* General information *

Maharashtra Engineering Research Institute (MERI), Nashik 4 was established in the year 1959 for the purpose of research work. It is the prime institute of Maharashtra state under water resources department. At the same time soil mechanics division no 1 was established for soil testing from various projects in Maharashtra state. Initially number of earthen dams was less so the soil testing samples from various projects were less in numbers. Day by day work load increased the second division of soil mechanics division no.2 was started in the year 1964. On dated 1-1-1980 with the help of world bank for six large dams projects (krushna, kukadi, Warna, Bhima, Upper Wardha and Upper Penganga) the soil mechanics division no.3 was also established.
 

                                                                                             * ACTIVITIES *

After some year by the order of State Government of Maharashtra date 31.8.1997 Soil Mechanics Division no.2 and 3 were closed. So presently this division handled all soil testing work only hence the work load of this division is now increased. Due to the Reconstruction on date 1-4-2015, this division name has been changed as soil mechanics referral laboratory (old name : Soil mechanics division. no.1  MERI Nashik.

Soil investigation work for construction of major, medium and minor earth structures and its related laboratory and field tests and foundation, earth dam, canal problems are tackled by this wing. Necessary soil tests to be conducted as per IS code 2720(part-III and part IV) and PWD hand book chapter 33 (Quality control part-III earthwork). As per CDO code of practice out of total sample of various irrigation projects the 20% confirmatory tests to be done by this wing. The soil sample are to be tested in the laboratory for determining soil properties.

 

1. Testing work

    Testing work on site

     1. Undisturbed Sampling

     2. Plate load Test

     3. Standard / Direct Cone Penetration Test.

     4. This section deals with some of the basic and applied problems related to earth works on the dam as well as foot problems.

     5. As well as research work on field issues under the annual research programme is done through this section.

     6. On the basis of testing work carried out by this division,  training on the same is arranged for Newly recruited candidate  from MPSC,                       candidate from refresher courses arranged by META, Nashik and students  from various colleges.

1. Annual Research Programe 2021

           1. Determination of Water Content and Dry Density relation using compaction.

           2. Soil properties and their influence on Dams.

           3. Study regarding improvement of Bearing Capacity of soil by various Methods

           4. Determination of thickness of CNS layer according to swelling pressure of B.C.soil.

           5. Comparission of plate bearing test between Dry and  Wet Condition.

           6. Aging effect on dam due to change in soil properties after 23-30 years completion of construction.

            2021-22  Research paper :

            1. Soil Properties and their influences on Dam: Paper Study         

            2. Swelling properties and characterstics black cotton soil in Maharashtra Region.

1. TARGET ACHIEVE D IN LAST FIVE YEARS   ( TESTING & REVENUE)

                         * SPECIAL WORK *

1.   Developed & update E- library for SMRL division.

2.   E-governance implementation.

3.   Procurement of advance instruments for Soil tests.

4. Develop software for Soil testing (M- 23 Modules)

5.   Procurement of Labour by outsourcing.

6.   Update of E-service book modules.

• Following Test also carried out....

   1. Dam Design (Embankment) - L- Section / Cross                                  section design.

   2.Canal Lining (Swelling Pressure /Swelling Index)

   3.Bearing Capacity of Foundation (PBT, SPT, DCPT  Test)

   4.Leakages in Dams/Canals.(N.D.D./Swelling & Pore                      Pressure)

   5.   C.N.S. Test.

   6.  Record Test  

   7.  Sand Filter Test. 

   8. Sand in Sediment Test

   9. Water Logging ( Permeability Test )

  10. Swelling Pressure / Swelling Index Test

        Site Work(Plate Bearing Test)

1. Investigation of bearing capacity for Aqueduct on Left Bank Canal at Ch. 9420m. of dehali Project Tal- Akkalkuwa Dist. Nadurbar (June 2016.)
2. Investigation of bearing capacity for R.C.C. E.S.R. Ta Takali, Nashik, Dist.Nashik for Nashik Municipal Corporation, Nashik (Jan-2017)
3. Investigation of bearing capacity of Navegaon Minor Project, Dist- Gondia. (July-2015)

       4. Investigation Of Bearing Capacity For Aadivasi Hostel Building, Peth Road,Nashik

       5. Investigation of Hearing Capacity (SPT) for Hospital building (200 bedded)Javahar, Dist. Palghar.    

       Training given to  (Dy.Engr./AE-II/Sect.Engr./Engr.College) by this division

Last Modified on: 04 March 2025