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Consolidation Testing

Incremental Consolidation and Swell Test System

LoadTrac II system is a high capacity load frame that fully automates an entire consolidation test or constant load and constant volume swell tests. Once a sample is placed into the load frame, the test conditions programmed, and the test started, the LoadTrac II system performs the complete test up to 32 steps without intervention by the user. The computer automatically increments to the next stress by using conditions specified by the user.

A test can be completed in 24 to 48 hours on most materials. With a back pressure consolidation cell users can monitor pore pressure during a consolidation test.

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Description

The incremental consolidation test determines the stress vs strain behavior of soil by incremental loading (stress controlled). From the data, one can determine the Cv, Cc, Cr and Cα, with the correct testing input variables. In addition, the Maximum Past Pressure can be determined to allow insight into overall soil behavior for a given project site. The consolidation test is performed for an engineer to determine soil parameters for a settlement analysis.

The swell (or collapse) test can be run in two ways. The first is to load a sample to a pre-determined load where the specimen is inundated with water and the displacement (up for swell, down for collapse) behavior is monitored. The second is to inundate the specimen and determine the load that prevents the specimen from swelling, the result is the swell pressure of the soil. Typical parameters obtained from this test, depending on the method run, are either the “free swell/collapse” or the “swell pressure” for this soil. The swell/collapse test is run for an engineer to determine if the soil at the site will be compatible with the project they are designing.
Lab Photo

Frequently Asked Questions

The LoadTrac II is a versatile load frame that can easily be upgraded to perform additional test types by purchasing required software and accessories.  Incremental Consolidation, Swell, Unconfined Compression, and California Bearing Ratio are popular tests performed on the load frame alone. Constant Rate Consolidation is an option with the addition of one FlowTrac pressure & volume control flow pump. Triaxial (UU, CU, CD) and Stress Path testing is possible with one to two FlowTrac flow pumps. For those interested in cyclic/dynamic testing, addition of a Cyclic/RM controller and hardware allows for Resilient Modulus testing, and then combined with a FlowTrac allows for Cyclic Triaxial testing. Contact one of our sales team today to discuss all available configurations and options.