The earth's crust has multiple properties that need to be constantly and thoroughly investigated. The Geotechnical Laboratory is an ideal space for this purpose, as it allows the performance of tests that seek to study in depth the characterization and behavior of soils and rocks.

The Laboratory seeks to provide the university community with an environment conducive to the development of scientific research work in geotechnical engineering and to provide specialized technical support to the industry.

Tests
The following tests are performed in the Geotechnical Laboratory:

Standard tests on soils
Classification tests: granulometry by sieving and hydrometer, liquid limit, plastic limit and shrinkage limit.
Physical properties tests: moisture content, specific weight, specific gravity in fine, granular and organic soils.
Field density: sand cone and electric density meter
Determine moisture content of soils, sand and fine aggregates in the field (Speedy type)
Compaction tests: standard and modified Proctor, and CBR
Minimum and maximum density of soils (less than 4 mesh)

Special soil tests
Direct and residual shear tests
Unconfined compression tests
Triaxial tests (CD, CU, UU); diameter: 35, 50 and 70 mm
Hydraulic conductivity tests (permeability with rigid or flexible wall)
Consolidation tests
Expansion tests
Filter paper tests

Rock tests
Physical properties: humidity, bulk density, porosity
Rock mechanical properties: uniaxial strength and elastic properties
Triaxial rock testing
Rock shear tests
Point load test
Durability and alterability tests
Sclerometry testing
Macroscopic petrography
Microscopic petrography

Infrastructure
The Laboratory is divided into two environments: soil mechanics and rock mechanics. Both comply with the requirements of national and international standards.