AZA 0877 UNIVERSAL PERMEABILITY

Description

AZA 0877: Universal Permeability Apparatus for Comprehensive Soil Analysis

The AZA 0877 Universal Permeability Apparatus from Azalab is an essential tool for any geotechnical testing laboratory requiring accurate determination of soil permeability. This apparatus is designed to measure the ease with which water flows through soil, a critical parameter in various civil engineering applications. Understanding soil permeability, also known as hydraulic conductivity, is vital for designing foundations, earth dams, embankments, drainage systems, and assessing groundwater flow and potential liquefaction. The AZA 0877 provides a precise and reliable method for determining this fundamental soil property.

The key feature of the AZA 0877 is its universal capability to perform both the Constant Head and Falling Head permeability tests. This dual functionality makes it suitable for a wide range of soil types:

1. Constant Head Permeability Test: This method is typically used for coarse-grained soils such as sands and gravels. In this test, a constant hydraulic head (water pressure) is maintained across the soil sample. Water flows through the sample under this steady pressure, and the volume of water discharged over a measured period is used to calculate the coefficient of permeability using Darcy’s Law.
2. Falling Head Permeability Test: This method is ideal for fine-grained soils like silts and clays. Here, the water level in a standpipe connected to the permeameter is allowed to fall as water flows through the soil sample. The rate of fall is measured, and this data is used to determine the soil permeability.

The AZA 0877 typically includes a permeameter mould to hold the soil sample, a stand with multiple glass tubes (standpipes) of varying diameters, a measuring scale, and necessary connecting tubing. The multiple glass tubes are crucial; a larger bore tube is used for the Constant Head test, while the other tubes of smaller diameters are used for the Falling Head test, allowing for accurate measurement across a wide range of permeability values.

Azalab constructs the AZA 0877 from high-quality, durable materials, ensuring longevity and consistent performance in a laboratory setting. Its design adheres to relevant international standards, including IS 2720 (Part XVII) (Methods of test for soils: Determination of coefficient of permeability). For detailed theoretical background on soil permeability and test procedures, resources from reputable bodies like the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) or textbooks on “Soil Mechanics” are highly recommended.

By investing in the AZA 0877 Universal Permeability Apparatus, laboratories can obtain accurate and reliable data on the hydraulic characteristics of soils. This information is fundamental for informed geotechnical design and analysis, contributing to the safety and success of civil engineering projects.

Specifications for the AZA 0877 UNIVERSAL PERMEABILITY APPARATUS

• Model Number: AZA 0877
• Apparatus Type: Universal Soil Permeability Apparatus (Constant Head & Falling Head)
• Permeameter Cell (Mould) Diameter: Varies, typically accommodates samples up to 100mm diameter.
• Standpipe Panel: Includes multiple glass standpipes (bore tubes) of various diameters (e.g., 6mm, 10mm, 20mm, 25mm, 40mm, 50mm, 60mm, 70mm, 75mm).
• Measuring Scale: For reading water levels in the standpipes.
• Drainage Plates/Porous Stones: Top and bottom porous stones to allow water flow while retaining soil.
• Tubing: Flexible tubing for water connections.
• Base: Stable base for mounting the permeameter and standpipe panel.
• Water Supply: Requires an external constant head water supply arrangement (often supplied separately).
• Compliance: Meets essential requirements of IS 2720 (Part XVII).
• Usage/Application: Laboratory determination of the coefficient of soil permeability (hydraulic conductivity) for various soil types.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) about the AZA 0877

Q1: What is the main function of the AZA 0877 Universal Permeability Apparatus?

A1: The AZA 0877 is used to determine the coefficient of soil permeability (also known as hydraulic conductivity) in the laboratory, which measures how easily water flows through a soil sample.

Q2: What types of soils can be tested with the AZA 0877?

A2: The AZA 0877 is a universal apparatus, capable of testing a wide range of soil types, from coarse-grained soils like sands and gravels to fine-grained soils like silts and clays.

Q3: What are the Constant Head and Falling Head methods, and when are they used?

A3: The Constant Head method is used for more permeable soils (sands and gravels), where a constant water pressure is maintained. The Falling Head method is used for less permeable soils (silts and clays), where the rate of water level drop is measured.

Q4: What standards does the AZA 0877 comply with?

A4: The AZA 0877 is designed to meet the requirements of IS 2720 (Part XVII) for soil permeability determination.

Q5: Why is determining soil permeability important?

A5: Knowing soil permeability is crucial for designing foundations, drainage systems, earth dams, and other civil engineering structures. It also helps in assessing groundwater flow and potential liquefaction.

Q6: What is included with the AZA 0877 apparatus?

A6: The AZA 0877 typically includes the permeameter mould, a stand with multiple glass tubes (standpipes), a measuring scale, and necessary connecting tubing. A constant head water supply is often supplied separately.

Q7: How does the AZA 0877 ensure accurate measurements?

A7: The apparatus is designed for controlled water flow and precise measurement of water volume (Constant Head) or water level drop (Falling Head). The use of multiple standpipes allows for accurate measurements across a wide range of permeability values.