WAPDA has successfully made Pakistan’s largest triaxial machine operational at its Central Material Testing Laboratory (CMTL) in Lahore. The machine, developed in collaboration with the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, is designed to perform geo-technical testing on rocks for foundations of major dam and hydropower projects.
WAPDA Chairman Lt Gen (Retd) Sajjad Ghani and UET Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shahid Munir visited the facility to mark the occasion. Senior officials from WAPDA and UET also attended the event. The Chairman and Vice Chancellor toured various labs, including the rock mechanics, soil mechanics, and cement and concrete testing labs.
Chairman Ghani praised the Technical Services Division for their efforts and emphasized that WAPDA is equipping the lab with the latest machines and updating existing equipment. This modernization will enable Pakistan to conduct advanced material testing domestically, reducing reliance on foreign labs.
Prof. Munir highlighted the importance of strengthening ties between industry and academia to drive research and innovation in large-scale infrastructure projects. He expressed UET’s commitment to collaborating with WAPDA to enhance the technical capabilities of its workforce.
During the visit, both parties discussed potential collaboration, including establishing a WAPDA chair at UET and creating specialized courses for WAPDA officers. They also agreed to arrange a visit for UET’s senior faculty to WAPDA’s major dam projects, including Diamer Basha Dam and Dasu Hydropower Project, to observe ongoing construction efforts.
WAPDA’s General Manager (Technical Services) provided an overview of the machine’s installation and ongoing lab upgrades. Chairman Ghani directed the team to explore opportunities for expanding CMTL’s commercial services.
