Mechanical Tests in Soil Mechanics

This lecture covers the organization and types of mechanical tests in soil mechanics, including laboratory and in situ tests. It discusses the importance of careful planning, the selection of tests based on specific project needs, and the significance of standardized procedures and quality accreditation. Various laboratory tests such as uniaxial compression, direct shear, and triaxial tests are explained, highlighting their parameters, applications, and limitations. In situ tests like plate loading, cone penetration tests, and pressuremeter tests are also detailed, emphasizing their role in determining soil properties and behavior. The lecture concludes by stressing the critical aspects of test organization, selection, and execution in soil mechanics.