It is designed to determine the swelling pressure developed by soil specimens moulded to desired densities at known moisture contents, when soaked in water. The load applied to restrain the swelling is transferred on to a load measuring proving ring through a perforated swell plate and a load transfer bar. The proving ring is attached to the lead screw of hand operated load frame. A soaking tank is provided for saturating the specimen and the base of the mould provided has channels and radial grooves with connecting holes.