Reliable information about soil strengths is a governing factor for safe and effective construction of embankments and foundation systems. Triaxial testing of soils involves preparing and mounting undisturbed or remolded specimens in a Test Chamber pressurized with water to create a confining pressure around the specimen. The Test Chamber is placed in a Pro-Loader Load Frame for testing by axial loading. Testing a specimen under confining pressure gives information about shear resistance, strength and cohesion, to predict such things as slope stability and structural foundation behavior. Tests can be conducted with specimens in unconsolidated-undrained condition as described in ASTM D2850, or consolidated-undrained or consolidated-drained conditions as noted in ASTM D4767.

Triaxial Control Panels regulate air and fluid pressures in the Testing Chambers through a system of burettes, valves and regulators, and are a central point for supply connections of air, water, and drains. These Control Panels also used for hydraulic conductivity/flexible wall permeability testing as described in ASTM D5084.