 mm penetration is defined as the liquid limit of the soil.Standards Compliance
- IS 2720 (Part 5) – Determination of liquid and plastic limits
- ASTM D4318 – Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils
STANDARD COMPACTION TEST AZA0863
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.
