Students investigate the construction properties of earthen materials and concrete mix components with the full suite of tools in the Soils Lab. Soil sieves, vibratory shakers, and hydrometers reveal soil particle gradations. Moisture content and the mechanical interaction of soils and water are determined using Atterberg limit apparati and procedures. Soil compaction, hydraulic conductivity, compressive strength, shear strength and time-dependant consolidation testing is also performed in this lab. After analyzing the gravel and sand components, students prepare a concrete mix design, and then test the concrete cylinder resulting from that design to the point of failure to ascertain the strength characteristics of the mix.