Consolidation Test
GCTS offers two solutions for automated consolidation measurements: a complete system and an upgrade for existing, manual consolidation cells.
The GCTS Consolidation Apparatus (CRS-10) is capable of performing Controlled Gradient (CG), Constant Rate of Strain (CRS), and Incremental (conventional) consolidation tests. The CRS-10 system includes a servo-controlled loading frame, deformation sensor, load cell, stainless steel consolidation cell, pore pressure sensor, specimen ring, porous stones, o-ring seals, all necessary plumbing, and our SCON-S Servo Controller and Data Acquisition Unit. Software is also provided to set the tests as well as to monitor the test data and data reduction in real time.
During the controlled gradient (CG) test, a pore pressure transducer mounted on the base provides a feedback signal, which is used in the operating software to provide a preset loading rate on the test specimen. The constant rate of strain (CRS) test uses a deformation sensor, which monitors axial strain on the specimen, as the feedback signal to ensure the sample is loaded at a preset rate of strain. The conventional or incremental consolidation test is performed through application of an axial load on the test specimen at preset loading steps or increments.
Falling head and constant head permeability tests can also be performed using the optional PCP-100 Pressure Panel while conduction conventional consolidation tests. Fluid flow is measured directly on the graded tubes included with the PCP-100. In addition, an optional volume change sensor can be supplied to automatically measure and calculate permeability values.
The CRS-10 system can be easily upgraded to a full triaxial test system. GCTS can also provide consolidation systems for larger specimens and larger loads. Other options include a volume change device to automatically measure soil permeability, bender elements to measure shear wave velocities and HAEV ceramic disks to obtain soil-water characteristic curves (SWCC).
GCTS also offers the DataCube, a 4-channel data acquisition unit, to upgrade existing consolidation equipment. By providing deformation sensors and mounting accessories, up to four separate consolidation cells can be instrumented, with all data collected by the DataCube. This allows the user to automatically record the specimen deformation after the load is applied, eliminating the need to manually record the data many times during the test. All data is easily viewed by the operator to determine when the next incremental load should be added. At the end of the test, all data can be easily emailed for further evaluation.
CRS-10
HIGHLIGHTS
- Electro-pneumatic servo control
- 10 kN axial load capacity
- Performs Constant Rate of Strain (CSR), Constant Gradient (CG), and conventional Consolidation Tests
- Automated data collection and report generation
- Custom cells for various specimen sizes
Consolidation App
DESCRIPTION
The soil consolidation apparatus (consolidometer) used to perform the oedometer test is a quintessential laboratory device for any geotechnical testing laboratory and has largely stayed unchanged since its introduction. GCTS has developed a simple data acquisition unit with an app to bring the consolidometer apparatus into the digital age. The DataCube unit with a deformation sensor can monitor and record the specimen deformation after the load has been applied, eliminating the need for the manual recording. The consolidation app saves and plots the data which can be emailed with a touch of a button.
How does it work?
The analog dial gage on the consolidometer is replaced by a DC type deformation sensor which is then connected to the DataCube unit. One DataCube can accommodate up to four (4) deformation sensors, so a single unit can upgrade up to four (4) consolidometers. The consolidation app on a wireless device (Android, iOS, or Windows) is connected to the DataCube via BluetoothTM to begin recording the data. After each load increment is applied the app records and processes the data. The sample test results file is shown on the following page.
