UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA


 Students are required to perform some experiments on equipment not located in
the chemical engineering laboratories. These include air-conditioning, humidity and
temperature control tests on other equipment wjich is part of the University plant.
 A considerable amount of special equipment is available in the department for
fundamental and applied research. Students and faculty members also have access
to special instruments and equipment in other departments of the College and
University.
 The Research Laboratories are well suited for research studies of many types.
Active fields of research at the present time include: corrosion, absorption, pulp and
paper studies, utilization of Florida clays, solar energy studies, industrial waste utiliza-
tion and disposal, plastic mounting of botanical specimens, specialty uses of limerock,
insect and mildew control, petroleum studies, the fluorocarbons, heat transmission,
thermodynamics, recovery of fluorine from phosphate rock, refining and utilization of
tall oil and radio-active chemicals.
 CIVIL ENGINEERING LABORATORIES
 Civil Engineering deals with the conception, the design, the construction, and the
operation of engineering structures, such as bridges, buildings, dams, highways, airports,
water supply and waste treatment systems, docks, and harbors. The Civil Engineer
works with large projects of public and semi-public nature that will strongly affect the
economic and social life of many people. It is essential that he acquire a broad
knowledge of the fundamentals of engineering and combine these with experience, good
judgment, and personal integrity of the highest order.
 Brief descriptions of each of the laboratories available for study and specialization
in the Department follow:
 The Materials Testing Laboratory has several universal testing machines, one of
which is a 400,000-lb. capacity high column type. All necessary accessories are available
for a variety of tests on iron, steel, cement, concrete, brick, etc. Modern precision in-
struments are used for structural analysis and research, and for laboratory classes.
 The Experimental Stress Analysis Laboratory includes Begg's Deformeter apparatus,
measuring microscopes, M.I.T. Moment Deformeter and Moment Indicator, 12-in. pola-
roid polariscope with loading frame and camera, and SR-4 Strain Gauge Equipment.
 The Surveying Instrument Room contains transits, levels (wye, dumpy, precise)
repeating theodolite, self-recording theodolite, plane tables, planimeters, hand levels,
clinometers, precise base line measurement apparatus, Gunters chains, stereoscopes and
smaller equipment necessary for proper instruction and practice of surveying in field
and office. The student may familiarize himself with all the devices needed for ele-
mentary, higher and forest surveyings, and elementary photogrammetry.
 The usual items for routine tests on cement and aggregates thereof are to be found
in the Concrete Laboratory. Special equipment includes the Sonic Modulus Apparatus,
Compression Machine, Gilson and Rotap sieves, permeability apparatus, beam-testing
apparatus, length comparators, molds and miscellaneous items.
 In the Soil Mechanics Laboratory routine testing of soils for classification pur-
poses is conducted, including mechanical analysis, plastic limit, shrinkage limits, liquid
limits, etc. Moisture-density relationships in soils are studied utilizing an automatic soil
tamper. The structural properties of soils can be evaluated by use of a direct shear
machine, traxial shear machine, unconfined compression and Casagrande type con-
solidometers. Soil stabilization studies are carried on by use of a Florida Soil Bearing
Machine and California Bearing Ratio Equipment.