SM& FE Branch 1 & 2

Soil mechanics branch 1 &2 were formed under the Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering Division in the year 1972, these subdivisions mainly conducts study related in determining/evaluating the engineering properties of soil which are very essential for the safe and economical designs for construction of engineering structures.

Apart from determining engineering properties of soil, we take up the basic and applied studies related to the soil for behavioural strength and classification aspects. In addition to that subdivision will also conduct the field quality control checks like degree of compaction of soil for embankment purposes used in construction of roads, highways, earth fills for dams etc. Safe bearing capacity of soils for foundations of buildings, bridges, irrigation projects and other costly structures will also be done. We can take up the studies independently related to the seepage, permeability analysis for minor and medium irrigation tanks as and when requested by the project authorities.

Soil mechanics branch 1 and 2 has a well-equipped soil testing lab, which is capable of conducting the tests related to the engineering and index properties of soil including tri-axial shear load tests, direct shear, and automatic compactors for heavy and light compaction of soils.

We have conducted an extensive research studies on swelling characteristics, strength and consolidation parameters of for black cotton soil by using chemical additives as referred by CBIP (Central Board of Irrigation & Power)