![GEOTECH 2.0 Logo [F02].png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4a2cf0_74b418bd50ce4567881beb694be5a594~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_244,h_159,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/GEOTECH%202_0%20Logo%20%5BF02%5D.png)
GEOTECH 2.0
Geotechnical Engineering Research Laboratory
The GEOTECH 2.0 Lab at Prince Sultan University is a comprehensive rehabilitation initiative funded by the Research, Development, and Innovation Authority (RDIA). The project aims to significantly modernize the existing PSU Geotechnical Laboratory by integrating state-of-the-art automation, and artificial intelligence with traditional geotechnical testing methods.
The GEOTECH 2.0 Lab specializes in advanced geotechnical engineering research and consultation services, integrating automation and artificial intelligence technologies with recent advancements in geotechnical engineering approaches. The lab supports infrastructure projects through innovative soil and rock mechanics testing, ground improvement solutions, slope stability analysis, and computational geotechnical numerical modeling, with a particular emphasis on addressing geological challenges specific to Saudi Arabia and the MENA region.
Lab Leader
Dr. Mohamed Ezzat, Ph.D., D.Eng., M.ASCE
Associate Professor & Consultant of Geotechnical Engineering
Prince Sultan University
Secretary of ASCE Saudi Arabia Section (R10)
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
![Cover [F].png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4a2cf0_1960867533c84caaa8b45aa5ca4e819b~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_973,h_439,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Cover%20%5BF%5D.png)
The Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory at Prince Sultan University, established in 2013, serves as a pivotal facility within the Engineering College, actively supporting teaching, research, and industry consultation initiatives.
The laboratory offers specialized expertise in soil and rock mechanics, enhancing academic learning, facilitating advanced research, and providing technical consultation services for infrastructure and construction projects.
Capabilities and Facilities
Understanding soil and rock mechanics is essential in construction and infrastructure development, as soil and rock properties significantly influence project safety, performance, and sustainability. To address these critical needs, the laboratory is equipped with advanced testing equipment capable of accurately assessing the physical and engineering properties of soils and rocks in compliance with international standards such as ASTM and BS.
Soil Mechanics Testing Equipment:
Rock Mechanics Testing Equipment:
-
Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) Testing Machine
-
Brazilian Tensile Strength Test Equipment
-
Point Load Strength Testing Apparatus
-
Rock Permeability Test
-
Rock Abrasion (Los Angeles)
-
Durability Testing Equipment
-
Schmidt Hammer for Rock Hardness Assessment
-
Brunton GEO Pocket Transit Compass
-
Rock Sample Extruder & Trimmer
Advanced Testing Equipment:
-
Stress Path Triaxial and Uniaxial Fully Automatic Test System
-
Advanced Dynamic Triaxial Testing System
-
Rock Joint Roughness Coefficient Test
-
Autonomous Laser Scanner
-
Constant Rate Strain (CRS) Consolidation Testing
-
Automatic Consolidation Testing Apparatus (Oedometer)
-
Direct Shear Testing Machine
-
Fully Automated Triaxial Testing System (UU, CU, CD Tests)
-
Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) Test Apparatus
-
Soil Compaction (Standard and Modified Proctor) Apparatus
-
California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Testing Equipment
-
Atterberg Limits (Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, Shrinkage Limit) Devices
-
Fall cone Penetration Test
-
Sieve Analysis Equipment
-
Hydrometer Testing Set for fine-grained soils
-
Permeability Testing Equipment (Constant and Falling Head Methods)
-
Soil Density Measurement Tools (Sand Cone)
-
Free Swelling Test
-
Specific Gravity Test
-
Laboratory Vane Test
-
Sand Equivalent test shaker
-
Chemical Analysis Tests
Consultants for GEOTECH 2.0 Lab
In establishing the GeoTech 2.0 Lab, Prince Sultan University collaborated with highly qualified and experienced consultants specializing in geotechnical engineering laboratories and advanced instrumentation. These consultants provided expert guidance on equipment selection, laboratory design, safety management, and operational workflows, ensuring alignment with international standards and best practices. Their input was pivotal in identifying suitable, state-of-the-art instruments and advanced technologies that effectively support the laboratory’s research and educational objectives, while also facilitating efficient and safe management of the lab environment.
Prof. M. Hesham El Naggar,
Ph.D., P.ENG., M.CSCE, F.EIC, F.ASCE
Professor of Geotechnical Engineering
Western University
Canada
Dr. Ahmed Elkadi, Ph.D., C.Eng
Director Experimental Facilities
Member of the Strategic Management Team
Deltares Research Institute
Netherlands
Prof. Dennis D. Truax,
Ph.D., P.E., BCEE, D.WRE, F.ASCE, F.NSPE
Professor of Civil Engineering
ASCE 2022 President
Mississippi State University
United States
Dr. Ahmed Al-Nuaim, Ph.D., C.Eng
Associate Professor of Geotechnical Engineering
Consultant, Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources
Saudi Arabia
Dr. Tugce Baser, Ph.D.,
Associate Professor of Geotechnical Engineering
Saint Louis University
United States
Services of the GeoTech 2.0 Lab
The GEOTECH 2.0 Lab at Prince Sultan University provides specialized services focusing primarily on advanced geotechnical research, consultation, and comprehensive laboratory testing. Equipped with advanced automated instruments, robotic systems, and AI-driven analytical tools, the lab supports a wide range of experimental and numerical research and consultation activities in soil mechanics, rock mechanics, foundation engineering, ground improvement, and geotechnical modeling. All laboratory testing follows stringent international standards (ASTM, BS, ISO), ensuring reliable, precise, and reproducible results.
In close collaboration with the expert consulting arm geotica, the lab facilitates advanced analyses and technical solutions, thereby enhancing the safety and feasibility of the geotechnical solutions for infrastructure and development projects across Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region.
The lab also offers geotechnical solutions tailored specifically to the diverse rock formations and complex slope conditions prevalent in Saudi Arabia. We are utilizing state-of-the-art UAV-based surveys and photogrammetric methods in addition to traditional geological mapping. The lab effectively assesses rock mass quality, slope deformation, discontinuity characterization, and slope hazard zoning.
For expert consultation, research collaboration, or laboratory testing services, please contact us directly at:
We look forward to assisting you with your geotechnical needs.