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

METHYLENE BLUE TEST SET AZA0860

The AZA0860 Methylene Blue Test Set from AZA Lab is a comprehensive laboratory system designed to determine the clay content and clay activity in fine aggregates and soils through measurement of the Methylene Blue Value (MBV). The test is highly sensitive to active clay minerals—particularly montmorillonite—that can adversely affect the performance of concrete, asphalt, and other construction materials. This method is widely adopted in aggregate quality control, concrete mix design, asphalt technology, and geotechnical investigations, providing a reliable indicator of fines reactivity and cation exchange capacity.
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
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

SOIL CONE PENETROMETER AZA0851

The AZA0851 Precision Cone Penetrometer from AZALAB is a high-accuracy laboratory instrument designed for determining the liquid limit of fine-grained soils using the cone penetration method. The apparatus fully complies with IS 2720 (Part 5) and ASTM D4318, making it suitable for standardized soil classification and geotechnical investigations. Unlike the Casagrande method, the cone penetrometer provides a more objective and repeatable measurement of liquid limit by correlating soil consistency to the depth of penetration of a standardized cone under its own weight. This method is widely preferred in modern soil mechanics laboratories due to reduced operator dependency and higher precision.

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
Read more
Quick view
Soil Hydrometer

SOIL HYDROMETER AZA0858

AZA0858 – Reliable Soil Hydrometer for Fine Particle Analysis The AZA0858 Soil Hydrometer from AZA Lab is a precision glass instrument designed for grain size analysis of fine-grained soils using the sedimentation (hydrometer) method. It is specifically intended for soils in which more than 10% of the material passes through the 75-micron sieve, ensuring accurate assessment of clay and silt fractions in accordance with internationally recognized standards. Manufactured from high-clarity transparent borosilicate glass, the AZA0858 features a permanently engraved density scale for direct, reliable readings of suspension density over time. The instrument is factory calibrated and optimized for use at 27°C, delivering high precision in both laboratory and controlled field testing environments.
Read more
Quick view

STANDARD COMPACTION TEST AZA0863

The AZA0863 Standard Compaction Test Apparatus from Azalab is designed to perform the Standard Proctor Compaction Test, a fundamental geotechnical laboratory procedure used to determine the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) and Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) of soils. These parameters are essential for ensuring proper soil compaction in the construction of roads, embankments, foundations, and other earth structures. This apparatus simulates light compaction effort typically applied in the field and provides reliable, repeatable results for laboratory quality control and design verification.
Purpose & Principle The Standard Compaction Test establishes the relationship between soil moisture content and dry density under a standard compactive effort. Soil samples are compacted in layers within a cylindrical mould using a specified hammer weight and drop height. By testing at varying moisture contents and plotting a compaction curve, the MDD and OMC are obtained.
Read more
Quick view

VICKSBERG PENTROMETER (PROVING RING TYPE) AZA0870

The Vicksberg Penetrometer (Proving Ring Type) – AZA0870 by Azalab is a precision-engineered field instrument designed to determine the bearing capacity of subgrades, assess soil compaction levels, and conduct rapid shallow soil investigations. It is widely used in road construction, foundation assessment, and infrastructure site inspections where quick, reliable field results are required.

Designed for efficient single-person operation, the instrument incorporates a 100 kg (1 kN) proving ring combined with a high-sensitivity dial gauge of 0.002 mm least count, ensuring accurate and repeatable load measurements. An optical viewer is provided for clear dial visibility, even under bright outdoor conditions, making the unit ideal for on-site testing.

Whether for routine site investigations or quality control of compacted layers, the AZA0870 delivers fast, dependable, and field-ready performance.

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