Automatic Triaxial Test Systems
Soil Mechanics Testing Equipment
TEST THAT CAN BE PERFORMED
Effective and Stress path Triaxial tests
The AUTOTRIAX Automatic triaxial system not only can perform Effective Stress triaxial tests with all the above vantages but is the unique and indispensable apparatus to perform the Stress Path test.
In fact this test is performed to allow the engineer to replicate the changes in stress conditions soil sample subjected to compression and extension both in the loading and unloading status. In few words, that soil, due for example to excavation, or construction or natural events, can produce the changes of magnitude of the principal stresses (major and minor). The test can only be accurately and reliably performed with a servo controlled closed loop system.
Permeability tests in triaxial cell
The permeability test can be automatically performed with the AUTOTRIAX system using the appropriate accessories.
Unsaturated soil testing
The unsaturated soil testing can be automatically performed with the AUTOTRIAX system using the appropriate accessories.
Note: More than 30 possible test configurations are available. For detailed information, including the complete list of equipment and related accessories see Automatic triaxial test systems: possible configurations.
Main Features
AUTOMAX: TO CONTROL UP TO THREE INDIPENDENT SYSTEMS, FEATURING:
- The ability to run and control several triaxial tests automatically from a PC
- The advantage of systems expansion in modular steps of components and software
- The ability, due to the automatic control, to eliminate the negative environmental discrepancies as operator errors, non-calibration etc.
- Performance of 24 hours 7 days tests without interruption and greater throughput of tests with a considerable cost decrease
- The consequent achievement of a test regime that will produce reliable and repeatable results
- The possibility to upgrade our or other make existing standard triaxial systems
Technical Specifications
The AUTOTRIAX system consists of a number of component, designed specifically for the test automation, which can combined for various up to three independent triaxial systems in different configuration (see Automatic triaxial test systems: possible configurations). Basic components are:
- Triaxial compression frame (Triaxial load frames). A suitable machine is our model NG-WF4005, 50 kN cap. Or NG-WF4010, 100 kN cap.
- Triaxial cell with vacuum top cap (Triaxial cells for advanced applications). A suitable models are our TriCell plus NG-WF4070/P to NG-WF4150/P equipped with vacuum top cap.
- Control unit (Automatic triaxial test controller). The RTC, Real time control box NG-WF4530 with optional NG-WF4537 Expansion module, are the "brain" of the AUTOTRIAX. Provide the automatic control and drive of up to three triaxial systems.
- Data acquisition unit (Data acquisition system for Automatic triaxial). The ATD, Automatic Triaxial Data log NG-WF4616 with optional NG-WF4616/UP1 Expansion module, provides the automatic data acquisition and broadcasts all transducers measurements on the high speed communication network to the RTC Real Time Control box.
- Pressure systems (Pneumatic pressure controller or Hydraulic pressure controller), specifically: Servo flow, Electro-pneumatic servo-valve NG-WF4511 or NG-WF4513, for pressures up to 1000 kPa, or Hydromatic, servo-controlled hydraulic actuator NG-WF4502/A for pressures up to 3500 kPa.
- Test software (Software modulus for Automatic triaxial system). They act as interface between the operator and the Autotriax system to manage automatically all test stages.
All the above components are fully described in the relevant sections named between brackets.
Flow Diagram of the NG-AutoTriax System
Related Products
Moisture Determination Balance - GenMoist
GenMoist is designed to automatically and simultaneously dry and weight a solid sample for the determination of moisture content. The machine provides a continuous direct readout for both the weight and the percentage moisture loss through the entire cycle. It has a build-in timer.
MULTISPEED digital automatic universal tester for displacement controlled tests
The new MULTISPEED tester is the ideal solution for Road testing laboratory. The 50 kN capacity and the fully variable test speed of 0.2 to 51 mm/min make it possible to perform not only the CBR and Marshall tests, but many other applications as for instance Indirect Tensile test, Quick Triaxial tests, Unconfined and Uniaxial soil testing and, in general, all test to be performed under displacement control. The machine can be equipped with analogical or digital load/displacement measurement systems as well as with the specific accessories, to suit either the field or central laboratory requirement.
Dynamic Triaxial Systems 1000 kPa
Dynatriax systems are ideal for commercial and research laboratories for the following applications: Liquefaction potential, Strength degradation due to cyclic loading, Shear modulus and damping ratio, resilient modulus, Effects of blasting in mines and quarries, Effect of ocean waves on costal and off shore structures.
NG-Oedometer - Front Loading Oedometers - Consolidation Test
This test determines the rate and magnitude of consolidation of a soil specimen restrained laterally and subjected to a number of successive increments of vertical loads.
ACE - Automatic Computerized Oedometer
This test determines the rate and magnitude of consolidation of a soil specimen restrained laterally and subjected to a number of successive increments of vertical loads. In this automatic model, the incremental loading, in the load (stress) or swelling (strain) mode, is fully automatic for a practical and accurate test execution with more reliable test results. The ACE unit, the SHEARMATIC Automatic shear testing machine and AUTOTRIAX Automatic triaxial test systems, are the unique equipment for the complete automation of a CST (Consolidation, Shear, Triaxial) Soil Mechanics laboratory in the different configurations. See Automatic Soil Mechanics Laboratory.
Shearmatic 300 - Large Shear Testing Machine
The SHEARMATIC 300 automatic machine is ideal for testing geosyntetics and also soil and other materials that contain large particles of up to 20 mm largest dimension. Sample size up to 300 mm square can be tested, with inserts allowing the testing of smaller sample sizes. See accessories.
Resonant Column and Torsional Shear Tester
RESONANT COLUMN combines the features of both resonant column and torsional shear into a single unit including the current driven motor to apply torsional load to sample, a series of transducers with signal conditioning, a cell and back pressure electro-pneumatic control system and a data logger.
Automatic Shear Testing Machine
The microprocessor control system, therefore, allows the machine to work as an automatic stand-alone unit: the test measurements (force and displacements) a re directly displayed and stored in memory according to pre-set recording modes. The PC is only temporary required to download the test data via the RS 232 port once the test is completed. The data can be processed by the Direct and residual shear Geo-Analysis templates. See accessories.
Shearmatic - Automatic Shear Testing Machine
This microprocessor based advanced model, is a stand-alone machine, driven by a high-resolution stepper motor with epicyclical reduction gear with reduced backlash. Incorporate a pneumatic closed loop system for the automatic application of the axial pressure by a high performance pressure regulator, with the main advantage of eliminating the manual loading of the dead weights. Excellent and high resistance techno-polymeric material has been adopted for the carriage of the shear box. It offers excellent resistance to corrosion, wear and tear and is resistant to all chemicals found in a soil specimen. The carriage is lightweight and easy to clean.
Laboratory Vane Apparatus
The laboratory vane apparatus is based on an original concept of the Transport and Road Research Laboratory of the United Kingdom. It can be provided with a wide range of vane sizes, although as standard, it is sold with the 12.7 mm square vane and a set of four calibrated springs. The test can be performed directly on the sample or in the sample contained in the sampling tube. In this case the NG-WF1736 Attachment for 38 and 100 mm dia. sampling tubes, should be used. See accessories.