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SWELL TEST APPARATUS AZA0915

The Azalab AZA0915 Swell Test Apparatus is a precision laboratory instrument designed to determine the swell potential and swelling pressure of expansive soils. Expansive soils—commonly rich in clay minerals such as montmorillonite—exhibit significant volume changes with variations in moisture content. In regions dominated by black cotton soils, this behavior can induce uplift pressures and differential heave, leading to cracking, distortion, and failure of foundations, pavements, and other civil structures.

The AZA0915 provides essential quantitative data that enables engineers to predict soil behavior, design suitable foundations, and implement mitigation measures, ensuring structural safety and long-term performance.

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Description

Description

Swell Potential and Swell Pressure Testing

The AZA0915 apparatus supports two critical test modes:

1. Swell Potential (Free Swell / Swell Percentage)

  • Measures vertical expansion (heave) of a soil specimen when inundated with water.

  • Conducted under a nominal seating pressure (typically 7 kPa or 0.07 kg/cm²).

  • Swell is recorded over time until equilibrium is reached.

  • Results indicate the maximum potential volume change of the soil.

2. Swell Pressure (Constant Volume Method)

  • Determines the pressure required to prevent soil expansion upon wetting.

  • As the soil attempts to swell, incremental loads are applied to restore the specimen to its original height.

  • The final pressure required to maintain constant volume is recorded as the swelling pressure, a critical parameter for foundation design.

Working Principle

The AZA0915 operates on one-dimensional consolidation principles:

  • A representative soil specimen (undisturbed or compacted) is placed in a rigid consolidation ring.

  • Porous stones at the top and bottom allow uniform water ingress and drainage.

  • A loading system applies vertical stress through a perforated swell plate.

  • A high-precision dial gauge measures vertical deformation.

  • For swell pressure determination, a proving ring measures the reactive force generated by the swelling soil.

  • The specimen is submerged in water using a soaking tank, and deformation or pressure is recorded over time.

Key Features of AZA0915

  • Heavy-Duty Load Frame
    Hand-operated frame with high rigidity for stable load application.

  • Non-Corrosive Consolidation Ring
    Stainless steel mould ensures dimensional stability and long service life.

  • Perforated Swell Plate with Stem
    Ensures uniform load distribution and accurate dial gauge seating.

  • High-Permeability Porous Stones
    Promote uniform saturation and drainage.

  • Precision Dial Gauge
    Measures vertical deformation with high accuracy.

  • Sensitive Proving Ring
    Enables accurate determination of swelling pressure.

  • Soaking Tank
    Facilitates complete and controlled soil saturation.

  • Corrosion-Resistant Construction
    Suitable for prolonged exposure to water and repeated testing cycles.

Applications

  • Foundation design on expansive soils

  • Pavement and airfield subgrade evaluation

  • Canal linings and embankment stability studies

  • Geotechnical site investigations

  • Research on expansive soil behavior and stabilization methods

Standards Compliance

  • IS 2720 (Part 41):1977 (Reaffirmed 2021) – Measurement of Swelling Pressure of Soils

  • ASTM D4546 – One-Dimensional Swell or Collapse of Cohesive Soils

  • AASHTO T 216 – One-Dimensional Consolidation Properties of Soils

Technical Specifications

Model: AZA0915
Test Type: Swell Potential and Swell Pressure
Application: Expansive / Black Cotton Soils
Country of Origin: Made in India

Load Frame

  • Type: Hand operated

  • Capacity: 50 kN (5000 kgf)

Consolidation Mould (Ring)

  • Inner Diameter: 100 mm

  • Height: 127.3 mm (1000 ml volume)

  • Material: Stainless Steel

  • Includes: Base plate and collar

Perforated Swell Plate

  • Diameter: 100 mm

  • Thickness: 16 mm

  • With adjustable stem

Porous Stones

  • Quantity: 2 (top & bottom)

  • Diameter: 100 mm

  • Thickness: 12.7 mm

Dial Gauge

  • Range: 25 mm

  • Least Count: 0.01 mm

  • Mounting: Tripod / bracket

Proving Ring (for Swell Pressure)

  • Capacity: 2.5 kN (250 kgf) or as specified

  • Type: High sensitivity with integral boss

Accessories

  • Load transfer bar

  • Steel ball

  • Spacer: 100 mm dia × 12.7 mm thick

  • Soaking tank: 250 mm dia × 210 mm height

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the main purpose of AZA0915?
A: To determine swell potential and swelling pressure of expansive soils under controlled laboratory conditions.

Q2: Is this suitable for black cotton soil testing?
A: Yes. AZA0915 is specifically intended for black cotton and other expansive clay soils.

Q3: What tests can be performed using this apparatus?
A: Swell potential (free swell) and swell pressure (constant volume) tests.

Q4: Why is swell testing important?
A: It helps engineers design foundations that can resist soil heave and swelling pressure, preventing structural damage.

Q5: Does it comply with Indian Standards?
A: Yes, it fully complies with IS 2720 (Part 41) and aligns with ASTM and AASHTO standards.

AZA0915 Swell Test Apparatus

A critical laboratory system for accurate evaluation of expansive soil behavior, enabling safe and durable foundation design in problematic soil regions.

Additional information

Additional information

Model

AZA 0915
Application

Expansive soils (e.g., Black Cotton Soil).
Load Frame

Hand Operated, Capacity: 50 KN (5000 kgf).
Test Method

Measurement of Swell Potential and Swell Pressure of Cohesive Soils.
Load Transfer Bar

Included.
Spacer

100 mm dia x 12.7 mm thick.

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