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PROCTOR NEEDLES (SPRING TYPE) AZA0868
The AZA0868 Precision Proctor Needles (Spring Type) from Azalab are designed for rapid, on-site estimation of soil compaction and moisture condition. This portable instrument provides a practical alternative to full laboratory Proctor testing for preliminary assessment and quality control, particularly on cohesive and semi-cohesive soils encountered in embankments, subgrades, and trench backfills.
The instrument employs a calibrated, spring-loaded plunger to measure penetration resistance directly (0–40 kg range). Two graduated stems allow accurate tracking of penetration depth, while a comprehensive set of interchangeable needle tips enables testing across a range of soil densities and particle characteristics.
Applications
- Field assessment of soil compaction
- Estimation of optimum moisture condition
- Subgrade, fill, and trench inspection
- Construction quality control checks
- Geotechnical and educational field investigations
Description
Key Features
- Calibrated Spring Mechanism: Direct reading of penetration resistance up to 40 kg
- Dual Graduated Stems: Long and short stems with 12.5 mm graduation intervals for depth control
- Multiple Needle Tips: Seven interchangeable tips for varying soil conditions
- Portable Design: Compact construction with a protective wooden carrying case
- Rugged Build: Stainless steel / powder‑coated steel body suitable for site use
Specifications
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Load Range | 0–40 kg |
| Stem Graduations | Every 12.5 mm (long & short stems) |
| Long Stem Use | Larger needle areas, deeper penetration |
| Short Stem Use | Smaller needle areas, close‑range accuracy |
| Needle Points Included | 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 3.5, 6.0 cm² |
| Tommy Pin | Included |
| Body Material | Stainless steel / powder‑coated steel |
| Carry Case | Wooden, foam‑lined interior |
What’s Included
- Spring‑loaded plunger with calibrated stem
- Long stem and short stem with 12.5 mm graduations
- Seven interchangeable needle points
- Tommy pin for assembly and disassembly
- Wooden storage and carrying case
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the load range of the AZA0868?
A: The instrument measures penetration resistance up to 40 kg.
Q2: Why are two stems provided?
A: The long stem is used with larger needle areas for deeper penetration, while the short stem is used with smaller needle tips for improved accuracy near the surface.
Q3: How is the instrument calibrated?
A: The unit is factory‑calibrated. Calibration certificates can be provided on request.
Q4: Is this suitable for sandy soils?
A: The AZA0868 is best suited for cohesive and semi‑cohesive soils. Results in clean, non‑cohesive sands may vary.
Q5: Is the instrument portable for site work?
A: Yes. It is compact and supplied in a durable wooden case for easy transport and field use.
AZA0868 – Precision Proctor Needles provide a fast, practical, and reliable method for estimating soil compaction and moisture condition directly at site, supporting efficient construction quality control and geotechnical decision‑making.
Related products
AUTOMATIC SOIL COMPACTOR AZA0867
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.
METHYLENE BLUE TEST SET AZA0860
- 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
PERMEABILITY APPARATUS (FALLING HEAD PERMEABILITY) AZA0876
The AZA0876 Falling Head Permeability Apparatus from Azalab is a precision-engineered laboratory instrument designed for the determination of permeability (hydraulic conductivity) of fine-grained soils, such as silts and clays. It is specifically intended for the falling head test method, which is the most suitable and widely accepted technique for soils with low permeability.
Accurate assessment of soil permeability is critical in geotechnical engineering applications including foundation design, earth dams, embankments, drainage systems, seepage analysis, and groundwater flow studies. The AZA0876 provides reliable, repeatable, and standard-compliant results for professional laboratories.
PLASTIC LIMIT SET AZA0848
- Soil classification (Atterberg limits)
- Assessing workability and consistency
- Evaluating shrink–swell characteristics
- Supporting foundation, pavement, and earthwork design
RAPID MOISTURE METER AZA0874
The AZA0874 Rapid Moisture Meter from Azalab is a compact, reliable, and field-proven instrument designed for quick determination of moisture content in soils, aggregates, sand, and other granular or fine materials. It is especially suited for on-site quality control in civil engineering, road construction, earthwork compaction, and geotechnical investigations, where timely moisture data is critical for effective decision-making.
Based on the well-established calcium carbide gas pressure method, the AZA0874 delivers accurate results within minutes, eliminating delays associated with laboratory oven-drying methods. Its portable, self-contained design makes it ideal for use at remote and demanding job sites.
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 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.