Our Labs

UT GeoMechanics Lab

The primary purpose of the GeoMechanics laboratory is to investigate pore-scale fluid-sediment interactions over a wide-range of stress regimes. We test both intact sediment cores and fabricate our own core through the process of resedimentation. Tested materials are from all over the world.

Current projects work with rock and sediment from New England, the Nankai Trough offshore Japan, Gulf of Mexico, the Mediterranean Sea, and from right here in Texas. We use the data acquired in the lab, coupled with field data to develop pore-pressure predictions, forward compression and permeability models, models of stress and pressure around salt bodies, models for slope failure, and basin models.

This is a hands-on lab where students, post-docs, and researchers are encouraged to work alongside each other, get their hands dirty, and take part in rigorous scientific inquiry in a state-of-the-art environment.

• 750 sq ft of climate controlled, geomechanical laboratory space.
  • Nano-Darcy Permeability System–High-pressure biaxial and triaxial core holders, ultra-high resolution Quizix pumps housed in a temperature controlled blast cabinets.
  • NER Autolab 1500 Triaxial System–Capable of strength and deformation, permeability, velocity (Vp, Vs1, Vs2), resistivity, and acoustic emissions measurements of hard rock and sediment samples.
• 550 sq ft of geotechnical laboratory space and sediment library.
  • Computer controlled constant rate of strain, flow through permeability, and triaxial soil testing systems.
  • Three 10,000 lb. computer controlled load frames.
  • One 40,000 lb. computer controlled load frame.
• Data analysis lab and meeting space
• Computer controlled constant rate of strain, flow through permeability, and triaxial soil testing systems
• Lab-wide LabVIEW, universal data acquisition system and wi-fi
• Lathe, drill press, and band saw along with a well-stocked selection of hand and power tools
• High-pressure biaxial core holder, ultra-high resolution Quizix pumps housed in a temperature controlled blast box
• Extensive online testing database housing results from every test run in the lab

For more information on the UT GeoMechanics Lab please visit our website.

Tufts Advanced Geomaterials Laboratory

• 1 High Pressure Triaxial
• 3 Medium Pressure Triaxial
• 3 Low Pressure Triaxial
• 1 Low Pressure Direct Simple Shear
• 2 Medium Pressure CRS
• 1 High Pressure CRS
• 2 Mineral Conversion Units