Laboratory

We conduct laboratory experiments to support our research efforts in rock and soil mechanics, constitutive modeling, and reservoir geomechanics. The primary apparatus in the lab is an Autolab 2000 conventional triaxial press. All of the pressure intensifiers are servo-controlled and can be accessed through a proprietary software interface. The machine is capable of confining pressures up to 200 MPa and pore pressures of 100 MPa, and axial forces up to 500 kN. Several sets of coreholders allow for the testing of right cylindrical core samples up to four inches long and two inches in diameter. The coreholders have been modified to simultaneously measure axial and radial strains, P and cross-polarized S wave ultrasonic velocities, and axial permeability.

Recently, we have been working to upgrade and optimize our equipment for our work on gas shale. We're also in the process of building a new instrument for measuring permeability and adsorption at different confining pressures.

Ashley and Hiroki, calibrating load cells...

Rob and Hiroki, workin' hard...

A test sandstone sample...

Electronics Rack Tiki...

This Tiki is the guardian of the electronics rack and a spirit guide for the rock samples