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Department of
Civil Engineering

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Department of
Civil Engineering

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Facilities

In the department, modern laboratory Infrastructure facilities are available as per the national and international reputed organizations. Computer lab in the department is equipped with high end systems with all designed software required for research and consultancy work.
Facilities

List of Labs

  • Concrete Lab
  • Fluid Mechanics Lab
  • Geology Lab
  • Soil Mechanics Lab
  • Transportation Lab
  • Survey Lab
  • Environment Lab

Center of Excellence

Center of Excellence in Land, Air & Water (Environmental Sustainability)

DIT University with twenty two years of academic excellence has come forward with the seed concept of contributing towards environmental sustainability and conservation by initiating a dedicated research laboratory to focus on all dimensions of environmental issues. With this noble objective, the constitution of Center of Excellence in Land, Air & Water (Environmental Sustainability) has come into reality with joint collaboration between department of Chemistry and Civil Engineering.

Before the concept of this center, the two departments have jointly taken part in CSR activities related to Rispanna river cleaning, tree plantations and organized two international and one national conference in the domain of environment. The strong suggestion of peer academic community in all those activities was to set up this type of center in the DIT University to promote research and innovation work in the domains of environment especially keeping the context of Uttarakhand in prime focus.

Facilities
Facilities

Objective

  • To perform analysis of soil quality parameters, soil pollution, delineation of land use land cover studies, land encroachment and deforestation estimation with the help of modern tools and GIS techniques.
  • To monitor air quality in state and national level, compute dispersion modeling, perform trend analysis, hindcast and forecast of atmospheric parameters.
  • To estimate water pollution and estimation of water quality parameters as per the IS and WHO norms for various surface and ground water resources in state and national level.

Asphalt mixer

Asphalt mixer is specialized equipment used in research and quality control laboratories to prepare small batches of asphalt for testing purposes. It ensures uniform mixing of aggregates, bitumen, and fillers under controlled conditions, simulating field production.
Facilities

Key Features & Components

  • Mixing Chamber: Enclosed container where asphalt components are blended.
  • Heating System: Maintains the required temperature for bitumen mixing.
  • Rotating Blades or Paddles: Ensures uniform distribution of materials.
  • Speed & Temperature Controls: Allows precise adjustments for different asphalt formulations.
  • Safety Features: Includes insulated surfaces and protective covers.

Uses

  • Preparing asphalt samples for Marshall, Superpave, and other mix design tests.
  • Research and development of new asphalt formulations.
  • Quality control and material evaluation before large-scale production.

Laboratory asphalt mixers are essential in civil engineering and road construction industries to ensure asphalt meets performance standards before field application.

Marshall Stability Test Apparatus

The Marshall Stability Test Apparatus is used to measure the stability and flow of asphalt mixtures, ensuring their suitability for road construction. It is a standard test method (ASTM D6927, AASHTO T245) used for mix design and quality control.

Components of the Marshall Stability Test Apparatus

  • Marshall Stability Machine: Applies a compressive load at a constant rate to determine stability and flow.
  • Specimen Molds: Cylindrical molds (typically 4 inches in diameter) used to prepare asphalt samples.
  • Compaction Hammer & Mold Assembly: A standard hammer (typically 4.5 kg or 10 lbs) compacts the asphalt mixture into molds.
  • Water Bath: Maintains specimens at 60°C (140°F) before testing.
  • Breaking Head: Holds the specimen in place while applying load.
  • Load Frame: Provides a constant loading rate of 50.8 mm/min (2 inches/min).
  • Dial Gauge or Digital Sensor: Measures the flow (deformation) of the specimen.

The Marshall Stability Test is widely used in flexible pavement design and quality assurance in asphalt mix production.

Facilities

Consolidometer

Consolidometer is used to perform the one-dimensional consolidation test (Oedometer test) on soil samples, following standards such as ASTM D2435 and AASHTO T216. This test determines the rate and magnitude of settlement under a given load, essential for foundation and geotechnical engineering.
Facilities

Components of the Consolidometer Test Apparatus

  • Consolidation Cell (Oedometer Ring): Holds the soil specimen and restricts lateral movement.
  • Porous Stones: Placed on the top and bottom of the soil sample to allow drainage.
  • Loading Frame: Applies vertical load incrementally to simulate soil compression.
  • Dial Gauge or LVDT (Linear Variable Displacement Transducer): Measures settlement or deformation.
  • Water Bath (optional): Maintains saturation conditions for undisturbed samples.
  • Lever Arm System: Provides mechanical advantage for applying loads.
  • Weights or Pneumatic System: Used to apply controlled loads in increments.

The Consolidometer (Oedometer) Test is crucial for predicting long-term settlements in clay and other compressible soils.

Permeability Apparatus

The Concrete Permeability Test Apparatus is used to measure the ability of concrete to resist water penetration under pressure, which is an important indicator of its durability, especially in environments exposed to moisture, salts, and aggressive chemicals. This test helps assess the concrete’s performance in conditions like waterproofing and resistance to freeze-thaw cycles.

Facilities

Components of Concrete Permeability Test Apparatus

  • Permeability Cell: A cylindrical chamber that holds the concrete specimen and contains water under pressure.
  • Pressure Apparatus: Applies controlled water pressure to one side of the concrete specimen. This may be done using a hydraulic pump or air pressure system, depending on the test method.
  • Water Reservoir: A supply tank that holds water used for the test, typically connected to the pressure system.
  • Sealing Rings: Prevents water leakage around the sample to ensure that all pressure is applied through the specimen.
  • Water Collection System: Collects and measures the amount of water that passes through the concrete during the test.
  • Measuring Devices: Includes pressure gauges to measure the applied water pressure and flow meters or graduated cylinders to measure the volume of water that permeates the specimen.
  • Specimen Holder: Holds the concrete specimen securely in the test chamber.

Applications

  • Concrete Durability Testing: Ensures that concrete used in structures such as dams, tunnels, basements, and marine environments is resistant to water and chemical penetration.
  • Quality Control: Confirms that the mix design and curing processes are effective in producing concrete with low permeability, ensuring its longevity.
  • Infrastructure and Repair Work: Assesses existing structures to evaluate their condition and determine if they need repair or waterproofing.

Importance

Concrete’s ability to resist water penetration is critical for the long-term performance of structures exposed to wet conditions, such as dams, sewage systems, basements, and bridges, where water can cause deterioration over time

Universal Testing Machine

A Universal Testing Machine (UTM) is a versatile mechanical testing device used to evaluate the tensile, compressive, and flexural strength of materials such as metals, concrete, plastics, and composites. It is widely used in quality control, research, and material development.
Facilities

Components of a UTM

  • Load Frame: The main structure that houses all components and withstands applied forces.
  • Crosshead: Moves up or down to apply tensile or compressive force.
  • Load Cell: Measures the applied force with high accuracy.
  • Grips & Fixtures: Hold the test specimen securely (e.g., wedge grips for tensile tests, compression plates).
  • Actuator (Hydraulic or Servo Motor): Provides controlled movement and force application.
  • Extensometer: Measures elongation and strain during tensile tests.
  • Control Panel & Software: Automates testing, data acquisition, and analysis.

Applications

  • Metallurgy & Manufacturing – Testing metals, alloys, and industrial materials.
  • Civil Engineering – Evaluating concrete, asphalt, and structural materials.
  • Plastics & Polymers – Measuring strength and elasticity of plastics.
  • Biomedical Engineering – Testing medical implants and biomaterials.

A UTM is essential for material testing, ensuring products meet strength, safety, and durability standards in various industries.

Hydraulic Flume

A Hydraulic Flume is a laboratory apparatus used to study open-channel flow, sediment transport, and hydraulic structures. It is commonly used in hydraulic engineering, fluid mechanics research, and environmental studies.

Components of a Hydraulic Flume

  • Flume Channel – A long, transparent or metal trough that simulates open-channel flow conditions.
  • Water Supply System – Pumps water into the flume to create controlled flow conditions.
  • Flow Control Mechanism – Regulates water discharge (e.g., sluice gates, weirs).
  • Sediment Bed (Optional) – Used in sediment transport studies.
  • Flow Measurement Devices – Includes Pitot tubes, flow meters, and weirs to measure velocity and discharge.
  • Energy Dissipation System – Prevents excessive turbulence at the outlet.
  • Adjustable Slope Mechanism – Allows testing at different gradients.

Applications

  • Open-channel flow analysis (rivers, canals, spillways).
  • Sediment transport studies for erosion and deposition.
  • Hydraulic structure testing (weirs, dams, bridges).
  • Environmental flow simulations (flood modeling, pollutant dispersion).

Hydraulic flumes are essential for predicting real-world water behavior, aiding in flood control, irrigation planning, and sustainable water resource management.

Facilities

Total Station

A Total Station is a highly accurate electronic surveying instrument used in civil engineering, construction, and land surveying. It combines the functionalities of an electronic theodolite (for measuring angles) and a digital distance measuring device (like EDM—electronic distance measurement) to provide precise distance, angle, and elevation data in the field. It can also integrate GPS for enhanced functionality.
Facilities

Components of a Total Station

  • Theodolite (Angle Measurement Unit): Measures horizontal and vertical angles.
  • EDM (Electronic Distance Measurement): Uses laser or infrared light to measure distances between the instrument and a target.
  • Display Screen: Shows real-time measurements and data.
  • Data Storage: Saves measurements for later processing, often with built-in memory or connected to a computer.
  • Telescope: Used to visually target specific points in the field.
  • Tripod: Stabilizes the total station for accurate readings.
  • Prism or Reflector: A target placed at the point being measured, which reflects the EDM signal back to the instrument.
  • Battery: Powers the instrument for field use.

Applications

  • Land Surveying – Determining boundaries, topography, and land features.
  • Construction – Monitoring and controlling alignment, layout, and elevations for structures.
  • Mapping – Creating precise maps and geographical information systems (GIS).
  • Mining and Tunneling – Monitoring excavations and underground structures.
  • Engineering Projects – Ensuring precise measurements for roadways, bridges, and other infrastructure projects.

Total stations play a crucial role in modern surveying, offering efficiency, accuracy, and versatility for a wide range of civil and construction applications.