Background

Founded in 1974, the ANTEA Geomechanical test laboratory provides testing and measuring services:
• on all geomaterials (natural, treated or artificial soils, aggregates, rocks and concretes) and on industrial residues;
• for all types of constructions (buildings, linear constructions, reinforcing, underground work, surface and underground storage) ; with operations complying with AFNOR and international standards.

Laboratory engineers and technicians also carry out design, development and qualification services for software, equipment and non-standard tests in order to meet specific client requirements.

ANTEA expertise

Laboratory equipment:

For ground mechanics:
• Standard equipment for soil identification, Proctor and CBR compaction tests,
• 12 servo-controlled oedometric electro-pneumatic assemblies for guiding a vertical load (1.4 to 5.2 MPa in diameter 70 mm and 2.8 to 10.4 MPa in diameter 50 mm),
• 14 standard oedometric test devices (maximum force: 1.8 MPa in diameter 70 mm) equipped with permeameters,
• 2 direct shear test with shearbox apparatus (10 kN),
• 2 test devices with triaxial apparatus (containment 0-1.5 MPa) and 16 strengthening assemblies, • 2 permeability test devices with triaxial apparatus (containment: 0 – 1.5 MPa).

For rock mechanics:
• 1 servo-controlled hydraulic press W+B 2000 kN,
• 1 triaxial test device (0 - 70 MPa),
• 1 direct shear machine (15 cm x 15 cm – maximum tangential force 250 kN)
• Ultrasonic measurements (P and S waves)

For clayish rock mechanics:
• 5 triaxial test devices (containment 0 - 20 MPa) with GDS and Wykeham- Farrance presses (100 kN), W+B (200 kN),
• 4 creep test devices with triaxial apparatus (0 - 20 MPa) with back-pressure,
• 4 triaxial cells equipped with heating system up to 100°C