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Geotechnical Research
Karl Terzaghi, the "father of soil mechanics", once said; "Unfortunately, soils are made by nature and not by man, and the products of nature are always complex… As soon as we pass from steel and concrete to earth, the omnipotence of theory ceases to exist. Natural soil is never uniform. Its properties change from point to point while our knowledge of its properties are limited to those few spots at which the samples have been collected. In soil mechanics the accuracy of computed results never exceeds that of a crude estimate, and the principal function of theory consists in teaching us what and how to observe in the field." LTRC research in the field of geotechnical engineering strives to bridge the gap between natural phenomenon, field experience and man's theory of these reactions.
Geotechnical Engineering is playing an increasing role in providing less expensive solutions to traditional design and construction of transportation facilities. LTRC=s geotechnical group provides research, technical assistance, and implementation guidance to improve the design, construction, and long-term performance of transportation structures.
LTRC houses a fully equipped, modern soil laboratory capable of performing routine and advanced soils testing. The LTRC soils laboratory equipment include triaxial strength testing, direct shear testing, consolidation testing and tensile/compression testing supported by an automated data acquisition system.
Quicker, more reliable and less labor intensive methods of in-situ testing can provide savings through better designed structures, embankments and pavements. LTRC is continuing investigations into in-situ exploration with its two electric cone penetrometer research vehicles. The LTRC 20 ton CPT truck is involved in advanced research in the areas of pile capacity predictions, soil classifications, soil in-situ properties, and subsurface settlement predictions. The LTRC minicone truck is involved in research involving soil characterization, soil in situ strength properties, and pavements structure design.
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