Rock Mechanics

          High capacity servo-controlled MTS testing 

          machine with analog or computer control and 

          digital data acquisition. Capability for uni-axial 

          and tri-axial compression, direct tension and 

          shear and combined shear/tension or
          shear/compression testing
 
          Laboratory and field shear testing machine

          Point load index tester

          Sonic velocity measurement

          Borehole extensometers, convergence and tilt meters

          Overcoring method of in-situ stress measurement

     Soil Mechanics

          Basic soil properties 

          Permeability

          Compaction

          Direct shear

          Consolidation/swell

          Uni-axial compression

     Mineral Exploration

     Ventilation

     Rock Fragmentation and Vibration Control

          Multi-transducer blasting seismograph

          Structure response crack gages   

          Analytical software

          High speed photography

     Surveying

          Multiple Total stations with on-board recording and computing capability

          Global Position System (GPS) base and rover stations

          Automatic gyrotheodolite with .02 mil resolution

          Transits and theodolites (resolution from 1 arc minute to 0.2 arc second)

          Dumpy and automatic levels

          Precision level with micrometer plates and invar rods

          Short and long range Electronic Distance Measuring (EDM) equipment,

             range up to 20 km

     Computer Lab

          PC Lab with internal LAN Connection

          Laser printers

          Inkjet printers

          Calcomp digitizer

          2 Plotters

          Extensive software for drafting, design and statistical analysis

   Waldo Mine Facility (1900's)

     New Mexico Tech maintains a full-scale underground mine for the purpose of conducting 

     course laboratory exercises. The mine is leased to the Mineral Engineering Department 

     from ASARCO and serves as an important educational and research facility used by the 

     faculty and students at Tech. It is located 30 miles west of the campus in the historic 

     Magdalena Mining District adjacent to the famous Kelly smithsonite mine. The Waldo 

     Mine operated between 1870 and 1972 and produced chiefly lead and zinc with minor 

     production of copper and silver using open stopes exposing the rich veins. The mine has 

     approximately 20 miles of accessible tunnel on seven exposed levels and is maintained 

     with electricity, water and compressed air. Course lab exercises conducted at the mine 

     include:

          Geologic mapping

          Surveying

          Ventilation

          Drilling

          Ground control