Soil Volume Change Meter
Product Code : LSK-SM-10657
Soil Volume Change Meter (SKU LSK-SM-10657), often called the PVC (potential volume change) meter, gives a quick rating of how much an expansive soil is likely to swell. A small compacted specimen is confined in a ring and wetted, and the pressure it develops is read on a proving ring. Geotechnical and highway labs in engineering colleges, polytechnics and TVET institutes use it to screen clays. The meter is quoted and dispatched by Science Lab Supplies in Ambala, India for institutes, colleges, tender contractors and distributors.
Specifications
Each component and quantity of the PVC meter has a row in the table. Put simply, a 70 mm (2-3/4 in) specimen ring sits in a mould with porous stones and a loading cap, loading pistons pass the swell to a 4.5 kN proving ring with dial indicator, and charts turn the reading into a PVC rating.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | LSK-SM-10657 |
| Specimen ring | 70 mm (2-3/4 in) diameter |
| Sample size | 10 teaspoons of soil |
| Water required | 140 g (5 oz) |
| Mould assembly | Includes porous stones |
| Loading cap | Part of the mould assembly |
| Proving ring capacity | 4.5 kN (1,000 lb) |
| Proving ring reading | Dial indicator |
| Loading pistons | Included |
| Compaction hammer | Included |
| Charts | Convert readings to lb/sq ft, then to a PVC rating |
| Supplied by | Science Lab Supplies, Ambala, India |
Applications and Experiments for the Soil Volume Change Meter
The meter identifies expansive clays before they are used under floors, pavements or light foundations. Because each test needs only a small sample and 140 g of water, a class can compare several soils in one session in degree, diploma and TVET geotechnical and highway practicals.
- B.E./B.Tech civil engineering: identifying expansive soils and their swell potential, with the 140 g of water measured in a Measuring Cylinder 250ml.
- Diploma civil engineering: comparing the swell of different clays for foundation work, scooping each sample with a metal Spatula.
- TVET civil and road construction modules: screening subgrade and fill materials.
Standard Scope of Supply
The meter is supplied with its mould assembly with porous stones and loading cap, the 70 mm specimen ring, loading pistons, compaction hammer, the 4.5 kN proving ring with dial indicator, and the conversion charts. Soil preparation items such as mixing dishes can be added to the quotation.
Packing, MOQ and Lead Time
Quotations cover a single meter or several for student group work, with packing, delivery time and price stated for the exact quantity. Shrinkage, consolidation and swell test equipment can be combined on the same quotation for a complete expansive-soil practical.
Science Lab Supplies is a registered exporter with an Importer-Exporter Code, able to ship to buyers in the Philippines, Nepal, Bangladesh, Zambia, Rwanda and South Africa. Labs screening expansive clays can ask for a price by filling in the contact page, adding the meter to the enquiry cart with swell and shrinkage items, or reading the lab tender page before a public tender.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does PVC mean on the Soil Volume Change Meter?
Potential volume change: a rating of how strongly a soil tends to swell when wetted. The charts convert the proving ring reading to lb/sq ft and then to the PVC rating.
How much soil and water does a test need?
About 10 teaspoons of soil and 140 g (5 oz) of water, compacted in the 70 mm specimen ring with the hammer provided and capped by the loading cap before wetting.
What is the proving ring capacity?
The proving ring is rated at 4.5 kN (1,000 lb) and is read on a dial indicator. It records the pressure the confined 70 mm specimen exerts as it takes up water.
Who supplies the Soil Volume Change Meter?
Science Lab Supplies in Ambala, India supplies the meter. Soil labs can ask for it alone or alongside shrinkage and swell apparatus, and the quotation they receive states packing and delivery time for each item.
Related Expansive Soil and Consistency Testing Equipment
A PVC rating is normally checked against other swell, shrinkage and consistency tests on the same clay. These items from the Soil Mechanics range complete an expansive-soil study, from liquid and plastic limits to consolidation and soaked strength, and can be quoted with the meter.
- Expansion Index Test Apparatus — cast aluminium base and collar with brass hold-down rods and a stainless steel ring.
- Shrinkage Limit Set — glass cup and two acrylic plates for measuring dried pat volume.
- Consolidation Apparatus — fixed ring cell for 60 x 20 mm specimens, weights up to 10 kg/cm².
- Hand Operated Casagrande Equipment — liquid limit device with a counter for cup drops.
- Cone Penetrometer — liquid limit at 25 mm cone penetration.
- Plastic Limit Roller — adhesive-backed absorbent paper that adds no fibre to soil samples.
- Motorised CBR Machine — selectable load speeds of 1.27 mm or 1.0 mm on a 50 kN frame.
Browse the full Soil Mechanics range, the Chemistry Lab range for cylinders and spatulas, or all TVET lab equipment.
Last updated: 9 October 2026
