Wykeham Farrance 2014 r0 English

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SOIL MECHANICS TESTING
SYSTEMS
In all sections of civil engineering and particularly in soil mechanics, the engi-
neer during the design stage must ensure that the analysis of soil properties
relate directly to the relevant foundation or structure. Using procedures
involving extracting, examining and testing representative samples the engi-
neer can compute a model very close to the real situation. In recent years
we have seen a significant contribution to experimental analysis resulting

ESTABLISHED IN 1941
from more sophisticated testing procedures, updating of many International
Standards and publication of good testing manuals and procedures.
WYKEHAM FARRANCE is one of the longest established manufacturing
companies in the world of Geotechnical Testing Systems. It has always been
synonymous with high technology and quality. A close working relationship
with several premier Universities in Europe ensures a flow of new ideas for
development of new testing techniques and systems.
WYKEHAM FARRANCE was originally formed in 1941 by Geoff Wykeham and
Geoff Farrance. The original company is now part of the CONTROLS GROUP
as the Soil Mechanics Division.
This alliance and synergy, the international network of companies, groups and
distributors provide complete customer service and technical advice including
planning, installation, training and maintenance for all types of laboratories.
XIXth Edition
SYSTEMS
CONTENTS
26 CONSOLIDATION SYSTEMS
- Front loading oedometer ..................................................................................... 8
- Continuous consolidation apparatus ........................................................ 10
- Hydraulic consolidation system ..................................................................... 11
- ACE, automatic computerized oedometer ................................................... 12
27 DIRECT/RESIDUAL SHEAR STRENGTH APPARATUS

- Shear testing machines ........................................................................................ 14
- Large digital shear box ........................................................................................... 20
- Laboratory vane apparatus ................................................................................. 21
- Ring shear apparatus ............................................................................................ 22
28 TRIAXIAL TESTS/PERMEABILITY
- Triaxial tests ................................................................................................................ 24
Triaxial load frames and accessories ............................................................ 26
Triaxial cells and accessories ............................................................................ 30
Local strain transducers - Bender elements ............................................. 34
Pressure systems and related apparatus ................................................... 38
Water de-airing system ..................................................................................... 40
Volume change measurement and air compressors ............................. 41
Pore water pressure measurement ............................................................... 42
Specimen consolidation ..................................................................................... 43
- Permeability
Permeability cells for normal and contaminated soil samples ......... 44
Determination of permeability in triaxial cells ........................................ 45
- Unsaturated soil testing ........................................................................................ 46
29. AUTOMATIC TRIAXIAL SYSTEM

- Autotriax 2, automatic triaixal syst .................................................................. 49
Data acquisition and control unit ................................................................. 51
Pressure and volume controller ..................................................................... 53
Air pressure controller and water volume change for unsaturated ....... 54
Triaxial test automatic control and processing software .................... 58
Typical configurations ........................................................................................ 60
30. DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM FOR SOIL MECHANICS.

- Geodatalog .................................................................................................................. 61
- Geo-Analysis templates ......................................................................................... 62
- Datacomm ................................................................................................................... 63
- Electronic Transducers............................................................................................ 64
31. DYNAMIC SOIL TESTING

- Dynatriax, cyclic/stress path triaxial system ................................................. 67
- Resonant column ..................................................................................................... 74
- Cyclic simple shear................................................................................................... 77
- Fully automated cyclic triax (FACT)................................................................... 80
SYSTEMS
Pioneers in advanced soil testing

To design foundations, embankments and other soil structures, Geotechnical
Engineers require methods of assessing the engineering properties of soils.
For over 60 years Wykeham Farrance has been at the forefront of the
development of test systems designed to give engineers the information
they require.
Some of the more complex phenomena that occur in soils have often been
difficult to recreate in the laboratory: seismic activity, vibration, unsatura-
ted condition, control of principal stresses etc. are areas which have proven
difficult to replicate, despite their importance being understood.
Cyclic/Stress Path Triaxial System

To investigate the effects of cyclic
loading such as earthquakes, ocean waves,
traffic, etc.
4
This was partly due to the lack of test systems capable of reproducing these
effects and the complexity of test systems that were developed to carry out
such work.
A number of advanced computer/software controlled systems allow the
geotechnical engineer to perform the most complex test regimes via a
user-friendly software interface.
Automatic triaxial system

with hydraulic pressure controllers
for pressures up to 3500 kPa
SYSTEMS
The International Network. A total “Service” System

The worldwide distribution network is provided by the companies of the
CONTROLS GROUP which cover the world market.
All of them provide a complete service to the customers including after
sales, calibration service and technical-commercial cooperation.
6 Soil Mechanics Division of CONTROLS GROUP

The Service
A group of experienced professionals
who are capable of repairing and
installing the machines, and also to
suggest the best laboratory set up and
train laboratory technicians
On-site training
Our team of skilled professionals are available
to carry out intensive on-site training
Soil Mechanics Division of CONTROLS 7

26 Geotechnical: Consolidation
Front loading oedometers
Introduction
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. This mea-
sure is a requirement of the founda-
tion, road and soils engineer.
FRONT LOADING OEDOMETERS
q STANDARDS
BS 1377:5 / ASTM D2435, D3877, D4546
/ AASHTO T216 / NF P94 090-1, P94 091 /
UNE 103-405, 103-601, 103-602 /
CEN-ISO/TS17892-5
n 26-WF0302
Front loading oedometer
General description and specifications
The oedometer consists of a rigid aluminium

- Compact and robust design Three oedometers 26-WF0302, complete with cell,
alloy frame to avoid any distortion under
- 3 lever arm ratio 30-WF6207 displacement electronic transducer(1) connected to
load. The lever arm assembly is supported - Screw-jack support 30-WF6016 GEODATALOG, and 26-WF0312
in precision self-aligning bearings and has consolidation bench. (1) As alternative to the standard dial
three hanger positions: 9:1, 10:1, and 11:1 gauges connected to the data acquisition and
ratio. processing system.
Max. loading using 11:1 beam ratio:

1848 kg corresponding to 9.061MPa CONSOLIDATION CELLS / n o t e
(92.40 kgf/cm2) on 20 cm2 specimen FIXED RING AND PERMEABILITYIXED The oedometer is supplied without dial
(Ø 50.47 mm) gauge, (or linear transducers) consolidation
General description and specifications cells and weights, which have to be ordered
Dimensions: 500x200x750 mm
B
(height less hanger x width x length) separately.
The fixed ring models are open to the See consolidation cells and accessories
atmosphere, which permits the saturation next page.
A Weight approx.: 21 kg
of the sample, whereas in the permeability
cell model, the sample and the satura-
ting water are sealed from the atmosphere.
Complete with reservoir, hose connection,
upper and lower porous discs, pressure pad
and stainless steel sample cutting collar.
Accessories
26-WF0320 – 26-WF0337
26-WF0338/A Permeability
z
attachment with 50 ml graduated burette.
Complete with clamps, stand and rubber
hose for connection to the permeability
cell. Weight 4 kg
30-WF6401 Dial gauge 10 mm travel

z
x 0.002 mm subdivision, anticlockwise
rotation
26-WF0312 Oedometer bench to

z
accept up to 3 oedometers. Supplied
complete with locking nuts 26-WF0338/A fitted to the 26-WF0302 with
26-WF0320
8 Soil Mechanics Division of CONTROLS

Geotechnical: Consolidation 26
Front loading oedometers
CONSOLIDATION CELLS
Fixed ring(1) Specimen Specimen Specimen Cell dim. Cell

z Code dia. area height dia. x height weight
26-WF0320 50.47 mm 20 cm2 20 mm 139x74 mm 1.3 kg
26-WF0321 63.50 mm 31.67 cm2 20 mm 139x74 mm 1.3 kg
26-WF0325 71.40 mm 40 cm2 20 mm 139x74 mm 1.3 kg
26-WF0326 75 mm 44.16 cm2 20 mm 139x74 mm 1.3 kg
26-WF0335 112.80 mm 100 cm2 25 mm 200x74 mm 3.0 kg
Spare parts for standard and permeability cells

Cell codes 26-WF0320 26-WF0321 26-WF0325 26-WF0326 26-WF0335
26-WF0322 26-WF0323 26-WF0327 26-WF0328 26-WF0337
Size 20 cm2 31.67 cm2 40 cm2 44.16 cm2 100 cm2
Upper porous disc 26-WF0320/4 26-WF0321/4 26-WF0325/4 26-WF0326/4 26-WF0335/4
Lower porous disc 26-WF0325/10 26-WF0326/10 26-WF0325/10 26-WF0326/10 26-WF0335/10
Cutting ring 26-WF0320/3 26-WF0321/3 26-WF0325/3 26-WF0326/3 26-WF0335/3
Accessories
Calibration disc 26-WF0320/9 26-WF0321/9 26-WF0325/9 26-WF0326/9 26-WF0335/9
(1) Suitable for permeability tests
WEIGHT APPLICATION GUIDE

Cell model 26-WF0320 - 26-WF0322 26-WF0321 - 26-WF0323 26-WF0325 - 26-WF0327 26-WF0326 - 26-WF0328 26-WF0335 - 26WF0337
Beam ratio(1) 1:10 1:11 1:10 1:9 1:10
Max. pressure 32 kg/cm2 64 kg/cm2 20 t/ft2 40 t/ft2 16 kg/cm2 32 kg/cm2 16 kg/cm2 32 kg/cm2 8 kg/cm2 16 kg/cm2
Weight set 26- WF0230/C2 WF0230/C2 WF0230/C2 WF0230/C2 WF0230/C2 WF0230/C2 WF0230/D2 WF0230/D2 WF0230/D2 WF0230/D2
Add. weights 27- - 8 x WF0275/A - 8 x WF0275/A - 8 x WF0275/A - 8 x WF0277/A - 8 x WF0277/A
Total weight kg 64 128 64 128 64 128 80 160 80 160
(1) Hanger position on the oedometer lever arm
SLOTTED STEEL WEIGHTS WEIGHT SETS

Code
z Weight 26-WF0230/C2 26-WF0230/D2
Including Including
27-WF0270/A 0.250 kg
27-WF0271/A 0.500 kg 2x0.250 kg 2x0.250 kg
27-WF0272/A 1 kg 1x0.500 kg 3x0.500 kg
1x1 kg 1x1 kg
27-WF0273/A 2 kg
1x2 kg 1x2 kg
27-WF0274/A 4 kg 1x4 kg -
27-WF0275/A 8 kg 7x8 kg -
27-WF0276/A 5 kg - 3x5 kg
27-WF0277/A 10 kg - 6x10 kg
Total 64 kg Total 80 kg
Slotted steel weights
Accessories for data processing
30-WF6016 GEODATALOG, 16
z 30-WF6207 Linear potentiometric
z
channels data acquisition unit. 110-240 transducer, 10 mm travel
V, 50-60 Hz, 1ph. supplied complete with
DATACOMM software for PC data 30-WF6042 Transducer extension
z
acquisition (see description on page 62) cable, 6 m long
30-WF6016/T1 Consolidation
z 30-WF6044 Transducer extension
z
Geo-Analysis template BS cable, 12 m long
GEODATALOG 30-WF6016
30-WF6016/T8 Consolidation
z
Geo-Analysis template ASTM

Continuous consolidation apparatus
CONTINUOUS CONSOLIDATION Advantages

APPARATUS
- Continuous monitoring of test parameters
q STANDARDS (axial load, pore pressure, axial compres-
ASTM D4186 sion) and detailed plotting of the consoli-
dation curve
n 26-WF0360 - Relatively short time to perform the test
Continuous consolidation apparatus (less than half the time of a traditional
for CRS* tests consolidation test, incremental loading
* CRS = Constant Rate of Strain type)
- More accurate and reliable evaluation of
consolidation and compressibility param-
eters
- Particularly suitable for cohesive saturated
soils.
Specifications
Specimen size: 25.4x63.5 mm (hxdia.)

Max. working pressure: 800 kPa Some diagrams obtained from the data processing
Max. piston load: 50 kN program
Max. height: 410 mm approx.
Max. length: 240 mm approx.
A Weight approx.: 10 kg Accessories for data processing
30-WF6016 GEODATALOG, 16
z
channels data acquisition unit. 110-240
Accessories
V, 50-60 Hz, 1ph. supplied complete with
DATACOMM software for PC data
26-WF0360/1 Cutting ring and
z
acquisition (see description on page 62)
accessories for preparation of CRS sample
26-WF0360 with accessories

30-WF6016/T6 CRS consolidation
z
testing Geo-Analysis template
Main features
- Designed to perform continuous consolida-

CONFIGURATION OF A COMPLETE SYSTEM
tion tests in conjunction with a traditional
compression machine generally used for
Code
z Description Q.ty
triaxial tests
- Double chamber cell, so that two different 26-WF0360 Continuous consolidation apparatus 1
and independent water pressures can be 26-WF0360/1 Cutting ring 1
applied 28-WF0490 Nylon tubing 6x4 mm dia. 1
- Pore pressure measured at the base of the 28-WF4330 Triaxial panel two-way 1
specimen with a pressure transducer 28-WF4330/2 Digital pressure gauge for 28-WF4330 1
- Drainage connected to the top of the 28-WF4320 Bladder air/water interface 2
specimen for consolidation 28-WF4320/1 Spare bladders for 28-WF4320 1
28-WF4005 Triaxial load frame 50 kN 1
- The apparatus requires a pressure system
30-WF4459 De-airing block 1
and data acquisition 28-WF6301 Pressure transducer 0-20 bar 1
30-WF6207 Linear potentiometric transducer 10 mm travel 1
AUTOMATIC VERSION 30-WF0375/T 50 kN capacity strain gauge load cell 1
28-WF4220/A De-airing tank, 7 litres capacity 1
86-D2005 Air drying unit 1
Additional AUTOTRIAX 2 86-D0819 Silica gel 1
software for performing fully 28-WF4225 Valve panel for de-airing tank 1
28-WF2001 Portable vacuum pump 1
automatic CRS (constant rate 28-WF2064 Rubber tube 1
of strain) oedometer tests is 28-WF2015 Laboratory air compressor 1
available on request. 28-WF0490 Nylon tubing 4 mm bore x 6 O.D. 1
30-WF6016 GEODATALOG, 16 channels data acquisition unit 1
See section 29 30-WF6016/T6 CRS Geo-Analysis template 1
30-WF6044 Transducers extension cable, 12 m 3

Hydraulic consolidation
Introduction
The Hydrocon series overcomes the 26-WF0345 with transducer
complexity usually associated with
- Hydraulic loading
hydraulic oedometers and allows more - Low friction design
information to be gathered from the - No weights required
soil sample. - Compact design occupies less space
than conventional oedometers
Pore water pressure is measured using
- Possibility of automatic data acquisition
a pressure transducer and vertical - Incremental or constant rate of loading
settlement using a linear strain trans- tests
ducer. The chamber consolidation - Suitable for compacted clay
- Maximum pressure 3500 kPa
pressure may also be measured with a
pressure transducer if required or with
a standard pressure gauge.
As the Hydrocon is a confined con-
solidation system, it is possible to
measure both pore and back pressure
during testing. In addition it is also
possible to make accurate permeabil-
ity measurements.
Dial gaugeor
n 26-WF0345 transducer
Hydrocon hydraulic consolidation device
Top drainageand
for 100 mm dia. samples backpressure
Hydraulicor
General description pneumaticsample
consolidation
The Hydrocon is supplied complete with

three valves, one porous base disc and one
top loading porous discs. The cell is manu- Porous disc
factured from anodised light alloy and has
three support legs for stability. Sample
Overall dimensions (dxh): 260x450 mm

Porous disc
Drainage,porewater
A Weight approx.: 10 kg pressureor back
pressure
CONFIGURATION OF A COMPLETE SYSTEM
Code
z Description Q.ty
26-WF0345 Hydrocon consolidometer 1
30-WF6401 Dial gauge 10 mm travel x 0.002 mm subdiv. 1
28-WF4400 Double burette volume change apparatus 1
28-WF6300 Pressure transducer 0-10 bar 1
28-WF6310 De-airing block for pressure transducer 1
28-WF4450 Three-channel digital readout system 1
28-WF4330 Triaxial panel two-way for two pressures 1
28-WF4330 28-WF4330/2 Digital pressure gauge for 28-WF4330 1
28-WF4320 Bladder air/water interface 2
28-WF4320/1 Spare bladder for 28-WF4320 1
AUTOMATIC VERSION
28-WF4191 Nylon tubing 6 mm bore x 8 O.D. 1
28-WF2015 Air compressor 10 bar, 50 litres cap. 1
Additional AUTOTRIAX 2 28-WF2016/2 Air filter/water trap 1
software for performing fully 28-WF4220 De-airing tank, 7 litres capacity 1
28-WF4225 Valve panel for de-airing tank 1
automatic Hydrocon tests is 28-WF2001 Vacuum pump 1
available on request. 28-WF2064 Rubber tube 1
See section 29 86-D2005 Air drying unit 1
86-D0819 Silica gel 1

Automatic computerized oedometer
q STANDARDS
BS 1377:5 | ASTM D2435 | ASTM D3877 |
ASTM D4546 | AASHTO T216 | NF P94-090-1
| NF P94-091 | UNE 103-405 | UNE 103-602
General description
The oedometer consolidation test is used to

determine the rate and magnitude of con-
solidation of a soil specimen restrained later-
ally and subjected to a number of successive
increments of vertical load.
The ACE (Automatic Computerized oEdom-
eter) consists of a small and compact load
frame housing two coaxial pneumatic cyl-
inders: the smaller one for low loads and
the other for higher loads, with automatic
switching from one to the other when need-
ed. There are two analogue channels: one for
the displacement transducer and the other
for the load cell with closed-loop feedback,
which controls application of the required
pressure using a high precision pneumatic
servo-actuator. Test parameters are pre-pro- Main features - Automated mechanical loading eliminates
grammed and saved in the ACE software by - Fully automatic PC-controlled test execu- negative factors such as operator error
the operator, including the test end, which tion and manual handling of dead weights
- Three conditions for the automatic - 15kN maximum loading capacity, 10mm
can be programmed on a time or increment
switch to the next step are available: travel displacement transducer
basis. The software can control up to 60 ACE - Real-time data and graph display
time, swelling, rate of secondary consoli-
units from a single PC, giving the operator the dation. - Single ACE software installation controls
choice of controlling single or multiple units. - Testing can continue 24 hours a day, 7 up to 60 units
Once the software is installed (supplied) with days a week without interruption giving - Test management software supplied inclu-
the first ACE unit, it is possible to extend the greater throughput of tests with a consi- ding calibration facility
control of further units just by enabling the derable cost decrease - High speed LAN network communication
communication without additional interven-
tions and costs: an IP address is given to each
unit for the LAN communication: system Test results are recorded and displayed in real Specimen size: from 50.47 to 112.80mm
modularity is ensured for subsequent inte- time and calculations are performed auto- diameter using our consolidation cells. See
grations. matically. Test data can be processed using Accessories.
ACE software allows to set up, save and recall the proper Geo-Analysis Templates conform- Software: can control up to 60 ACE units
different load/unload sequences: for each of ing to BS or ASTM Standards. (not included, see Accessories)
them applied pressure steps, recording mode, The frame can accept all standard consolida- PC connection: LAN cable (included)
time of application, swelling control and section cells, from 50.47 to 112.80mm diameter. Measurement accuracy: better than ±1%
ondary consolidation rate limit can be defined Consolidation cells, Geo-Analysis templates B Overall dimensions: 280x300x600mm
by the user. and test software are not included. See (w x dx h)
Besides the traditional time limit control Accessories. PC is not included.
for transition from one step of pressure A Weight approx.: 25kg (approx.)
to another, further automatic controls are ACE with consolidation cell, PC and Hub
included in the software with great advan- Technical specifications switch
tage to the users, as:
- Swelling control: if the specimen under Maximum vertical force: 15kN - 30kN
test tends to expand, a swelling limit can available on request ORDERING INFORMATION
be pre-set: in case the pre set limit is Load cell capacity: 15kN
exceeded, the system will automatically Displacement transducer: 10mm maxi- n 26-WF3120
skip to the next loading step. ACE Automatic Computerized Oedometer.
mum travel
- Secondary consolidation rate control: 110-240V, 50-60Hz, 1ph.
Maximum air pressure supply: 10 bar. (If
the system will automatically skip to next the air pressure source is not available in n 26-WF3120/SOF
loading step if the secondary consolidation the laboratory, our air compressor model ACE Automatic Computerized Oedometer
rate is lower than a pre-set limit. 86-D2015, 50l capacity may be used. test software.

Automatic computerized oedometer
Accessories
Consolidation cells (see page 9)

Permeability accessory (optional)
Modularity concept: up to 60 ACE units can be connected to the same PC via z 26-WF0338/B Permeability attachment with 50ml graduated
LAN and controlled by the same software 26-WF3120/SOF. burette.
Geo-Analysis templates for data processing
Software: 29-WF6016/T1 Consolidation Geo-Analysis template
z
ACE software operates as interface for all testing processes: the possi- conforming to BS1377:5 Standard.
bility to pre-set all test conditions and let each oedometer unit to work z 29-WF6016/T8 Consolidation Geo-Analysis template
independently and to perform the whole test automatically is the great conforming to ASTM D2435 Standard.
advantage of ACE testing system, ensured by the dedicated software
developed by the geotechnical experts. Hub
26-WF4645 LAN Hub with 8 ports for Wykeham Farrance
z
devices. LAN cable from hub to PC is included.
Air supply
See air compressor and accessories at page 41
The software can control up to 60 units (distributed in 10 testing systems)

connected to the same PC. The above screenshot shows the menu to set the
systems and activate the single units.
The screenshot above shows an example of test sequences setting, where

swelling monitoring and control option is activated.
Calibration and verification facilities for force and displacement transducers For each step, test data are displayed in real time and recorded according
are included in the software. Txt files are automatically generated for cali- to the pre-set logging mode. Testing unit status is continuously displayed
bration reports. Each system is factory calibrated but verifications have to be and time scale can be switched immediately from linear to logarithmic and
ensured by the users at least once a year square root.

27 Geotechnical: Direct/Residual shear
Shear testing machines
SHEAR TESTING MACHINES Main features - RS 232 serial part for remote speed
- Reversible stepper motor for residual control
Introduction strength test
This test covers the determination - Infinitely variable speed drive from
0.00001 to 9.99999 mm/min The horizontal loading system: loading ram,
of the consolidated drained shear shear box, load-measuring system are
- Compact ergonomic design
strength of a soil material in direct - Safety device to prevent overload and perfectly aligned to avoid distortions with the
shear. Three different models are overtravel possibility of mechanical backlash adjustment
available. All accessories are compat-
ible with each model.
n Model 27-WF2060
Digital control and display of speed.
n Model 27-WF2160
Digital control of speed and data
acquisition via AUTOMAX control
system.
n Model 27-WF2180
Digital automatic version with
pneumatic automatic loading by
closed loop system.
All shear box assemblies, dial gauges and
transducers are compatible with the above
machines.
q STANDARD
ASTM D3080 / BS 1377:7 / AASHTO T236 /
NF P094 071-1/2 / CEN-ISO/TS7892-10
DIGISHEAR 27-WF2060 with accessories
Specifications
n 27-WF2060 Speed range adjustable from 0.00001 to

DIGISHEAR, direct/residual shear 9.99999 mm/min (preset via firmware)
machine, digital control and display Maximum shear force: 5000 N
of speed. 110-240 V, 50-60 Hz, 1 ph.
Maximum vertical load: 500 N/5000 N
General description using 10:1 lever loading device
Speed drive ratio: stepper motor 1/10,000
This new machine, which is driven by a high resolution
resolution stepper motor and worm reduc- Horizontal travel: preset via firmware up
tion unit, can accommodate all standard Detail of Shear Box housing made of high to 19 mm
specimens up to 10 cm square and 10 cm resistance techno polimeric material
Displacement limits controlled by
dia. The vertical load is directly applied to
the specimen through a load frame carry- I m p o r t a n t n o t e optical safety switch
ing weights and can be increased using the Digital display: LCD 4-row by 20
The machine is supplied without load ring,
beam loading device, used to amplify the characters. Easy to operate via the
dial gauges for horizontal and vertical
vertical load on the shear testing machines. membrane keyboard
displacement, shear box assembly and
It can receive up to 50 kg of weight so that
weights. All these items have to be ordered
the total load on the specimen can reach B Overall dimensions: 953x387x1180 mm
separately. See accessories.
500 N or 5000 N.
The machine can also be fitted with A Weight approx.: 120 kg
electronic measurement system.

Geotechnical: Direct/Residual shear 27
Shear testing machines (continued)
continued
ACCESSORIES 27-WF0377/ST Load cell, 5 kN cap.,
z
Shear box assembly (see beside table) complete with adapters
30-WF6207 Linear potentiometric trans-
z
Shear box assemblies for all shear ducer, 10 mm travel, for vertical deformation,
testing machines 27-WF1002/ST complete with mounting block
27-WF2060, Load ring with adapter z 30-WF6208 Linear potentiometric trans-
27-WF2160, ducer, 25 mm travel, for horizontal displace-
27-WF2180 LOAD RINGS AND DIAL GAUGES ment, complete with mounting block
z 30-WF6042 Transducer extension cable, 6 m
General description 27-WF1002/ST Load ring 2000 N capacity z 30-WF6044 Transducer extension cable,
with adapter 12 m
All shear box assemblies are constructed 27-WF1003/ST Load ring 5000 N capacity z 30-WF6016 GEODATALOG, 16 channels
of brass and are designed to contain water with adapter data acquisition unit, 110-240 V, 50-60 Hz,
that surrounds the specimen. They consist 30-WF6401 Dial gauge for vertical 1 ph. supplied complete with DATACOMM
of a square box with a rigid walled round or displacement 10x0.002 mm software for PC data acquisition (for more
square hole complete with adapter loading 30-WF6402 Dial gauge for horizontal information see page 62)
pad, retaining plate, 2 grids, 2 perforated displacement 30x0.01 mm with adapter z 30-WF6016/T2 Direct and residual
grids and 2 porous plates. shear Geo-Analysis template BS
z 30-WF6016/T9 Direct and residual
Code
z Size
shear Geo-Analysis template ASTM
27-WF0215/B 60 mm sq.
27-WF0216/B 100 mm sq.
27-WF0218/B 60 mm Ø
27-WF0219/B 63.5 mm Ø
27-WF0222/B 100 mm Ø Extrusion dolly and
sample cutter
A Weight approx.: 2.5 – 4 kg
SLOTTED STEEL WEIGHTS AND WEIGHT SETS(2) FOR 27-WF2060 AND 27-WF2160
SHEAR TESTING MACHINES
Code
z Weight(1) 27-WF0230/C3 27-WF0230/C4
set including additional set including
27-WF0270/A 0.250 kg q.ty 2 -
27-WF0271/A 0.500 kg q.ty 2 -
27-WF0272/A 1 kg q.ty 2 q.ty 2
27-WF0273/A 2 kg q.ty 3 q.ty 1
27-WF0274/A 4 kg q.ty 3 -
27-WF0275/A 8 kg q.ty 2 -
27-WF0276/A 5 kg - -
27-WF0277/A 10 kg - q.ty 3
Tot. 37.5 kg Tot. 34 kg
Components of the square shear boxes
(1) The weights can be supplied on request with traceable certificates both in N and/or kg.
(2) The weight sets 27-WF0230/C3 and 27-WF0230/C4 are suitable for all shear boxes to
apply the various load step.
SPARE PARTS FOR SHEAR BOX ASSEMBLIES

Part description 27-WF0215/B 27-WF0216/B 27-WF0218/B 27-WF0219/B 27-WF0222/B
and code 60x60 mm 100x100 mm 60 mm dia. 63.5 mm dia. 100 mm dia.
Loading pad 27-WF0215/B2 27-WF0216/B2 27-WF0218/B2 27-WF0219/B2 27-WF0222/B2
Retaining plate 27-WF0215/B3 27-WF0216/B3 27-WF0218/B3 27-WF0219/B3 27-WF0222/B3
Porous plate 27-WF0215/4 27-WF0216/4 27-WF0218/4 27-WF0219/4 27-WF0222/4
Plane grid** 27-WF0215/B5 27-WF0216/B5 27-WF0218/B5 27-WF0219/B5 27-WF0222/B5
Perforated grid** 27-WF0215/B6 27-WF0216/B6 27-WF0218/B6 27-WF0219/B6 27-WF0222/B6
Sample cutter* 27-WF0215/B7 27-WF0216/B7 27-WF0218/B7 27-WF0219/B7 27-WF0222/B7
Extrusion dolly* 27-WF0215/8 27-WF0216/8 27-WF0218/8 27-WF0219/8 27-WF0222/8
* Not supplied with the shear box. They must be ordered separately
** Two pieces are supplied with each shear box

Main features - Possibility to set different speed and

- Microprocessor controlled drive system travel (forward and reverse) in the residual
n 27-WF2160 - Large 240x120 pixel shear tests
AUTOSHEAR, direct/residual shear display - Three analog channels: one for load cell
machine, digital control of speed and - Test speed, travel and cycles and two for displacement transducers,
data acquisition via the Automax programmable by the keyboard 130000 point resolution
- Rapid approach and automatic - Different protocol of data downloading to
control system. 110-240 V, 50-60 Hz,
positioning PC through RS 232 serial port
1 ph. - Standard load ring and dial gauges also
- Infinitely variable speed drive from
0.00001 to 11.00000 mm/min usable for manual recording
q STANDARDS
ASTM D3080 / BS1377:7 / AASHTO T236 /
NF P094 071-1/2 / CEN-ISO/TS17892-10
General description
The basic structure of this machine is iden-

tical to the standard 27-WF2060 model,
except for the electronic part, which is
based on our Automax unit, this is a micro-
processor system that reads and processes
horizontal force and displacement readings,
manages the motor and the safety con-
trols through closed loop systems, assuring
important features:
- automatic test running
- test speed closed loop control
- large monochromatic graphic display
240x128 pixel to view data recording in
real time
- different calibration functions (linear and
polynomial)
- language selection
- travel and cycles programmable by 10 but-
ton membrane keyboard with 4 interactive
specific icons
- continuous monitoring and display of
horizontal force, vertical and horizontal
displacement
- maximum horizontal displacement (20 mm)
is controlled by mechanical and optical
safety switch
- different recording modes (linear, expo-
nential (square root), logaritmic, etc.) AUTOSHEAR 27-WF2160 with accessories
- high capacity data memory (up to 1000
lines of data)
- RAM memory with battery back-up with
clock/calendar, operating also when the
The new design of the horizontal loading Excellent quality and high resistance tech-
unit is switched off.
system provides straight-rigid alignment of no-polymeric material as been adopted for
loading ram, shear box, and loading meas- the carriage of the shear box. It offers excel-
urement system, to increase the stiffness of lent resistance to corrosion, wear and tear
transmission of the horizontal force along and it is resistant to all chemical found in
the shearing plane. a soil specimen. The carriage is light weight
The beam loading device for the applica- and easy to clean.
tion of vertical load (1:10 ratio) and the
ASTM balancing frame are included in the
machine.

continued
Specifications Accessories
Speed range: 0.00001 to 11.00000 mm/min Shear boxes

See page 13
Maximum shear force: 5000 N
Maximum vertical load: 500 N/5000 N Slotted steel weights for vertical load
using the 10:1 lever loading device See page 13
Horizontal travel: preset via firmware up
to 19 mm Load rings and dial gauges (mechani-
cal measurements)
Cycles: up to 9 (forward and reverse) See page 13 Components of a square shear box
Specimen size 60x60 mm, 100x100 mm;
50, 60, 63.5 and 100 mm dia. (lxdxh)
B Overall dimensions: 953x387x1180 mm

I m p o r t a n t n o t e 27-WF0377/ST Load cell, 5 kN cap.,

z
complete with adapters
The machine is supplied without load cell,
transducers for horizontal and vertical 30-WF6207 Linear potentiometric
z
displacement, shear box assembly and transducer, 10 mm travel, for vertical
weights. All these items have to be ordered deformation, complete with mounting
separately. See linear transducers block
accessories. 30-WF6208 Linear potentiometric
z Displacement transducers 30-WF6207 and
The machine can also be fitted with transducer, 25 mm travel, for horizontal 30-WF6208 models
mechanical measurement system. displacement, complete with mounting
block
Operating principle
30-WF6016/T2 Direct and residual
z
The AUTOMAX microprocessor control sys- shear Geo-Analysis template BS
tem allows the machine to work as an auto- 30-WF6016/T9 Direct and residual
z
matic stand-alone unit: the test measure- shear Geo-Analysis template ASTM
ments (force and displacements) are 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 serial port, once the
test is completed. The data can be processed
by the Direct Shear Geo-Analysis template Detail of 27-WF0377/ST, 5 kN load cell
30-WF6016/T2. (See accessories).

n 27-WF2180
SHEARMATIC, digital automatic direct/
residual shear machine with
programmable pneumatic loading
110-240 V, 50-60 Hz, 1 ph.
q STANDARDS
ASTM D3080 / CEN-ISO/TS17892-10 /
BS 1377:7 / AASHTO T236 / NF P094 071-1/2
General description
This new microprocessor based advanced

model, is a stand-alone machine, driven by a
high-resolution stepper motor with epicycli-
cal reduction gear with a reduced backlash.
Incorporates a pneumatic closed loop sys-
tem for the automatic application of the SHEARMATIC 27-WF2180 with accessories
axial pressure by a high performance pres-
sure regulator, with the main advantage of Main features - New high resistance techno-polymeric
- Automatic pneumatic application of carriage
eliminating the manual loading of the dead
preset consolidation steps (up to 50) - Easy and immediate set up of the test
weights. - Automatic management of the test parameters via the large digital graphic
Excellent quality and high resistance techno with the possibility to directly continue display
polymeric material has been adopted for the from consolidation to failure (the - Possibility to set different speeds and
carriage of the shear box. operator only needs to remove the travel (forward and reverse) in the
It offers excellent resistance to corrosion, clamping screws of the shear box) residual shear tests
wear and tear and is resistant to all chemi- - Sets of heavy and bulky dead weights - Each single step of axial force can be
are not required applied:
cals found in a soil specimen. The carriage is
- A balanced lever arm maintained - instantaneously
lightweight and easy to clean. horizontal is not required - by means of a linear ramp in a preset
- The vertical force is positively applied time interval
Electronic to the shear box without any friction - Different and independent data recording
- Straight connection between shear box, mode for consolidation and failure
The electronic parts of the SHEARMATIC is drive unit and load cell for the axial - Different protocols of data downloading
based on our “Automax” unit, this is a micro- transmission of the horizontal force via RS 232 serial port
processor system that reads and processes along the shearing plane, Instead of the
classic “swan neck”
the force, axial pressure and displacement
readings, manages the motor, the pressure
valve, the safety systems and the test steps Specification
through closed loop systems. It features a
front panel in scratchproof poly carbon with Display: monochromatic large digital
display (240x128 pixel) Accessories
a ten key keyboard and a large monochro-
matic graphic display. Motor: high accuracy stepper motor with Shear box assemblies
1/10.000 resolution See page 13
Electronic transducers supplied with the
Test velocity: infinitely variable from Air compressor
machine 0.00001 to 11.00000 mm/min (within ± 1%) z 28-WF2015
The machine is supplied complete with: Maximum horizontal force: 5 kN Laboratory air compressor, 10-bar max.
- ±5 kN capacity load cell, bi-directional Maximum vertical force: 8 kN 800 kPa for pressure, 50 litres cap. 240 V, 50 Hz, 1 ph.
type (compression and tension), nominal a specimen 100x100 mm. 28-WF2015/Z
z
sensitivity 2 mV/V, accuracy ± 0.03%. Same as above but 110 V, 60 Hz, 1 ph.
Maximum shear cycles: 10 (forward and
- 10 mm displacement transducer, 1 kø
reverse)
nominal resistance, ± 0.25% linearity, Data processing software
0.002 mm repeatability Maximum travel: 19 mm
30-WF6016/T2 Direct and residual
z
- 25 mm displacement transducer, same Height of the specimen: 20 mm shear Geo-Analysis template BS
specification as above.
- 1000 kPa pressure transducer, 0.1kPa Maximum air pressure supply: 10 bar 30-WF6016/T9 Direct and residual
z
accuracy, nominal sensitivity 2 mV/V. Maximum working air pressure: 8 bar shear Geo-Analysis template ASTM
B Overall dimensions: 973x421x427mm
(lxdxh)
continued
MACHINE SET UP
Automatic test termination: Maximum recorded data: 2000 lines of data

- After a pre-set horizontal load or displacement
- After a pre-set time of the shear stage (from 1 min to about Blocks of memory: up to 25
7 days) Communication protocol:
Selectable via RS 232 serial port:
Safety micro switch: - ASCII for use with Windows Hyper Terminal
- Optical for zero and end of travel - CONTROLS for use with 82-Q0800/TRM
- Mechanical for maximum horizontal displacement
Application of vertical loading: pneumatic piston with a
high-resolution regulator motor-driven via Automax electronic Shermatic layout
board in a closed loop with a 10 bar pressure transducer
Input channels:
- One for load transducer load cell with 130,000 points
resolution
- Two for potentiometric displacement transducers
3 calibration modes of transducers:
- 1st step linear
- 2nd degree polynomial
- Up to 10 steps linear
Data recording:
- Consolidation stage: vertical pressure and displacement Legend 6 Vertical load air pressure transducer
- Shear stage: horizontal force and displacement; 1 Stepper motor 7 Vertical displacement transducer
axial pressure and displacement 2 Horizontal loading assembly 8 Horizontal displacement transducer
Recording mode: 3 Compressed air supply 9 Shear box
- Linear, exponential (square root) and logaritmic 4 Proportional valve to control 10 Load cell
the vertical load 11 Machine frame
- For pre-set intervals of the recorded data
5 Vertical loading assembly 12 Control console
Example of displays Set up of the consolidation steps Direct shear test

Each line of this table step is defined by: Digital display of measurements in
First page of the main Menu - Initial pressure (set point) that is equal to real time:
Selection of main options: the pressure of the previous step - Horizontal force
- Start of the test (direct or residual) - Final pressure (target) that will be - Axial pressure (maintained constant)
- Delete of recorded data and tests reached automatically at constant rate - Horizontal displacement
- Options of language clock and data - Pre-set time to pass from initial to final - Vertical displacement
format pressure
- Calibration procedure For example lines No. 3 and 4 of the table on
- Manual mode for digital display of the the left means:
transducers (e.g. for calibration control) - To apply instantaneously (time = 0) the
out of the tests consolidation step from 100 to 300 kPa
- To maintain the pressure of 300 kPa for
the time of consolidation (e.g. 500
minutes).

Large digital shear box
300
Introduction
The new digitally controlled large
shear box is ideal for testing geo-
synthetics and also soils and other
materials that contain large particles
of up to 20 mm largest dimension.
Sample sizes up to 300 mm can be
tested, with various inserts allowing
the testing of smaller sample sizes.
(See accessories).
n 27-WF2304
Large digital shear box apparatus,
100 kN cap., with shear box assembly
for 300 mm square sample.
110-240 V, 50-60 Hz, 1ph.
q STANDARDS
BS 1377:7, ASTM D6243, EN ISO 12957
ASTM D5321 - D3080
General description
SHEARMATIC 300 27-WF2304
The sample is consolidated via a closed loop Main features
hydraulic system for the automatic pro- - Ideal for testing
grammable application of the vertical load. Specifications Shale – Industrial slag – Brick rubble –
Colliery spoils
The horizontal displacement is driven by an - Digital control
Maximum sample size: 300 mm sq.
high resolution stepper motor. - Steplessly variable speed control
The working of the machine is entirely man- Inserts allow 150 mm size between 0-11.00000 mm/min
aged by the software of a microprocessor - Sample size up to 300 mm
contrl unit that reads the processes of force, Shear and vertical force: 100 kN - 100 kN shear and consolidation force
axial pressure and displacement readings, - Suitable for testing geosynthetics
Speed range: steplessly variable between - High performance proportional valve
manages the motor, the vertical hydraulic 0 – 11.00000 mm/min and electronic control of vertical
loading system, the safety systems and the pressure
test steps through closed loop systems. It Maximum travel: 75 mm - Up to 100 steps of consolidation
features a front panel in scratchproof poly B Overall dimensions: 1500x760x1400 - Calibration via software of consolidation
carbon with a ten key keyboard and a large hydraulic pump with linear function
mm (lxdxh)
monochrmatic graphic display.
By using a larger sample size it is possible A Weight approx.: 930 kg
to gain a more representative indication
of shear strength. The large shear box can
Operating principle
be used to obtain the angle of friction
between many materials. Particular applica-
The Automax microprocessor control system Accessories
tions include the construction of earth dams
allows the machine to work as an auto-
and other embankment work.
matic stand-alone unit: the test measure- z 30-WF6016/T2 Direct and residual
The need for such a device has been recog-
ments (force and displacements) are directly shear Geo-Analysis template BS
nised with its inclusion in BS 1377:7.
displayed and stored in memory according to
The machine includes 100 kN load cell and
pre-set recording modes. The PC is only tem- 27-WF2304/1 150 mm sq. sample
z
linear potentiometric transducers 100 and
porary required to download the test data via insert for 300 mm apparatus
50 mm travel complete with mounting
the RS 232 serial port, once the test is com-
brackets. 30-WF6016/T9 Direct and residual
z
pleted. The data can be processed by the Direct
Shear Geo-Analysis template 30-WF6016/T2 shear Geo-Analysis template ASTM
or 30-WF6016/T9. (See accessories).

Geotechnical: Shear strength 27
Laboratory vane apparatus
LABORATORY VANE APPARATUS
q STANDARDS
BS 1377:7 / ASTM 4648
n 27-WF1730
Laboratory vane apparatus
General description
The laboratory vane apparatus is based on an

original concept of the Transport and Road
Research Laboratory of the United Kingdom.
This instrument 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. A motorizing
unit is also available. (See accessories).
Accessories for laboratory vane

apparatus
27-WF1731 Spare standard vane, 12.7
z
mm x 12.7 mm
27-WF1732 Alternative vane of 25.4
z
mm x 25.4 mm size
z
- Manual or motorized versions available 27-WF1730 with 27-WF1730/2
mm x 25.4 mm size
- Lightweight, compact and portable,
z ideal for site or main laboratories
mm x 19.0 mm size - Convenient and rapid method of
determining shear strength of soft soils
z 27-WF1735 Spare set of four
- Easy to use, many hundreds in
calibrated springs operation today
z 27-WF1730/2 Motorizing
attachment to convert 27-WF1730
apparatus, including driving belt, pulley
set and fixing studs. Testing speed 6 to
12°/min, conforming to BS 1377:7. 240V,
50 Hz, 1 ph
27-WF1730/3Y Motorizing
z
27-WF1730/2Y Motorizing
z
90°/min, conforming to ASTM D4648.
12°/min, conforming to BS 1377:7. 220V,
220V, 60 Hz, 1 ph
60 Hz, 1 ph
z 27-WF1730/4 Motorizing attachment
27-WF1730/3 Motorizing
z
conforming to ASTM D4648. 110 V, 60 Hz,
1 ph. 27-WF1736
set and fixing studs. Testing speed 60 to 27-WF1736 Attachment to hold a
z
90°/min, conforming to ASTM D4648. sample tube of 38 mm or 100 mm dia.
240V, 50 Hz, 1 ph Weight approx. 5 kg.

27 Geotechnical: Shear strength
Ring shear apparatus
Ring shear (operating principle)
BROMHEAD RING SHEAR APPARATUS Section view

Fixed upper
Introduction ring Rotation continues
Annular until the resistance
The residual shear strength of soils is
Rotating sample value remains
sometimes also termed the ultimate lower ring constant
shear strength. This is the strength of
soil when it is sheared to large displace-
ments, for example along the failure
Plan view
plane of a landslide or in a fault zone. Resistance
A remoulded specimen is used to deter-
mine the residual shear properties of the
soil. A slip surface is formed in the test
specimen as part of the test procedure.
It can also be useful to know what sort
of value the residual shear strength of Measurement
an intact soil can have, because this Resistance
(when taken in conjunction with the
peak shear strength of the same soil)
Torque measured with matched load rings or load transducers
indicates its brittleness or susceptibility Continuous shear with constant area
to progressive failure. Soils with high
brittleness need to be used with caution
in engineering works such as embank-
ments (or treated with caution if they
cannot be removed, for example in a
natural slope).
In the unfortunate event of a slope
failure occurring, the general scale
of displacement will depend on the
magnitude of the brittleness.
q STANDARDS
BS 1377:7 / ASTM D6467
n 27-WF2202
TORSHEAR digital ring shear
apparatus
110-240 V, 50-60 Hz, 1 ph.
Main features displacement and force measurements.

- Microprocessor controlled drive system Upgrading version with load cells and
- Test speed adjustable by the keyboard displacement transducer for electronic
- Rapid approach without any limit of recording with data acquisition
rotation system is available (to be ordered
- Infinitely variable speed drive from 0.001 separately)
to 180°/min - Waterproof membrane keyboard
- Serial port RS 232 for PC remote control - LCD display, 4 lines and 20 characters
- Dial gauges and load rings (to be ordered
separately) are ordinarily used for TORSHEAR 27-WF2202 with accessories

Geotechnical: Shear strength 27
Ring shear apparatus (continued)
Specifications
continued
Accessories for data acquisition and
Speed range: 0.001 to 180°/min
General description processing
Maximum shear stress: 500 kPa
The TORSHEAR ring shear apparatus tests Maximum vertical stress: 1000 kPa (lever
ratio 10:1) 30-WF6207 Linear potentiometric
z
the residual shear strength of remoulded
Specimen dimension: 40 cm2 (internal dia. transducer, 10 mm travel with mounting
annular soil samples. The main advantage
of this method compared to the direct shear 70 mm, external dia. 100 mm, thickness block
test consists in the continuous shear with a 5 mm)
constant area during all the test long. This B Overall dimensions:770x360x560 mm 27-WF2202/3 Pair of load cells 1 kN
z
method allows us to recreate in the labo- (lxdxh) capacity
ratory exactly the field conditions, giving A Weight approx.: 60 kg
very accurate residual shear stress values. 30-WF6042 Transducer extension
z
The sample is loaded vertically between cable, 6 m long (q.ty 3)
two porous stones by means of a counter
balance 10: 1 ratio lever loading system. A 30-WF6016 GEODATALOG,
z
Accessories (to be ordered separately) 16 channels data acquisition unit, 110-240
rotation is imparted to the base plate and
lower platen by means of a variable speed V, 50-60 Hz, 1 ph. supplied complete with
Mechanical measuring system: DATACOMM software for PC data acquisi-
motor. The settlement of the upper platen
during consolidation or shear can be moni- 30-WF6401 Dial gauge 10x0.002 mm
z tion (for more information see page 62)
tored by means of a sensitive dial gauge or 27-WF2202/1 Pair of matched load
z
linear transducer bearing on the top of the rings 1 kN capacity 30-WF6016/T3 Ring shear
z
load hanger. Geo-Analysis template BS standard
Torque transmitted to the sample is reacted Vertical load:
by a pair of matched load measuring prov- 30-WF6016/T16 Ring shear
z
ing rings or load cells. Linear transducer and z 27-WF2202/2 Weight set (total 50 kg) Geo-Analysis template ASTM standard
strain gauge load cells can be connected to
the GEODATALOG for data acquisition and
processing. (see accessories)
Using the waterproof membrane keyboard
and the LCD display with 4 rows and 20
characters, it is possible to set the speed
in deg/min or mm/min, using also the fast
approach for sample positioning. The test
can be stopped using the keyboard or setting
a limit of rotation or time.
This apparatus is known as Bromhead
Apparatus. Dr. Bromhead of Kingstone
University designed the ring shear appara-
tus to overcome certain disadvantages of a GEODATALOG 30-WF6016
conventional sherabox. Dial gauge or linear
transducers, load rings or cells and weights 30-WF6207 Linear potentiometric transducer, 10
mm travel with mounting block
are not included and have to be ordered
separately. (See accessories).

28 Geotechnical: Triaxial
Triaxial tests
Type of triaxial tests

TRIAXIAL TESTS - Total stress triaxial tests
(Section 28)
q STANDARDS - Effective stress triaxial tests
BS 1377:7, 8 / ASTM D2850, D4767, D7181 /
(Sections 28 and 29)
CEN-ISO/TS 17892-8, 9 / NF P94 070, P94
- Effective stress and stress path
074
triaxial tests
(Automatic Triaxial testing)
Introduction (Section 29)
To design foundations, embankments
- Permeability tests
and other soil structures, Geotechnical
(Section 28)
Engineers require methods of assess-
- Unsaturated Triaxial Testing
ing the mechanical properties of soils.
(Section 28)
For over 60 years Wykeam Farrance,
now incorporated in the CONTROLS
Group, has been at the forefront
of the development of test systems
designed to give engineers the infor-
mation they require.
Since the development of the first com-
mercially produced shear box machine
in the 1950s, we have been working
closely with leading Academics and
Universities to produce testing sys-
tems that further advance the under-
standing of soil mechanics.
The experimental investigation used
to determine the stress-strain rela-
tion is usually carried out with triaxial
tests, where undisturbed soil specimen
are subjected to different stress levels
and drainage conditions to simulate
as close as possible the different situ-
ations that can occur in the subsoil on
site because of the effect of building
constructions, excavations, tunnelling,
etc.
Our geotechnical division manufac-
tures a large sophisticated state of the
art range of triaxial equipment, which
is detailed above.

Geotechnical: Triaxial 28
Triaxial tests (continued)
TRIAXIAL TESTS METHODS
Total stress measurement a = porous stone

b = rubber membrane
Unconsolidated Undrained (UU) tests Piston
c = cell fluid
With this method the shear strength is measured with respect to total stress. The
soil specimen (assumed saturated) is not allowed to consolidate, maintains its origi-
nal structure and water content, so that its resistance only depends on the level of
geostatic stress in the field. Tests are usually carried out on three specimens of the Lateral pressure
same sample, subjected to different confining pressure. Provided that the soil is fully
SOIL
saturated, the shear strength is the same for each test.
The Mohr envelope, plotted with respect to total stress is horizontal and the shear
strength is constant and equal to Cu (undrained shear strength).
Effective stress measurement

Consolidated Undrained (CU) tests
With this test method the shear strength is measured in terms of effective stress. At Piston
least three specimens are saturated, allowed to consolidate (i.e. to change its struc-
ture and water content) at different level of confining pressure before failure. Due
to the fact that shear strength increases raising the effective stresses the Coulomb’s
model can be applied in terms of effective stress: Lateral pressure
t = c’ + s’n tg f’
SOIL
where:
No
t = shear resistance drainage
s’n = effective normal stress
c’, f’ = parameters of Mohr envelope in terms of effective stress
Pore pressure
During the failure stage the specimen is not allowed to drain and pore pressure is (transducer)
measured, so that the effective stresses are calculated as the difference between the
total stress and the pore pressure. Piston
Effective stress measurement

Consolidated Drained (CD) tests
Lateral pressure
This test method is similar to the “CU” test as the shear strength can be related to the
applied level of stress. At least three specimens are allowed to consolidate at differ- SOIL
ent levels of confining pressure. The failure stage is carried out very slowly to prevent
the increase of pore pressure inside the specimen, which is allowed to drain. The total Drainage
and effective stresses are the same. Mohr circles are drawn for effective stresses at
failure and the parameters c’ and f’ are determined from the Mohr envelope. Pore pressure
(transducer)
A summary table is presented here below in order to help the user in the selection of equipment, starting from basic manuals systems up to fully
automatic solutions.
Test mode Applications Standards
Total stress: UU (Unconsolidated Undrained) ASTM 2850 / 4767 / D7181 / D5084

Effective stress: CU, CD (Consolidated Undrained, BS 1377:6 / 7 / 8
Consolidated Drained)
Manual with analogue measurement system CEN-ISO/TSI 17892-8 / 9 / 11
Permeability
NF P94 070 / P94 074
As above plus: As above

Manual with digital measurement system Unsaturated
Automatic (PC- controlled) with digital measure- As above plus: As above

ment system AUTOTRIAX-2 Stress path

Triaxial tests: Triaxial load frames
TRIAXIAL LOAD FRAMES
q STANDARDS
BS 1377:8 / ASTM D2850, D4767 /
ASTM 7181 / CEN-1SO/TS17892-8, 9 / Main features
NF P94 070, P94 074 - Robust chromed steel twin-column
construction for high rigidity
- Digital control with large high-contrast
4 x 20-character display and 6-key
membrane keyboard
- Speed range from 0.00001 to 99.99999
General description mm/min
- RS 232 control interface
WYKEHAM FARRANCE electro-mechanical - Stainless steel platen
TRITECH machines are based on heavy duty - Rapid approach facility
triaxial load frames, with advanced electron- - Audible alarm at limit of travel
ics and high quality components that put - The quality of the design avoids
vibrations that may affect the specimen
them at the top of the range currently avail- - Can be used with either analogue/
able for triaxial testing on soil. They can be mechanical or digital/electronic load
used either as part of a computer-controlled measurement systems
automatic testing system (for advanced tests - Can be used for uniaxial, effective stress
including stress path and unsaturated) or as and stress path testing, and dynamic
high-performance stand-alone units under testing when fitted with a suitable
actuator
manual control.
The load frames are built around a robust
twin chromed-column structure, ensuring
extremely high rigidity. The loading platen is
made from stainless steel. When the frame is
used in PC control mode, all the main func-
tions (speed fast/slow, direction up/down, TRITECH 28-WF4005 with triaxial cell, load
stop) are managed by the PC software. In cell, displacement and pressure transducer
manual stand-alone mode, the user-friendly
keyboard on the front panel is used to
control all the frame’s functions, including
a rapid approach facility that reduces test Product code 28-WF4005 28-WF4010
set-up time. For efficient use the last set- Maximum compressive force, kN 50 100
tings are automatically recalled after switch
Maximum sample diameter, mm 150 150
on and micro switches prevent over-travel
problems. The panel and display are pro- Minimum testing speed, mm/min 0.00001 0.00001
tected from water and dust by a waterproof Maximum testing speed, mm/min 99.99999 99.99999
membrane.
These frames are versatile, compact and easy Maximum tensile force, kN 5 5
to use and allow a variety of test procedures Minimum vertical clearance, mm 335 390
to be performed, from simple uniaxial up to Maximum vertical clearance, mm 1100 1140
advanced triaxial. They can also be equipped
with a pneumatic actuator for performing Horizontal clearance, mm 364 498
both static and dynamic testing. Platen diameter, mm 158 158
Two capacities are available: 28-WF4005 - Platen travel, mm 100 100
50 kN and 28-WF4010 - 100 kN.
A complete range of parts and accessories Dimensions, mm (h x w x d) (approx.) 1460 x 503 x 380 1813 x 586 x 515
is available from WYKEHAM FARRANCE to Power, W 600 680
configure these machines for any typical Weight, kg (approx.) 110 140
triaxial soil testing application, using either
analogue or digital data measurement.
Accessories Pressure systems
Triaxial cells Oil/water pressure apparatus - see page 39
Triaxial load frames Standard or banded cells – see page 30 Air/Water pressure system and distribution/
n 28-WF4005 Measuring instruments
control panels - see page 39
TRITECH 50 triaxial load frame 50 kN cap. Hydromatic 2 stand-alone pressure/volume
Analogue or digital - see page 28,41
110-240 V, 50-60 Hz, 1 ph. controller – see page 38
Advanced testing
n 28-WF4010 Bender elements or local strain measure-
Water de-airing systems - see page 40
TRITECH 100 triaxial load frame 100 kN cap.
ment - see page 36 Data acquisition and processing - see
110-240 V, 50-60 Hz, 1 ph.
page 61
Triaxial tests: Triaxial load frames (continued)
General description Main features

- Robust chromed steel twin-column
WYKEHAM FARRANCE’s electro-mechanical construction for high rigidity
TRIAX machine has been designed specifi- - Large high-contrast 4 x 20-character
cally for triaxial applications and is ideal for display and 6-key membrane keyboard
laboratories that need a versatile machine - Speed range from 0.00001 to 50.8
mm/min
capable of performing a wide range of tests. - RS 232 control interface
The load frame is built around a robust - Stainless steel platen
chromed-steel twin-column structure, - Rapid approach facility
ensuring extremely high rigidity up to 50 kN. - Audible alarm at limit of travel
When the frame is used in PC control - Can be used with either mechanical or
mode, all the main functions (speed fast/ electronic load measurement system
slow, direction up/down, stop) are man-
- Ideal for small laboratories that need
a versatile machine able to perform a
aged by the PC software. All functions can wide range of tests
also be remotely managed by PC via a set
of commands in ASCII format. In manual
stand-alone mode, the user-friendly key-
board on the front panel is used to control
all the frame’s functions, including a rapid 28-WF4001 with standard triaxial cell,
approach facility that reduces test set-up load ring and dial gauge
time.
For efficient use the last settings are auto-
matically recalled after switch on and micro
switches prevent over-travel problems. The
panel and display are protected from water
and dust by a waterproof membrane.
The frame has been designed for soil testing Product code 28-WF4001
labs conducting UU, CU and CD triaxial tests
Maximum sample diameter, mm 70
but it can also be used, due to its large range
of speeds, to perform unconfined, CBR and Minimum testing speed, mm/min 0.00001
Marshall tests. Maximum testing speed, mm/min 50.8
A complete range of parts and accessories
Maximum load frame capacity, kN 50
is available from WYKEHAM FARRANCE to
configure these machines for any typical Minimum vertical clearance, mm 390
triaxial soil testing application, using either Maximum vertical clearance, mm 725
analogue or digital data measurement.
Horizontal clearance, mm 380
Platen diameter, mm 158
n 28-WF4001 Platen travel, mm 100

TRIAX, triaxial load frame, 50 kN capacity. Dimensions, mm ( h x w x d) (approx.) 1215 x 500x 495
110-240 V, 50-60 Hz, 1 ph.
Power, W 600
Weight, kg (approx.) 90
Accessories
Triaxial cells Water de-airing systems - see page 40
Standard or banded cells – see page 30
Data acquisition and processing - see
Measuring instruments page 61
Analogue or digital - see page 28, 41
Pressure systems
Oil/water pressure apparatus - see page 39
Air/Water pressure system and distribution/
control panels - see page 39
Hydromatic 2 stand-alone pressure/volume
controller – see page 38

Triaxial tests: Accessories for triaxial load frames
MEASUREMENT ACCESSORIES FOR STRAIN GAUGE LOAD CELLS LOAD MEASUREMENT INSIDE THE
28-WF4001, 28-WF4005 AND TRIAXIAL CELL. SUBMERSIBLE LOAD
Used to measure the axial force applied to
28-WF4010 FRAMES the specimen in the triaxial cells: CELLS
Internal load cells have been designed to
LOAD MEASUREMENT General specifications
work inside the triaxial cell. They have a
The machines can be fitted with: lower hysteresis and very good linearity
- Standard mechanical load rings Nominal tensitivity: 2mV/V
together with a substantial over load safety
(30-WF6450 to 30-WF6452) Accuracy: better than 0,1%
feature.
- External load cells (30-WF0370/T to Code
z Full scale Thread
30-WF0376/T) for use with Data Specifications
Acquisition and processing systems 28-WF0370/T 3,5 kN Female
- Submersible load cells fitted inside the Overload capacity: 200%
M20x1.5
triaxial cells (30-WF6350 to 30-WF6356) Excitation voltage: 10 V DC
28-WF0373/T 10 kN Female Non-linearity: ± 0.05% full scale
for better accuracy as the measurement
M20x1.5 Hysteresis: 0.05% full scale
is not affected by the friction between
the ram and the cell collar. For use with 28-WF0374/T 25 kN Female Cable length: 2 metres
Data Acquisition and processing systems M20x1.5 Diameter: 75 mm
28-WF0375/T 50 kN Female Height excluding ram or stub: 50 mm
M20x1.5 A Weight excluding ram or stub: 850 g
LOAD RINGS 28-WF0376/T 100 kN Female
General description M30x2.0
Note. All the load cells are supplied
All load rings are supplied ready for direct
complete for connection to the upper
connection to the adapter supplied with our
beam of the triaxial frames (all models)
triaxial load frames and by the simple fixing
of a 28-WF1049 connector can be adapted
for use with our complete range of triaxial
cells.
z 28-WF6450 Load ring 1 kN cap.
Strain gauge load cells 28-WF6352 Submersible load cell fitted with a
ram for a triaxial cell
SUBMERSIBLE LOAD CELLS FITTED WITH RAMS AND CORRESPONDENT TRIAXIAL CELL
Model of Capacity Model of Diameter of the ram
submersible kN kgf triaxial cell mm
load cell compatible
28-WF6350 1.0 100
28-WF6352 5.0 500 28-WF4050 15.5
Load ring fitted with 28-WF1049 seat 28-WF6354 10.0 1000
28-WF6351 1.0 100 28-WF4070
28-WF4100
28-WF6353 5.0 500 28-WF4150
25.0
28-WF6355 10.0 1000
28-WF6356 25.0 2500

Triaxial tests: Accessories for triaxial load frames (continued)
z 28-WF6310 De-airing block for pore

pressure measurement transducer. It must
Accessories. Continued be connected to the banded triaxial cells
AXIAL STRAIN MEASUREMENT z 28-WF4459 De-airing block for pore
pressure measurement transducer. It must
Two different types of devices are used: be connected to the standard triaxial cells
- Standard mechanical dial indicators
(30-WF6402 and 30-WF6403) 30-WF1048/T
- Potentiometric displacement transducers
(30-WF6208 and 30-WF6210) with the
suitable mounting bracket, for use with
data acquisition and processing systems
MECHANICAL DIAL INDICATORS
z 30-WF6402 Dial indicator 30x0.01 mm

z 30-WF6403 Dial indicator 50x0.01 mm 30-WF6221
28-WF6300 with 28-WF6310
General description
50 mm dia. clockwise rotation. Supplied
complete with rear mount for connection
to load rings.
A Weight approx. 200 g
28-WF6300 with 28-WF4459

30-WF6209
n o t e DATA ACQUISITION AND PROCESSING

Each displacement transducer must be z 30-WF6016 GEODATALOG, 16 channels
30-WF6402 completed with 30-WF6220 (or 30-WF6221 data acquisition unit. 110-240 V, 50-60 Hz,
or 30-WF1048/T) to be connected to the 1ph. supplied complete with DATACOMM
POTENTIOMETRIC DISPLACEMENT triaxial cell ram. software for PC data acquisition (see
TRANSDUCERS AND MOUNTING description on page 56)
BRACKETS z 30-WF6042 Transducer extension cable,
Input voltage: 10 V DC 6 m long
PRESSURE MEASUREMENT
Output: from 0 to 10 V DC
z 30-WF6044 Transducer extension cable,
Repeatability: better than 0,002 mm
PRESSURE TRANSDUCERS FOR PORE 12 m long
Accuracy: better than 0,002 mm
PRESSURE MEASUREMENT z 30-WF6016/T4 Effective stress (CU, CD)
z 30-WF6208 Axial displacement
Input voltage: 10 V DC Triaxial Testing Geo-Analysis template
potentiometric transducer, 25 mm travel
Output voltage: 100 mV to full scale z 30-WF6016/T5 Undrained (UU) Triaxial
Accuracy: better than 0,1 kPa Testing Geo-Analysis template
potentiometric transducer, 50 mm travel
potentiometric transducer, 100 mm travel Code
z Max.
z 30-WF6220 Mounting bracket for 28-WF6300 10 bar
28-WF4050 triaxial cell, 15.5 mm dia. ram
28-WF6301 20 bar
z 30-WF6221 Mounting bracket for
28-WF4070, 28-WF4100, 28-WF4150, 28-WF6302 35 bar
28-WF4070/P, 28-WF4100/P, 28-WF4150/P Note. They are connected to the triaxial
triaxial cells, 25 mm dia. ram cell by the de-airing block 28-WF6310
z 30-WF1048/T Mounting bracket for or 28-WF4459
28-WF0410/A, 28-WF0411/A, 28-WF0416/A GEODATALOG 30-WF6016

Triaxial tests: Triaxial cells and accessories
STANDARD TRIAXIAL CELLS FOR TRIAXIAL CELLS

SPECIMENS UP TO 100 MM DIA
Code
z 28-WF0410/A 28-WF0411/A 28-WF0416/A
Max. specimen size (Ø x h mm) 50x100 70x140 100x200
The cell essentially consists of a transparent Max. working pressure(kPa) 1700 1700 1700
polycarbonate chamber, which has a piston Max. piston load (kN) 45 45 45
assembly fitted to the top and a double Max. height (mm) 380 440 515
flange base fitted to the bottom. Three (or Diameter (mm) 140 174 200
six) simple thumbscrews are used to clamp Weight (kg) 4 7.3 14.3
the upper part of the cell to the base, which
make assembly and disassembly a very quick
and simple operation.
The base of the cell has four inlet points for
top drainage/back pressure, cell pressure and
bottom drainage/pore water pressure. Two
of these are supplied with special no-volume
change valves.
Base adapters, plinths, top caps, porous
discs, rubber membranes and sealing rings
are not included. See accessories.
28-WF0416/A, 28-WF0411/A, 28-WF0410/A

28-WF0420/9
TRIAXIAL CELL ACCESSORIES
Specimen base adapters

Each cell has to be completed with the base pressure measurement and are supplied
adapter corresponding to the specimen size complete with a solid disc for use in und-
as shown in the following table. All adapters rained tests.
are perforated for bottom drainage/pore
Specimen 28-WF0410/A 28-WF0411/A 28-WF0416/A

dia. mm z Code z Code z Code
35 28-WF0410/A1 28-WF0411/A1 -
38 28-WF0410/A2 28-WF0411/A2 -
50 28-WF0410/A3 28-WF0411/A3 -
70 - 28-WF0411/A4 28-WF0416/A1
100 - - 28-WF0416/A2
HAND SAMPLERS
Comprising cutter, wooden dolly and receiver.
z Code Size Spare cutter tube Spare dolly
1 Base adapter (complete set) (dia.xh mm) z Code z Code
2 Porous top cap 28-WF0420/9 35x70 28-WF0420/91 28-WF0420/92
3 Porous disc 28-WF4031/G 38x76 28-WF0422/91 28-WF0422/92
4 Rubber membrane 28-WF4051/G 50x100 28-WF0425/91 28-WF0425/92
5 Sealing rings 28-WF4071/G 70x140 28-WF0428/91 28-WF0428/92
6 No-volume change valve 28-WF4101/G 100x200 28-WF0432/91 28-WF0432/92

Triaxial tests: Triaxial cells and accessories (continued)
TRIAXIAL CELL ACCESSORIES (CONTINUED)

Description For specimens
Ø 35 mm Ø 38 mm Ø 50 mm Ø 70 mm Ø 100 mm
Base adapters 28-WF0410/A1(1) 28-WF0410/A2(1) 28-WF0410/A3(1) 28-WF0411/A4(1) 28-WF0416/A2
28-WF0411/A1 28-WF0411/A2 28-WF0411/A3 28-WF0416/A1 -
z Code z Code z Code z Code z Code
Porous top cap 28-WF0420/A3 28-WF0422/A3 28-WF0425/A3 28-WF0428/A3 28-WF0432/A3

Pair of porous discs 28-WF0420/A4 28-WF4034 28-WF4054 28-WF4074 28-WF4104
Membrane (10pcs) 28-WF0420/A5 28-WF4035 28-WF4055 28-WF4075 28-WF4105
O ring (10pcs) 28-WF0420/7 28-WF4036 28-WF4056 28-WF4076 28-WF4106
Membrane stretcher 28-WF0420/8 28-WF4031/A 28-WF4051/A 28-WF4071/A 28-WF4101/A
O-ring placing tool 28-WF0420/10 28-WF4031/B 28-WF4051/B 28-WF4071/B 28-WF4101/B
Lateral filter drains (50pcs) 28-WF0420/A9 28-WF4031/E 28-WF4051/E 28-WF4071/E 28-WF4101/E
Filter discs (pack pf 100) - 28-WF4031/F 28-WF4051/F 28-WF4071/F 28-WF4101/F
Split sand former 28-WF0420/A6 28-WF0422/A6 28-WF0425/A6 28-WF0428/A6 28-WF0432/A6
Drainage burette 28-WF0420/11 28-WF0420/11 28-WF0420/11 28-WF0420/11 28-WF0432/11(2)
No-volume change valve(3) 28-WF0420/12 28-WF0420/12 28-WF0420/12 28-WF0420/12 28-WF0420/12
Split mould 28-WF0420/13 28-WF0422/13 28-WF0425/13 - -
Spares
Spare tube and connector 28-WF0420/20 28-WF0420/20 28-WF0420/20 28-WF0428/20 28-WF0432/20
for porous top cap
(1) Depending upon cell model (2) 50 ml model (3) Complete with connection for 6 mm dia. plastic hose
minimum disturbance to the sample.

Other accessories 8 Split sand former. A specially designed piece of equip- 11 No-volume change valve. Identical to the two valves
ment for use when preparing non-cohesive soils which supplied with the triaxial cells and used for measuring pore
otherwise could not be mounted in a triaxial cell. pressure and when fitting the drainage burette.
28-WF4005/39 Platen adapter to fit
z
9 Drainage burette. 10 ml. Used to prepare non-cohe- 12 Split mould. Used for trimming the ends of soil
standard triaxial cells on Tritech 50 or sive specimens by applying a negative pressure to the base specimen.
Tritech 100 of the specimen and for measuring drainage into and out
of the specimen when testing with the specimen open to
86-D0822 Vaseline oil. 1 kg bottle
z the atmosphere. Supplied with connections for triaxial cell.
z 86-D0845 Water-repellent grease. 1 kg box 10 O-ring placing tool. To fit the sealing ring with the
z 28-WF0420/15 Greaser for triaxial cell

28-WF0490/1 Flaring tool
z 12
8
10
28-WF0490 Nylon tubing 6x4 mm dia.,
z
20 m coil
6
Legend
1 Base adapter. Used to adapt the triaxial cell for use
with the selected sample size. Supplied complete with a 1
plain base cap. 3
2 Porous top cap. Used to evenly apply the loading over 2
the whole cross sectional area of the sample when drain- 9
age to the top of the sample is required. Includes a nylon
tube and connector for the base drainage line.
3 Porous disc. Used as a filter ensuring that the passage
of water into and out of the sample is evenly spread over
the whole cross sectional area. Two required.
7
4 Rubber membrane. Provides a protective water proof
sheath around the sample. Made of rubber latex and sup-
plied in packs of 10. 5
5 Sealing rings. Used to seal the membrane against
the plinth and the top cap at either end of the sample.
Supplied in packs of 10.
4
6 Membrane stretcher. Used to pull open the membrane
to allow it to be easily placed over the specimen without
11
any disturbance.
7 Filter paper drains. Used as side drains when speci-
mens have low permeability. They are particularly useful
when saturating clays before consolidation and shearing.
Pack of 50.

BANDED TRIAXIAL CELLS Specifications

AND ACCESSORIES
Product code 28-****** WF4050 WF4070 WF4100 WF4150
General description
Nominal sample diameter, mm 50 70 100 150
The cell essentially consists of a transparent Sample diameter range, mm 38 to 50 38 to 70 38 to 100 38 to 150
chamber which is banded to prevent exces-
sive expansion during the test and to protect Maximum working pressure, kPa 2000 3500 2000 2000
against explosive failure when used with air Maximum cell height, mm 410 550 600 710
pressure.
Cell diameter, mm (inc. valves) 350 400 440 520
The design of the cell ensures vertical align-
ment of the loading ram by clamping the Weight, kg (approx.) 7 18 21 40
Perspex wall separately from the cell top. 5 (for top drainage/back pressure, cell pressure and base
The cell has to be completed with a pedestal, No. of inlet points
drainage/pore pressure)
top cap (standard or vacuum) and other
Attachment for vacuum top
accessories conforming to the specimen size,
cap for extension tests
-   
n 28-WF4050 Banded triaxial cell for Upgrading option for use of -   
samples up to 50 mm diameter. local strain transducers and 28-WF 28-WF 28-WF
bender elements 4070/ADV 4100/ADV 4150/ADV
n 28-WF4070 Banded triaxial cell for
samples up to 70 mm diameter. Effective stress/Total stress
testing    
samples up to 100 mm diameter. Stress path testing -   
samples up to 150 mm diameter.
Dynamic testing -   
28-WF4150, 28-WF4100, 28-WF4070 and 28-WF4050
Main features
- Banded for extra protection when using - Five on/off no-volume-change valves - Models 28-WF4070, 28-WF4100 and
compressed air systems fitted as standard 28-WF4150 can be used to perform
- Maximum working pressure of 2000 kPa - For samples with diameters of 38, 50, 70, stress path and dynamic testing, using a
or 3500 kPa (28-WF4070 model only) 100 and 150 mm vacuum attachment with the appropriate
- Separate cell chamber clamping prevents - Chamber height is suitable for pedestal and top cap
over stressing chamber and ensures submersible load cells - Models 28-WF4070, 28-WF4100 and
correct alignment - Rapid assembly design 28-WF4150 can be upgraded with an
- Light alloy construction with stainless - Designed to accommodate a specimen advanced kit to make them compatible
steel ram and O-ring seal with a height twice its diameter with local strain transducers and bender
- Built-in ram clamp elements
- Includes rod and rest for strain dial gauge
or displacement transducer
32
as shown in the following table. The cells can Accessories

be fitted not only with accessories of the
nominal size, but also with those of smaller Triaxial cell pedestals
sizes (e.g. the 28-WF4070 70 mm cell can be Each cell has to be fitted with a pedestal corresponding to the size of the specimens to be tested.
adapted to test specimens with diameters of Using specific adaptive pedestals it is possible to test specimens with different diameters in the
38 and 50 mm). same triaxial cell - see the table below.
28-WF4070 to 28-WF4150 cells can be fitted
with an upgrading kit so that tests can be
Banded triaxial cell product code
performed using local strain transducers and Diameter,
bender elements. mm 28-WF4050 28-WF4070 28-WF4100 28-WF4150
See Upgrading options. 38 28-WF4031/5 28-WF4031/7 28-WF4031/10 28-WF4031/15
50 28-WF4051/5 28-WF4051/7 28-WF4051/10 28-WF4051/15
70 - 28-WF4071/7 28-WF4071/10 28-WF4071/15
I m p o r t a n t n o t e
100 - - 28-WF4101/10 28-WF4101/15
Pedestals, top caps, porous discs, rubber 150 - - - 28-WF4151/15
membranes, O-rings etc. are not included -
see Accessories.
Triaxial cell and sample accessories
Diameter, mm 38 50 70 100 150

Top cap 28-WF4032/A 28-WF4052/A 28-WF4072/A 28-WF4102/A 28-WF4152/A
Vacuum top cap 28-WF4032/AV 28-WF4052/AV 28-WF4072/AV 28-WF4102/AV 28-WF4152/AV
Porous discs (2) 28-WF4034 28-WF4054 28-WF4074 28-WF4104 28-WF4154
Membranes (pack of 10) 28-WF4035 28-WF4055 28-WF4075 28-WF4105 28-WF4155
O-rings
28-WF4036 28-WF4056 28-WF4076 28-WF4106 28-WF4156
(pack of 10)
Membrane stretcher 28-WF4031/A 28-WF4051/A 28-WF4071/A 28-WF4101/A 28-WF4151/A
O-ring placing tool 28-WF4031/B 28-WF4051/B 28-WF4071/B 28-WF4101/B 28-WF4151/B
Three-part split former 28-WF4031/C 28-WF4051/C 28-WF4071/C 28-WF4101/C 28-WF4151/C
Two-part split mould 28-WF4031/D 28-WF4051/D 28-WF4071/D 28-WF4101/D 28-WF4151/D
Lateral filter drains
28-WF4031/E 28-WF4051/E 28-WF4071/E 28-WF4101/E 28-WF4151/E
(pack of 50)
Filter discs (pack of 100) 28-WF4031/F 28-WF4051/F 28-WF4071/F 28-WF4101/F 28-WF4151/F
Hand sampler 28-WF4031/G 28-WF4051/G 28-WF4071/G 28-WF4101/G -
Two-part split former
with 28-WF4031/H 28-WF4051/H 28-WF4071/H 28-WF4101/H 28-WF4151/H
vacuum attachment
n 28-WF4005/E Extension test accessory for connecting the load cell ram to the cross bar of the
load frame. This accessory must be used with a submersible load cell and a vacuum top cap.
Pedestals 38-WF4071/7, 28-WF4051/7 and

28-WF4031/7
Triaxial cell and sample preparation accessories

Local strain measurement in Triaxial testing
Upgrading options
Upgrading kits are available that allow local

strain transducers and bender elements to be
used inside the banded cells. An access ring is
provided that fits between the cell base and
the cell body with holes for the cables to go
through. Watertight plugs are included to seal
the unused holes.
Upgrading kits 28-WF4150/ADV, 28-WF4100/ADV, 28-WF4070/ADV n 28-WF4070/ADV Advanced upgrading

kit for triaxial cell WF4070 allowing use of
local strain transducers and bender ele-
ments.
n 28-WF4100/ADV As above but for tria-
xial cell WF4100.
n 28-WF4150/ADV As above but for tria-
xial cell WF4150.
LOCAL STRAIN TRANSDUCERS
General description
In conventional triaxial testing the stiffness

of a soil specimen is determined by exter-
nal measurement of displacement. Such
measurements are subject to errors caused
by deflections of the loading system and
Banded triaxial cells fitted with upgrading kits for using local strain transducers and bender elements
bedding of the porous stone onto the ends
of the specimen.
Local vertical and radial strain transduc-
ers avoid these problems by providing the
opportunity to measure the deformation,
Triaxial sample with high accuracy, directly on the triaxial
test specimen.
Local strain transducers are supplied in a kit
which includes one radial and two vertical
Top transducers suitable for 38, 50, 70, 100 and
drainage
Top cap 150 mm specimen diameters. Mounting
Porous
stone
accessories such as radial belt, mounting
brackets and jig are also included.
Filter paper
for side Membrane
drainage Operating principle
Sample
The local strain transducer has a built-in Hall
Porous
effect sensor on one end and a magnet on the
stone other. The sensor is a device that detects the
presence of a magnetic field, generated by a
Back pres- flat rectangular piece of P-type semiconductor
sure O rings
material (Hall element) and a power source
Pedestal that supplies it with a constant current. The
Cell base
flow of positively charged particles (or hole
flow) takes place inside the P-type semicon-
Load frame pedestal ductor material.
Pore water Pore water
pressure pressure When current is passed through the conductor
and it is placed in a magnetic field perpendicu-
lar to the current flow, a voltage difference,

Local strain measurement in triaxial testing
called the Hall voltage, is generated transverse

to both the current and the magnetic field.
This is known as the Hall effect.
When flux lines that are perpendicular to the
Hall element pass through it, the carriers are
deflected to one side by an effect called the
Lorentz force.
The angle at which the magnetic flux lines pass
through the Hall element affects the ampli-
tude of the voltage produced at the output.
Maximum output is achieved when the lines
are perpendicular.
Local strain hall effect transducers
Main features - For use with Banded triaxial cells fit-

ted with suitable upgrading kits and
- Suitable for specimen diameters from 38 Double-wall triaxial cells
to 150mm - Vertical and radial deformation measu-
- Maximum working pressure of 3500 kPa red directly on the triaxial test specimen
- Light and compact construction with - Suitable for static and dynamic data
reduced dimensions acquisition by triaxial systems
Transducers mounted on a sample
Technical specifications
Input voltage: 10 V
Output voltage (ratiometric): ±350 mV
(radial); ±950 mV (vertical)
Accuracy (average): better than ±0.5% FRO
Temperature coefficient: ±0.02/FRO/°C Vh: Hall voltage; B: Magnetic field;
Weight: from 9 to 95 g (approx.) I: current across the plate length;
e: elementary charge; t: thickness of the plate;
n: charge carrier density
Models for static testing (Autoriax 2) n28-WF4159/KM n28-WF4109/KN

As above but for 150 mm diameter samples. As above but for 100 mm diameter samples.
n28-WF4039/KM Models for dynamic testing (Dynatriax) n28-WF4159/KN

Local strain transducer kit for 38 mm diameter As above but for 150 mm diameter samples.
samples with two vertical and one radial min-
iature “on-specimen” transducers, radial belt,
axial fixing pads and plugs.
n28-WF4039/KN
Local strain transducer kit for 38 mm diameter
samples with two vertical and one radial min-
n28-WF4059/KM iature “on-specimen” transducers, radial belt,
As above but for 50 mm diameter samples. axial fixing pads and plugs.
I m p o r t a n t n o t e
n28-WF4079/KM n28-WF4059/KN All the transducers mentioned above can
As above but for 70 mm diameter samples. As above but for 50 mm diameter samples. be supplied, on request, with a traceable
calibration certificate. For ordering, add the
n28-WF4109/KM n28-WF4079/KN suffix ‘C’ to the relevant product code (e.g.
As above but for 100 mm diameter samples. As above but for 70 mm diameter samples. 28-WF4039/KMC).

Bender elements
BENDER ELEMENTS between them and on the outsides. propagates parallel to the length of the ele-
The polarisation of the ceramic material in ment into the soil sample. On the other end
Applications each plate and the electrical connections are of the soil sample another bender element
such that when a driving voltage is applied is forced to bend and produces an electrical
Bender elements allow to measure the maxi- to the element, one plate elongates and the signal that can be measured.
mum shear modulus (Gmax) of a soil sample other shortens. The net result is a bending Theory on shear wave propagation in an
and from this data to evaluate the stiffness displacement, which is greater in magnitude elastic body tells us that the value of the
of a soil. Gmax is generally associated with than the length change in either of the two shear modulus Gmax of the soil from meas-
shear strain levels of about 0.001% and is a layers. urement of shear wave velocity Vs is given
key parameter in small strain dynamic analy- On the other hand, when the bender ele- by:
ses, such as those to predict soil behaviour ment is forced to bend, one layer will go into
or soil structure interaction during earth- tension and the other into compression: this Gmax = ρ • (Vs)2
quakes, explosion or machine and traffic will result in an electrical signal, which can where ρ is the mass density of the soil
vibrations. be measured. sample. The system consists of a transmit-
In the soil application the bender elements ter, which is energised to produce the shear
General description are encapsulated and mounted into inserts, waves through the soil sample, and the
which are fixed into the pedestal and top receiver that receive the electrical signal.
The piezoceramic bender element is an elec- cap of a triaxial cell. They protrude edge-first The travel time of the shear wave from the
tro-mechanical transducer, which is capable into the soil specimen as cantilevered. When transmitter to the receiver is determined via
of converting mechanical energy (move- excited the bender element bends from a specific software that allows the user to
ment) either to or from electrical energy. side to side pushing the soil in a direction quickly and easily calculate the shear wave
The single bender element consists of two perpendicular to the length of the element velocity.
thin piezoceramic plates, which are rigidly and thus having a large coupling factor with The complete power and measuring system
bonded together with conducting surfaces the soil. This produces a shear wave, which 28-WF4190 includes:
- Wareform generator
- Analog-to-PC interface
- Virtual oscilloscope software
Function Generator Amplitude Volts
- Connecting cables
Bender elements
Time t
l
Virtual oscilloscope
Bender elements
Gmax = Vs2 . ρ
t Where Vs = Velocity and ρ = density
Bender elements
Bender elements test results on clay

Frequency set at 1 kHz Frequency set at 3 kHz

Bender elements
BENDER ELEMENTS
Banded Sample size Top cap and base pedestal with bender elements
Trixial Standard for compression Vacuum type also for
cell tests only extension tests
28-WF4070 50 mm 28-WF4057/B 28-WF4058/B

70 mm 70 mm 28-WF4077/B 28-WF4078/B
28-WF4100 70 mm 28-WF4077/B1 28-WF4078/B1
100 mm 100 mm 28-WF4107/B 28-WF4108/B
28-WF4150 150 mm 28-WF4157/B 28-WF4158/B
150 mm
Banded triaxial cell must be upgraded with advanced kit allowing the use of bender elements
Accessories
28-WF4190 Power and measuring system

z
The Bender elements have to be powered by a waveform signal generator.

The output signal is converted into digital and trasmitted to PC via an interface and
processed with the virtual oscilloscope software.
The complete system includes waveform generator, analog-to-PC interface, virtual
oscilloscope software and connecting cables. PC not included.
Banded triaxial cell 28-WF4070 fitted with

upgrading kit 28-WF4070/ADV for using
bender element and local strain transdu-
cers

Pressure systems
n 28-WF4300/A
Hydromatic, Stand Alone pressure
controller
Description
The stand alone Hydromatic pressure con-

troller is a water pressure source and volume
change gauge that can generate pressures
up to 3500kPa, independently from traditio-
nal compressed air source, mercury columns
or dead weight devices.
It consists of an hydraulic piston driven by
a ball screw and gear box mounted on a
ball slide. The system is driven via a stepper
motor by Automax microprocessor control
system. Automax allows the pressure pump
28-WF4300/A
to work as an automatic stand-alone unit
that can be easily moved from one triaxial Main features: - Temporary or continuous connection to
system to another. - Application of up to 3500kPa pressure PC for data downloading with different
The pressure is automatically recharged for triaxial or permeability tests protocols through RS232
when piston travel limit is reached. - Pressure and volume change - Possibility to set ramp and cycles of
measurements recording (displayed in pressure
real time) - Easy connection to any kind of system
Stand alone Hyromatic unit includes:
- 3500kPa pressure transducer (used for clo-
sed loop control) connected to Automax
unit.
- De airing block
- 2 solenoid on/off valves: one connected - Different protocol of data downloading Specification
to pressure controller outlet line, one con- to PC via RS232 serial port (either for real
nected to triaxial cell line (for cell or back time or deferred time downloading) Output pressure: up to 3500kPa
pressure) - Automatic piston recharge Pressure accuracy: +/-0.1% of full scale
- 8x6mm tubing for pressure controller and - Ram memory with battery back-up with Volume accuracy: 0.1 cm3
cell connection clock/calendar operating also when the Resolution:131.000 divisions
- quick couplings for banded triaxial cell unit is switched off Volumetric capacity: 250 cm3
- Large monochromatic display 240x128 Data downloading: via RS232
Automax unit assures important features: pixel for data recording view in real time Power supply: 110-240V/50-60Hz/1ph
- Real time reading of pressure
- Fast/slow approach to decrease/increase The system can be used for different kind of B Overall dimensions: 250x220x150 mm
pressure (through 10 keypad membrane) tests as saturated and unsaturated triaxial or
- Over travel limits alarm permeability and can applied to any system.
- Programmable control to ramp and cycles * adaptors for standard triaxial cells are
of pressure versus time available on request.
- Different calibration modes (linear or
polynomial)

Pressure systems and related apparatus
OIL AND WATER CONSTANT PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION PANELS

PRESSURE SYSTEM Accessories
Introduction
n 28-WF4312 28-WF4302/1 High viscosity oil. 5 kg
z The range of water distribution panels
Oil and water automatic constant 28-WF4191 Nylon tubing 6 mm bore
z
pressure apparatus for pressure up to have been designed to make them easy
x 8 mm outside dia., 10 m length to use. They include quick release fit-
3500 kPa. 240 V, 50 Hz, 1 ph.
tings to allow fast reconnection of water
n 28-WF4314 and airlines within the pressure system.
Same as above but 110 V, 60 Hz, 1 ph.
Colour coding of the air and water lines
n 28-WF4302 BLADDER TYPE AIR/WATER has also been introduced to ensure that
Oil and water automatic constant PRESSURE SYSTEM the user is able to trace air or water sup-
pressure apparatus for pressure up to
ply throughout the system.
1700 kPa. 240 V, 50 Hz, 1 ph. n 28-WF4320 They have to be completed with a
Bladder air/water pressure cylinder
n 28-WF4304 digital gauge 1 kPa resolution. (see
Same as above but 110 V, 60 Hz, 1 ph. General description and specifications 28-WF4330/2).
General description and specifications Two models available: for two and three
For delivery of pressurised water to triaxial pressure lines.
cells up to 1000 kPa. The main advantages
This apparatus provides an infinitely variable from using this apparatus are:
constant pressure using an adjustable spring - High degree of accuracy
type dead weight pressure feedback system - Extremely simple to operate
connected in-line with a pump and an oil/ - Future expansion of system very easy and ORDERING INFORMATION
water interchange vessel. relatively low cost
The apparatus comprises: hydraulic pump - Bladder enables the use of de-aired water n 28-WF4330
(motorised); honed piston/spring assembly; - Large reservoir to cope with long-term Triaxial panel, two pressure lines, complete
cylindrical oil/water interchange vessel; pre- tests and large samples.
with air regulators, pressure outlets for two
This unit acts as a reservoir/interface
cision gauge; valves; 2 kg of oil. pressures.
between compressed air, used as a pressure
Pressure range: 0-1700 and 0-3500 kPa source, and water used as the pressurising Dimensions 510x454x184 mm, weight 10 kg
Power: 35 W medium in the triaxial cell. n 28-WF4331
Max. pressure: 1000 kPa Triaxial panel, three pressure lines, complete
B Dimensions: 310x300x400 mm
B Dimensions: 178 mm dia. x 412 mm height with air regulators, pressure outlets for
A Weight approx.: 16 kg A Weight approx.: 9 kg three pressures.
Dimensions 690x454x184 mm, weight 15 kg
- Generates and automatically controls
the set pressure up to a maximum of
n 28-WF4330/2
Digital pressure gauge, 1 kPa div.
3500 kPa (500 p.s.i.) within ± 0.5%
of the indicated pressure
- Very stable over long periods
- Required pressure set using precision
hand wheel control
- Stepless pressure increments
- No weights nor calibration required
28-WF4302
28-WF4320
28-WF4331 with 28-WF4330/2

Accessories and spares
z 28-WF4191 Nylon tubing 8x6 mm
dia. 10 m coil
Spare parts
28-WF0490 Nylon tubing 6x4 mm
z
dia. 20 m coil 28-WF4330/3 Air pressure regulator,
z
28-WF4320/1 Spare rubber
z 150 p.s.i., 1000 kPa with fittings for 8 mm
membrane for 28-WF4320 OD tube

Water de-airing systems
WATER DE-AIRING SYSTEMS DE-AIRING TANK VACUUM PUMPS

We propose two different systems, both n 28-WF4220/A n 28-WF2001
completed with a de-airing tank 23 (or 7) De-airing tank 7 litres cap. Vacuum pump. 240 V, 50 Hz, 1 ph.
litres cap.:
- Suitable vacuum pump and water trap n 28-WF4221/A n 28-WF2001/Z
to collect condensed water vapour. The De-airing tank 23 litres cap. Same as above but 110 V, 60 Hz, 1 ph.
water tank has to be fitted at a high level
to fill the system by gravity. General description and specifications Specifications
- Integrated model incorporating vacuum
Used in conjunction with a vacuum source Free air displacement: 75 l/min
pump/compressor, and valves. The vacu-
this item provides a very efficient and Ultimate vacuum: 0.1 mbar
um pump is used as a little compressor to
therefore quick means of removing the air Power: 180 W
force de-aired water from the de-airing
from water. The de-airing tank consists of
tank (that can be placed anywhere) to the B Dimensions: 345x155x215 mm
a perspex cylinder fitted with a water spray
system (pressure panels, bladders etc.).
inlet, an air outlet and a water outlet. A A Weight approx.: 12 kg
suitable vacuum supply is connected to
n 28-WF4202 the air outlet and water is sucked into the
De-airing water apparatus. n 28-WF2064
cylinder in a fine spray via the water inlet. Rubber tube for vacuum pump
240 V, 50-60 Hz, 1 ph.
The vacuum draws the air out of the water.
Complete with metal stand.
n 28-WF4204
De-airing water apparatus. A Weight approx.: 3/14 kg
110 V, 60 Hz, 1 ph.
DE-AIRED WATER PANEL AIR DRYING UNIT
n 28-WF4225 n 86-D2005
This apparatus incorporates a vacuum pump Valve panel for use with de-airing To used with silica gel 86-D0819
compressor, a water trap and valves. It has tank
to be connected to the de-airing tank. The General description
double function of this unit gives the impor-
tant advantage of placing the de-airing tank For connection to the vacuum pump and
anywhere and quickly filling the de-aired de-airing tank. Includes water tap connec-
water to the system by a simple valve. tion and two de-aired water outlets.
B Dimensions: 375x240x250 mm approx. B Dimensions: 510x200x30 mm
A Weight approx.: 10 kg A Weight approx.: 3 kg
28-WF4202

Volume change measurement / Air compressors
VOLUME CHANGE MEASUREMENT n 28-WF4410 AIR COMPRESSOR AND ACCESSORIES

Automatic volume change apparatus
We propose two different models: standard
28-WF4400 and electronic 28-WF4410 suit-
n 86-D2015
General description and specifications Laboratory air compressor 10 bar max.
able for connection to digital display or data
When connected with a suitable display pressure, 50 litres cap. 240 V, 50 Hz, 1 ph.
acquisition system as for example our model
GEODATALOG 30-WF6016 (see page 62). or data acquisition system the apparatus
provides an electrical signal directly pro-
n 86-D2015/Z
Same as above but 110 V, 60 Hz, 1 ph.
n 28-WF4400 portional to the volume of water flowing
Double burette volume change through the unit. The apparatus comprises
Specifications
apparatus a piston connected to a 25 mm travel linear
transducer and sealed against a precision- Max. pressure: 1000 kPa
General description and specifications machined calibration chamber so that the Continuous working pressure: 800 kPa
linear movement of the piston is exactly
The apparatus comprises two measurement Reservoir capacity: 50 litres
proportional to the volume of water in the
tubes, which have a 25 ml burette mount- calibration chamber. Max. air delivery: 246 l/min
ed internally and an acrylic tube externally. The apparatus includes the panel with B Dimensions: 985x395x820 mm (lxwxh)
The burette tubes are connected directly to reversing valve system to measure the water
a reversing valve system, which is used to flow in both directions. Power: 1500 W
reverse the direction of travel of the interface For use with the Automatic triaxial systems
in the measurement tubes without affecting A Weight approx.: 62 kg
another version is also available: 29-WF4412
the direction of flow of water to or from the with automatic microelectrovalve for flow
triaxial cell. The unit also includes a by-pass inversion by remote control in place of the n 28-WF2016/2
valve system when volume change measure- manual system (see page 53). Air filter/water trap for air
ment is not required. Max. working pressure compressors
10 bar. Burettes are calibrated to Class A. Basic capacity: 100 cm3
B Dimensions: 130x682x87 mm Transducer input: up to 12 V DC
Accuracy: ± 0.1 ml
B Dimensions: 260x280x400 mm (lxdxh)
86-D2015
28-WF4400 28-WF4410
Accessories
28-WF2016/2
28-WF4400/1 Red dye hydrocarbon
z
soluble pack for 500 ml

Pore water pressure measurement
PORE WATER PRESSURE MEASUREMENT

- Programmable in Imperial
Pore pressure can be measured with the or metric units
- Battery operated
electronic readout unit 28-WF4450 battery
- Peak function (positive and
operated connected to the pressure trans- negative)
ducer 28-WF6300 with the de-airing block
28-WF4459 fitted directly to the triaxial cell.
n 28-WF4450
3 channels digital readout unit for
pore pressure measurement.
Battery operated
This digital pressure gauge consists of a 28-WF4450 with three

long-term steady analogic section, and of 28-WF6300
a 16 bit converter A/D which guarantees
65000 internal divisions.
The unit has internal batteries with 1-year
autonomy, which is also guaranteed by the
AUTO-POWER-OFF function, which activates
if in 30 minutes any measurement change PRESSURE TRANSDUCERS
is not detected. It has to be connected to
a suitable pressure transducer such as our n 28-WF6300
model 28-WF6300 with the de-airing block Pressure transducer, 10 bar
28-WF4459.
The 3-channel version 28-WF4450 is fitted
with a multiplexer selector switch.
n 28-WF6301
Pressure transducer, 20 bar
Specifications
n 28-WF6302
Pressure transducer, 35 bar
Displays: 4 x 20 characters display
Measuring units (programmable): mbar, 28-WF6300 with 28-WF4459
bar, MPa, kPa, p.s.i. n 28-WF6310
Accuracy: ± 0.20% full scale De-airing block for pressure transduc-
Scanning rate: 50 readings per sec er, for banded triaxial cells
Accessories
B Dimensions (lxdxh): 120x130x75 mm
n 28-WF4459 30-WF6044 12 m transducer
z
A Weight approx.: 1 kg De-airing block for pressure transduc- extension cable
er, for standard triaxial cells
30-WF6042 6 m transducer extension
z
cable
28-WF6300 with 28-WF6310

Specimens consolidation
SPECIMENS CONSOLIDATION
q STANDARDS
ASTM D4767-95 / BS 1377: Part 8: 1990 / 28-WF0493 complete with
CEN-ISO/TS17892-9 triaxial cells, dial gauges beam
loading device and weights
n 28-WF0493
Three places consolidation
load frame
General description
28-WF0493 Detail
This apparatus has been designed to reduce of the upper frame
the testing time for triaxial tests, where only with the top knob to
one compression machine is available. With adjust and level the
- To perform simultaneously the aniso position of the beam
this equipment it is possible to perform the device conforming to
tropic consolidation stage of three
consolidation stage of three triaxial speci- triaxial specimens the different triaxial
mens at the same time for CU and CD tests, - To reduce the testing time where only cells. The base plate
where: one triaxial compression machine is is also suitable for
- Vertical compression of specimen must be available other makes of
measured - For triaxial cells up to 100 mm dia. triaxial cells provided
specimens that they are
- Anisotropic consolidation has to be per-
- Ergonomic design for better use of equipped with a
formed. centring hole 13 mm
space in the laboratory
It consists of a steel bench complete with dia. by 3 mm deep
three load frames and centring platens, for
all our triaxial cells (28-WF0410/A,
28-WF0411/A, 28-WF0416/A, 28-WF4050, Accessories
28-WF4070, 28-WF4100), for triaxial speci-
mens from 35 to 100 mm dia. Code Description
The apparatus can also be used for other
make of triaxial cells, provided that they are Slotted weights
equipped with a centring hole 13 mm dia. x 28-WF0493/1
3 mm deep. Each consolidation frame can Set of weights for specimen from 35 to 70 mm dia. Each set, suitable for a single
be equipped with a beam loading device to frame complete with beam loading device, consists of the following:
reduce the number of dead weights required No. 4 Slotted steel weight 250 g
for anisotropic consolidation (see acces- No. 4 Slotted steel weight 500 g
sories). Weights can be placed on both the No. 4 Slotted steel weight 1 kg
centre hanger and on the lever hanger. No. 4 Slotted steel weight 2 kg
The weights of the loading frames have been No. 4 Slotted steel weight 4 kg
reduced to minimum so that a counterbal-
28-WF0493/2
ance of the frame is not required.
Additional set of weights for specimen up to 100 mm dia. Each set, suitable for a
Bench dimensions: 1300x585 mm single frame complete with beam loading device, is used in addition to the other set
of weights 28-WF0493/1 for anisotropic consolidation of large size specimens.
B Overall dimensions (hxdxl):
It consists of the following:
1300x800x970 mm
No. 4 Slotted steel weight 8 kg
A Total weight: 145 kg approx.
Beam loading device
28-WF0493/3
Beam loading device 10:1 ratio. Used to amplify the axial load to be applied on the
specimens contained in the triaxial cells. The lever is completed with a screw-jack
support with handle
Dial gauges and axial transducers
30-WF6402 Dial gauge 30x0.01 mm
30-WF6403 Dial gauge 50x0.01 mm
30-WF6208 Axial strain transducer 25 mm displacement
30-WF6209 Axial strain transducer 50 mm displacement
28-WF1048/T Mounting bracket for dial gauges and axial transducers
Holding device
28-WF0410/A4 Holding lock to maintain the piston of the triaxial cell in contact with
the specimen (for use with 28-WF0410/A to 28-WF0416/A cell series only)
Detail of the 28-WF0493 10:1 beam loading device

28 Geotechnical: Soil permeability
Permeability cells for normal and contaminated soil samples
PERMEABILITY CELLS TOP CAPS AND BASE PEDESTALS
The permeability cells are available either Code Application Sample size
in brass for normal use or in stainless steel
28-WF0194/A1 Normal use 70 mm
for contaminated materials. Top caps and
pedestals are available for normal or con- 28-WF0194/A2 Normal use 100 mm
taminated materials. 28-WF0194/B1 Contaminated materials 70 mm
The toxic interface unit is recommended to 28-WF0194/B2 Contaminated materials 100 mm
be fitted between control panel and perme-
ability cells to avoid toxic permeants from
entering control panel. Sample accessories
This also prevents contact of air with the
permeant, thus no toxic or corrosive vapours 70 mm 100 mm
can escape into the laboratory.
Porous discs 28-WF4074 28-WF4104
Membranes 28-WF4075 28-WF4105
n 28-WF0194/A
Cell with brass valves for normal use O-rings 28-WF4076 28-WF4106
O-ring placing tool 28-WF4071/B 28-WF4101/B
n 28-WF0194/B Suction device 28-WF4071/A 28-WF4101/A
Cell with stainless steel valves for use Two part split former 28-WF4071/D 28-WF4101/D
with contaminated soils
ACCESSORIES FOR CONTAMINATED MATERIALS TESTS
Code Weight approx.
28-WF0194/3 Toxic interface chamber 3 kg
TYPICAL CONFIGURATION OF A SYSTEM FOR PERMEABILITY TEST WITH

PERMEABILITY CELLS FOR NORMAL OR CONTAMINATED SOIL SAMPLES
Code Description Q.ty
28-WF0194/A Cell with brass valve 1

28-WF0194/B Cell for contaminated soils* 1
28-WF0194/A 28-WF0194/A2 Top cap and base pedestal 1
28-WF0194/B2 Top cap and pedestal for contaminated materials* 1
28-WF0194/3 Toxic interface chamber* 2
28-WF4105 Rubber membranes (10 pieces) 1
28-WF4106 Sealing rings (10 pieces) 1
28-WF4101/A Membrane stretcher 1
28-WF4101/D Split former 1
28-WF4101/B O-ring placing tool 1
28-WF6300 Pressure transducer 10 bar 2
28-WF4450 3 channels digital readout unit 1
28-WF4331 Pressure control panel, 3 lines 1
28-WF4330/2 Digital pressure gauge 1
28-WF4400 Double burette volume change 2
28-WF4220/A De-airing tank 7 litres cap. 1
28-WF4202 De-airing water apparatus 1
28-WF4191 Nylon tubing 6x8 mm dia., 10 m 2
28-WF0194/3 86-D2015 Air compressor, 86 litres 1
28-WF2016/2 Air filter/water trap for air compressor 1
28-WF4320 Bladder air/water cylinder 3
* For contaminated material testing only

Geotechnical: Soil permeability 28
Determination of permeability in a triaxial cell
DETERMINATION OF PERMEABILITY IN TYPICAL CONFIGURATION OF A SYSTEM FOR PERMEABILITY TEST ON ONE TRIAXIAL
A TRIAXIAL CELL CELL FOR 70 MM DIA. SPECIMENS
Code Description Q.ty
q
STANDARDS
ASTM D5084 / BS 1377:6 / 28-WF4070 Banded triaxial cell 70 mm dia. 1
CEN-ISO/TS17892:11 28-WF4071/7 Pedestal 1
28-WF4072/A Top cap with drainage leeds 1
Permeability testing system for 28-WF4074 Pair of porous disc 1
water-saturated porous materials 28-WF4075 Rubber membranes (10 pieces) 1
28-WF4076 O ring (pack of 10) 1
This system has been developed for the 28-WF4071/A Membrane stretcher 1
laboratory measurement of the hydraulic 28-WF4071/B O ring placing tool 1
conductivity (coefficient of permeability) of 28-WF4071/C Three parts split mould 1
water-saturated porous materials. 28-WF4071/D Two parts split former 1
The test is performed using a triaxial cell 28-WF4071/F Filter discs (pack of 100) 1
equipped with 5 no-volume change valves: 28-WF4071/G Hand sampler 1
2 for upper drainage, 2 for lower drainage, 1
28-WF6300 Pressure transducer 2
for cell pressure. The cell is connected with
three independent pressure system for the
28-WF4450 3 channels digital readout unit 1
cell fluid, the drainage line to the top of the
28-WF4331 Triaxial panel for three pressure lines 1
specimen and the drainage line to the base
of the specimen. 28-WF4330/2 Digital pressure gauge 1
The complete test system comprises: 28-WF4320 Bladder air/water cylinder 3
- Triaxial cell for 38 or 100 mm specimens 28-WF4400 Double burette volume change apparatus 2
- Pressure control panel, three pressure 28-WF4221/A De-airing tank, 23 l cap. 1
lines 28-WF2001 Vacuum pump 1
- Three double burette volume change 86-D2005 Air dry unit whit silica gel 1
apparatus 28-WF2064 Rubber tube 1
- Bladder type air/water pressure system 28-WF4225 Valve panel for de-airing tank 1
- De-aired water system and accessories. 86-D2015 Air compressor 1
The test can also be performed with 3 triaxial 28-WF2016/2 Air filter/water trap 1
cells. 28-WF0490 Nylon tube 4x6mm, 20 m 2
Please refer to the table for a complete list 28-WF4191 Nylon tube 6 x 8 mm, 10 m 1
of items. 86-D2005 Air drying unit 1
86-D0819 Silica gel 1
Permeability tests in triaxial cell
28-WF4070

Unsaturated Testing
Introduction The unsaturated layer can extend to • The behaviour of a saturated soil
Most books and courses in soil great depths, which is governed by is controlled entirely by total stress
mechanics assume that soils are fully environmental conditions. The value and pore water pressure (through
saturated, but in most parts of the of suction is what determines the effective stress). The positive pore
world soils exist in an unsaturated strength of the unsaturated material. water pressures are pushing the
state. This is particularly true in tropi- It is when this suction changes that particles apart and hence reduce the
cal and arid regions; even in temper- unsaturated soil can behave different- strength of the soil.
ate climatic zones, soils above the ly to that expected of a saturated soil, • In an unsaturated soil both air and
water table can remain unsaturated. for example collapsible soils, where water fill the voids, and surface
A saturated soil is one where all the the change in moisture content can tension forces create a negative
voids between the soil particles are produce a sudden reduction in volume pore water pressure (or suction).
filled with water. An unsaturated soil and also have a dramatic effect on the This suction pulls the soil particles
contains both air and water within strength of the material. together and increases the strength
the soil voids. The presence of sur- The fundamental difference between of the soil.
face tension forces at the interface the triaxial testing of a soil sample in
between the air and water within an a saturated condition compared to an
unsaturated soil allows different pres- unsaturated condition can be summa-
sures to exist in the air and the water. rised as follows:
In an unsaturated soil in the field, the
pore air pressure is usually at atmos-
pheric pressure and the pore water
pressure is lower than the air pressure.
Since we normally treat atmospheric
pressure as zero pressure, that makes
the pore water pressure negative (since
it will be less than atmospheric). We Tubing outlet for
call this negative pressure “suction” vacuum when filling
since, if the soil is put in contact with of inner cell and using
water at atmospheric pressure, it will vacuum top
suck water into the soil.
Inner Cell an integral
part of the triaxial
cell top
Triaxial cell has its own

pedestal which fits the
load frame. This allows
the through pedestal to
be used
Access ring for transducer

cables to exit the triaxial cell

Unsaturated Testing
UNSATURATED TESTING A double walled triaxial cell can be the solu- Existing and under developement
tion: the same pressure inside and outside of test methods
Some examples of application the inner cell wall will produce zero expansion
of the inner cell and allow to measure the total The test methods on unsaturated soils are still
• Rainfall induced landslide volume change from a volume change trans- subject of studies, research and testing. The Axis
Slopes may stand at steep angles when they ducer inserted in the cell pressure line. translation method with High Air Entry Stone
are supported by suctions and these impart The inner wall of the cell above is made from (H.A.E.S.), which has been developed, will allow
additional shear strength on the soil. When glass: this eliminates the problem of water water to pass through but not air at various
rain infiltrates the slope, the suctions reduce absorption. values as specified below.
and the slope falls due to a loss of shear The cell pressure is applied equally to the inside
strength. and outside of the glass wall: this eliminates Axis translation method with High Air
the problem of expansion. The total volume Entry Stone (H.A.E.S.)
• Swelling soils change of the sample can then be measured
The volume change of expansive soils is con- using a standard volume change transducer. One of the problems when a sample with
trolled by the suction changes that take place a high suction is to be tested, is to prevent
as a result of water ingress. Swelling causes Models available the sample from sucking the water from the
differential movements in structures, which porous stone on the base pedestal and cause
can cause extensive cracking. cavitation in the triaxial cell pore water meas-
n 28-WF4170 uring system. To prevent this happening the
• Collapsing soils Double triaxial cell for unsaturated
tests on 70 mm samples complete porous disc has been replaced with a high air
Loose clayey soils may be held in a loose sta-
with 6 ports entry stone, cemented into the base pedestal.
ble state by the presence of suction. If water
The high air entry stone will allow water to
penetrates the soil the suction is reduced and
the loose fabric can become unstable. Large
n 28-WF4171 pass through but not air, at various values. For
Double triaxial cell for unsaturated example, a 5 bar stone will not allow air under
volume reduction can take place suddenly
tests on 100 mm samples complete 5 bar pressure to pass through the stone. The
and these cause disruption and damage to
with 6 ports stone is cemented into the base pedestal to
structures.
prevent water passing around the outside of
Pedestal the stone. The saturated stone will then allow
Test equipment Pedestal set for unsaturated cell, comprising the passage of water but not air. This will make
pedestal, 2 bar High Air Entry Stone sealed it very difficult for the water to be sucked out
An unsaturated triaxial system includes into an aluminium ring and a height compen- of the stone; it will stop air entering the stone
a double triaxial cell with 6 outlets as sation ring. Using specific adaptive pedestals but it will not stop cavitation under the stone.
described in the following paragraph (see it is possible to test specimens with different This requires another modification to our
page 48 for typical configuration). diameters in the same triaxial cell - see the triaxial system. To stop cavitation happening
table below. and to enable the suction to be measured, an
TRIAXIAL CELLS FOR UNSATURATED
SOILS Double-wall triaxial cell product code
Diameter, mm
28-WF4170 28-WF4171
Description
50 28-WF4170/50 28-WF4171/50
In the traditional triaxial systems, where satu- 70 28-WF4170/70 28-WF4171/70
rated samples are tested, the volume change 100 - 28-WF4171/100
measurement is a simple monitoring of the
water entering or leaving the sample by a
volume change transducer. High Air Entry Stones (HAES)
On the contrary, in the unsaturated systems A 2 bar capacity HAES is included with the
volume change measurements are complicated pedestals as standard but it can be easily
by the compressibility of air. If an increase of replaced with stones of other capacities for 50,
confining pressure is applied to an unsaturated 70 and 100 mm diameter pedestals - see the
sample, a movement of water out of the sam- table below.
ple will occur but at the same time the size
will change due to the compression of the air
in the voids. Maximum Pedestal diameter
A correct measurement requires the volume of air pressure 50 mm 70 mm 100 mm
water leaving the sample and the total volume 1 bar 28-WF4150/1B 28-WF4170/1B 28-WF4171/1B
change of the sample as shown in the sketch.
With these two measurements, by differ- 2 bar 28-WF4150/2B 28-WF4170/2B 28-WF4171/2B
ence the volume change due to water being 5 bar 28-WF4150/5B 28-WF4170/5B 28-WF4171/5B
squeezed out of the sample and the volume
10 bar 28-WF4150/10B 28-WF4170/10B 28-WF4171/10B
change due to the compressibility of air can
be determined. 15 bar 28-WF4150/15B 28-WF4170/15B 28-WF4171/15B

Unsaturated Testing (continued)
air pressure is applied to the pore space in the

sample. Suction is caused by the surface ten- Main features
sion forces providing a difference in pressure
between the air and the water pressure. If - Double cell built into the triaxial cell
the air pressure is zero (atmospheric) then the top:
- the triaxial cell can be used as a
water pressures will be negative. If we increase
standard triaxial cell
the air pressure in the pore space, the water - perfect alignment between the inner
pressure will also increase, keeping the differ- and outer ram bush is assured
ence between the air and water pressures the - One triaxial ram:
same. The air pressure is increased until the - both compression and extension
water pressure becomes positive. The suction tests can be performed
is still maintained because the water pressure - Unsaturated sample set up exactly the
same as a saturated sample
is still lower than the air pressure. The air pres- Detail of the double wall of the 28-WF4170 and
- Cell top placed on the triaxial cell base
sure is applied via the top cap (in the same way exactly the same as a standard cell top 28-WF4171 cells
as a water back pressure in a saturated test) at - Inner and outer triaxial cell tops filled
about 200 kPa below the air entry value of the and emptied at the same time
porous stone. This will raise the pressure inside
the sample to a positive value and in turn will
apply a positive pressure to the porous stone
and the pore water pressure transducer. TYPICAL CONFIGURATION OF A SYSTEM TO PERFORM TRIAXIAL TESTS ONUNSATURATED SAMPLES
70 MM DIA. WITH THE AXIS TRANSLATION METHOD WITH THE DOUBLE WALL CELL 28-WF4170
Schematic of Axis Translation system Code Description Q.ty

28-WF4170 Double triaxial cell for specimens up to 70 mm dia. 1
Cell Wall 28-WF4170/70 Pedestal for 70 mm including HAES 1
28-WF4072/A Top cap for 70 mm 1
High Air Entry 28-WF4005 Triaxial machine 1
Inner Glass Porous Stone
86-D2015 Air compressor 1
Wall
28-WF2016/2 Filter for compressor 1
Air 28-WF4220/A De-airing tank 1
Pressure 28-WF2001 Vacuum pump 1
28-WF2064 Rubber tube for vacuum 1
86-D2005 Air dry unit with silica gel 1
28-WF4225 Valve panel for de-airing tank 1
Pore Water 28-WF4331 3 ways control panel 1
Cell Pressure Pressure 28-WF4330/2 Digital gauge 1
28-WF4320 Bladders 2
Back Pressure Water 28-WF4191 Nylon tubing 6x8 mm dia., 10 m length 2
28-WF6353 Submersible load cell 5 kN cap. 1
30-WF6208 Displacement transducer 25 mm full scale 1
30-WF6221 Mounting bracket for 25 mm dia. cell ram 1
28-WF6300 Water pore pressure/back pressure (bottom) transducer 1
28-WF6300 Air pressure (top) transducer 1
28-WF4410 Volume change transducer 2
30-WF6016 GEODATALOG, 16 channels data logger 1
30-WF6042 Transducer extension cable, 6 m 6
Components of pedestal set for unsaturated cell 1
1 - Pedestal set for unsaturated test

2 - High air Entry stone ( HEAS) sealed on alluminium ring 4
3 - Alluminioum compensation ring

4 - Alluminioum plate for saturated soil test 3
5 - Porous stone for saturated soil teest
5
2

Automatic Triaxial Testing 29
Automatic Triaxial System
Automatic triaxial tests system

The optimization of advanced technologies for high efficiency triaxial tests
q
STANDARDS THE AUTOMATIC
BS 1377:7 | ASTM D2850 | ASTM D4767 |
BS 1377:8 | BS 1377:6 | ASTM D7181 TRIAXIAL SYSTEM
Expandable
in subsequent
modular steps
- Effective stress
- Stress path
- Ko
- Permeability
- Unsaturated tests
Typical AUTOTRIAX 2 configuration for

effective stress and stress path
• The consequent • Expandability: the modular • Performance of 24/7 days

achievement of a test regime design concept allows easy tests without interruption
that will produce reliable expansion of the system and greater throughput of
and repeatable results without interruption of tests with a considerable
testing schedules cost decrease
• Reliability: external factors
and inconsistencies between • The possibility to upgrade
different operators are our or other make existing • TO CONTROL UP TO SIX
eliminated; test procedures standard triaxial system INDEPENDENT SYSTEM
are standardized across a FROM PC
testing regime

29 Automatic Triaxial Testing
Automatic Triaxial System (continued)
Continued
General descriptions
The AUTOTRIAX 2 is an advanced triaxial A typical automatic triaxial configuration The AUTOTRIAX 2 configurations can be
testing system that can automatically per- comprises: extended and expanded in subsequent steps
form up to 6 entire and independent tests at in order to control further tests by adding
the same time, from start to finish, without - Load frame and triaxial cell with acces- the relevant components. These operations
any human intervention. sories: a suitable model can be selected can be easily made on site by simply con-
from our range (see triaxial load frames figuring the user-friendly software, like a
AUTOTRIAX 2 can perform different kinds of and triaxial cells for advanced applica- plug-and-play system.
triaxial tests such as: tions) or, alternatively, existing machines
- total and effective stress tests; and cells can be used;
UU (unconsolidated undrained), The closed-loop feedback control system
CU (consolidated undrained) and - Data acquisition and control unit con- monitors the component status continously
CD (consolidated drained) under isotrop- nected to a PC (using a LAN network); in order to react to any change in the
ic conditions according to ASTM and BS parameters pre-set for each test stage.
Standards; - Hydromatic 2 pressure/volume controllers
- stress path tests following MIT and with automatic open/close valves: the More than 30 system configurations are
Cambridge methods; pressure controllers can reach up to 3500 available. A practical guide for the most
- K0 anisotropic volume controlled tests; kPa and have a volume capacity of 250 cc; typical and common configurations limited
- Permeability tests in triaxial cells accord- to the part required for the main compo-
ing to BS 1377: 6; - Triaxial test automatic control and pro- nents is shown at pag 60.
- Unsaturated soil testing with control of cessing software.
matric suction using the axis translation
method.
Control system Data acquisition system

for closed loop feedback: for measurement of: 5
1. Hydromatic 2 for cell pressure 4. Axial force
2. Hydromatic 2 for back pressure 5. Axial displacement
3. Tritech triaxial load frame 6. Cell pressure 4
7. Back pressure
8. Volume change by Hydromatic 2 7
9. Pore water pressure
9 6
8
3
1 2

Data acquisition and control unit
DATA ACQUISITION and CONTROL

ONTROL UNIT
General descriptions
These are the brains of the AUTOTRIAX 2

system, transmitting data and information
between the software and all the active
components such as the pressure controllers
and Tritech triaxial load frame. The units are
produced in four different versions to offer
maximum flexibility. They can be stacked
vertically, making them very space-efficient,
and power connectors of multiple units can
be daisy-chained together, allowing them
all to be run from a single mains socket.
Transducer calibrations are saved directly in
the firmware of the units. Main Features
• Transmits data and information • Four different versions are available
between the software and all the to offer maximum flexibility
Master unit active components
• Can be stacked vertically reducing
A Master unit is always required, whatever • Calibration data of connected trans- the footprint on the work bench
combination of systems you want to put ducers are saved in the fi rmware of
• The modular design concept allows
together. It has four active control chan- the units
easy extension of the system
nels for connecting the transducers that are
needed for feedback to the software (for
controlling vertical load or displacement
and cell and back pressure) and eight pas-
sive channels for connecting a pore pres-
sure transducer plus any other additional
transducers, including local strain measuring
devices. The Tritech compression frame,
Hydromatic pressure/volume controllers and
solenoid valves (for opening and closing the
pressure lines) also connect to the unit.
One Master unit is all that is needed for a
single standard effective stress system.
Connections:
- 2 Hydromatic pressure/volume controllers Master unit 29-WFD1A2 rear panel
- 1 Tritech compression frame
- 12 transducers
- 2 solenoid valves
29-WFD1A2 + 29-WFD0A1 stacked vertically reducing the footprint

on the work bench

Data acquisition and control unit
Pressure extension unit Triple pressure extension unit Pressure extension unit for
Used in addition to a Master unit, this exten- Used in addition to a Master unit, this exten-
unsaturated test module only
sion unit provides control for one extra pres- sion unit provides control for three extra pres- Used in addition to a Master unit, this exten-
sure system, with connections for a pressure sure systems, with connections for three sion unit provides control for one air pres-
transducer, solenoid valve and Hydromatic 2 pressure transducers, solenoid valves and sure system, with connections for a pressure
pressure/volume controller, plus three spare Hydromatic 2 pressure/volume controllers, plus transducer, solenoid valve and Servoflow Air
passive transducer channels. It could be used, nine spare passive transducer channels. pressure controller. There is also a connection
for example, in a system running permeabil- for an Automatic Volume Change device to
ity tests where three controlled pressures are Connections: measure the change in cell volume, plus two
required. - 3 Hydromatic pressure/volume controllers spare passive transducer channels.
- 12 transducers
Connections: - 3 solenoid valves Connections:
- 1 Hydromatic pressure/volume controller - 1 Servoflow
- 4 transducers - 4 transducers
- 1 solenoid valve - 1 solenoid valve
- 1 Automatic Volume Change device
29-WFD0A1 29-WFD0A3
Specifications Ordering information

Accessories
- Analogue/digital converter: 16-bit n
29-WFD1A2
- Additional transducer gain ranges: +/- 20 mV AUTOTRIAX 2 Data acquisition and
z 29-WF4645/COMP and +/-10 V control unit: Master unit
High specification desktop PC with LCD - Ethernet connection to PC: 100 Mb
monitor.Operating system MS Windows pre- - Dimensions: WFD1A2 or WFD0A3: W 330 x n
29-WFD0A3
installed. 8 port LAN HUB converter for D 240 x H 144 mm, WFD0A1 or WFD0A1/UNS AUTOTRIAX 2 Data acquisition
AUTOTRIAX 2 W 330 x D 240 x H 70mm and control unit: Triple pressure
connection. 110-240 V/50-60 Hz/1Ph - Weight: 5 kg extension unit
- Power supply: 110-240 V 50/60 Hz, 1ph
n
29-WFD0A1
AUTOTRIAX 2 Data acquisition and
control unit: Pressure extension unit
n
29-WFD0A1/UNS
AUTOTRIAX 2 Data acquisition and
control unit: Air pressure extension
unit for unsaturated testing

Pressure and volume controller
PRESSURE AND VOLUME CONTROLLER

Main Features
General Description • High-resolution measurement of
• Generates water pressure regulated pressure and volume change
Hydromatic 2 is used to generate water pres- under closed-loop control • High volume capacity
sure in and around the test specimen. It is • Measures the volume change, by • Lightweight and with a small foot-
driven by a stepper motor, which enables counting the steps of the stepper print.
the unit to measure volume change. The unit motor • No air compressor is required
consists of a hydraulic piston, driven by a ball-
screw and gearbox, mounted on a ball-slide,
and is managed under closed-loop control
by the Data acquisition and control unit
described on page 51. A 3500 kPa capacity
pressure transducer and its de airing block are
included. The status of the unit is monitored by
the AUTOTRIAX 2 software and safety micro-
switches are installed to prevent over-travel
beyond mechanical limits or capacity.
Each Hydromatic 2, also includes a solenoid
valve which is installed on the triaxial cell base
to open and close the pressure lines. They are
powered and controlled by the Data acquisi-
tion and control units.
For a standard effective stress system, two
Hydromatic 2 units are required - one for cell
pressure and one for back pressure.
Accessories
Specifications
- Output pressure: 3500 kPa z 29-WF4334
- Volume capacity: 250 cc Water distribution panel for automatic tri-
- Pressure resolution: 0.1 kPa axial testing
- Volume resolution: 0.001 cc z 29-WF4191
- Pressure accuracy: 0.1% of full scale Nylon tubing 6mm bore x 8mm outside
- Closed-loop control of pressure: regulated diameter, 10 metre length
to 0.1 kPa z 29-WF6302/A
- Closed-loop control of volume: regulated to Pressure transducer 3500 kPa capacity for
0.001 cc pore water pressure Hydromatic 2 29-WF4502/B includes pressure
transducers, de-airing block and on/off valve.
- Dimensions: W 740 x D 140 x H 160 mm
- Weight: 5 kg
- Power supply: 110-240 V 50/60 Hz, 1 ph
- Solenoid valve speed: <10 mm/s
Ordering Information
n
29-WF4502/B
Hydromatic 2 pressure/volume
controller for:
- Generation of hydraulic pressure under
closed-loop control
- Measurement of volume change.
Water distribution panel 29-WF4334
It is based on a motorized hydraulic actuator
controlled by a closed loop system.

Air pressure controller and water volume change for unsaturated testing
AIR PRESSURE CONTROLLER Automatic Volume Change Specifications

AND WATER VOLUME CHANGE (for unsaturated test module only) Servoflow air pressure controller
FOR UNSATURATED TESTING - Output pressure: 1000 kPa
The device is used for unsaturated soils testing
- Pressure resolution: 0.1 kPa
General Description with the double wall triaxial cell to measure
the volume change of the soil sample. - Pressure accuracy: 0.1% of full scale
Servoflow air pressure controller The design is based on the standard volume - Closed-loop control of pressure: regulated
(for unsaturated testing module only) change device with integral solenoid valves to 0.1 kPa
that allow the flow direction and bypass - Dimensions: W 225 x D 210 x H 140 mm
The Servoflow is an electro-pneumatic pres- functions to be controlled by the pressure - Weight: 5 kg
sure controller that generates air pressures of extension unit - unsaturated. The device has - Power supply: 110-240 V, 50/60 Hz, 1ph
up to 1000kPa for one pressure line. Managed a physical capacity of 100cc but due to the
under closed-loop control by the Data acquisi- automatic switching, it can measure volume Automatic Volume Change
tion and control unit that it is connected to, change continuously. It is powered directly - Capacity: 100 cc
it consists of a chassis housing an electronic by the pressure extension unit - unsaturated - Accuracy: 0.1 cc
pressure regulator. The regulator reduces and has LEDs on the front panel to show the - Maximum operating pressure: 2000 kPa
the supply air pressure to a regulated output flow status. - Dimensions: W 280 x H 400 x D 260 mm
which is directly proportional to an electrical - Weight: 9 kg
input signal received from the control unit.
- Power supply: 24 V DC direct from the pres-
In the AUTOTRIAX 2, the Servoflow is used to
sure expansion unit - unsaturated
provide air pressure to the sample for unsatu-
rated soils testing systems, based on the axis
translation method. Ordering Information
n
29-WF4511
SERVOFLOW air pressure controller
n
29-WF4412
Automatic Volume Change apparatus
measuring the volume change of an
unsaturated soil sample in the double
wall triaxial cell.
Servoflow for unsaturated testing 29-WF4511 Volume change apparatus for unsaturated
testing 29-WF4412
Main Features
• Automatic control of air pressure for

unsaturated soil testing
• Low air consumption
• Measures the total volume change
of an unsaturated soil sample in the
double-wall triaxial cell

Triaxial test automatic control and processing software
TRIAXIAL TEST AUTOMATIC CONTROL

AND PROCESSING SOFTWARE
General Description
The AUTOTRIAX 2 software is a comprehensive
and user-friendly interface between the opera-
tor and the testing system. Installed on a PC
communicating with the system over a fast
Ethernet connection, the software can be used
to configure the system(s), calibrate transduc-
ers, specify test parameters, set system limits
and control the system during a test, either
manually or automatically. Due to the flex-
ibility of the software, each triaxial system can
either have its own, dedicated PC, or multiple
systems can be run from one PC.
The software includes three modules with the
following features:
- Device Management Software

- Test software
- Template for data processing
Device Management Software

- This base software is supplied as standard System Select panel showing two triaxial systems are available, with one shared Tritech compression
with the AUTOTRIAX 2 system frame, one system is suitable for permeability test
- Designed for setting up the configuration
and allocation of the components of each
triaxial system Main Features
- Up to 11 points of calibration can be record-
• Comprehensive and user-friendly interface between the operator and the testing
ed with automatic polynomial best fitting (up
systems
to 7th order)
• Up to 6 independent triaxial systems can be run at the same time from a single
- The calibration data of different transducers
computer or multiple computers
can be stored for the same channel and easily
• Real-time display of all the transducers and calculated data for all live tests, with
recalled when connected
plots of measured and calculated data, selectable by the user.
- Full scale limits can be set for all the trans- • Automatic control in real time of standard and non-standard tests (e.g. stress path
ducers and pressure/volume controllers to tests)
prevent over-travel and possible damage • Calibration and verification procedures for all the transducers
- Management of Hydromatic 2 pressure/vol- • User-defined range limits and limit alarms for all the sensors and controllers
ume controllers and Tritech compression • Data processing and reporting facility with customisable language
frames outside of testing procedures (e.g.
controller tuning, water refilling of pressure
controllers)

Test Software EFFECTIVE and TOTAL STRESS

- All the test modules include the following This software module, supplied as standard,
basic features: includes manual or automatic control of satu-
- Input of project, sample and test details and ration, consolidation and shear stage, accord-
parameters ing to ASTM and BS Standards:
- Set up of test sequences, including selection
of automatic or manual control Saturation
(ASTM D4767, ASTM D7181, BS 1377:Part 8)
- Real-time data for all transducers are dis-
Under manual control, three different options
played throughout the test, as well as all
for running the stage are available:
calculated stresses, strains, ratios, volume
- Increments of cell pressure only
change etc. Updated specimen dimensions
are displayed at the end of each stage - Increments of cell and back pressure
- Graphical test data can be displayed on four - Simultaneous ramps of cell and back pressure
separate user-definable graphs, each with up Alternatively, automatic control can be select-
to six data series ed to run the complete stage according to
- Manual control panel to control the solenoid BS1377:8 Clause 5.3, BS1377:8 Clause 5.4 or
valves, Hydromatic 2 and Tritech units before ASTM 4767/7181.
starting the test Data monitoring and processing consists of:
- Multiple plot options including: cell pres-
- Transducer readings and zero-set options
sure vs. pore pressure / B values; cell, back
displayed in large font on a separate panel,
and pore pressure vs. time; volume change
enabling the user to easily view the readings
vs. time
from a distance
- Summary table and plot of all the saturation
- Review option to look at data and graphs for
steps performed
tests already completed
- Data processing and reporting conforming
to the relevant standards by quickly and easily
importing test data into the Microsoft Excel ®
AUTOTRIAX 2 triaxial template
- Test pause option (automatic or by the user)
for conditioning/refilling the Hydromatic 2
pressure/volume controllers
- Simultaneous and independent control of
axial stress (displacement or load controlled),
cell pressure, back pressure, base pressure (in
the Permeability Module) and air pressure (in
the Unsaturated Soils Module)
- Alarm display when travel or capacity limits
of the system components are reached
- Set up of additional limits to stop or to hold
the stress/strain conditions during the test
- Review previous stages during a live test
Device Settings screenshot for Hydromatic 2 pressure/

volume data acquisition and control device showing
settings for the four channels

- Radial stress ramps with closed-loop control

of axial stress to maintain the K0 conditions
- K0 conditions, controlled via the continuous
monitoring of volumetric strain and axial
strain
- K0 conditions, controlled via the continuous
direct measurement of the sample diameter
by a local radial strain “on-sample” trans-
ducer
PERMEABILITY MODULE (1)

This optional software module is for the auto-
matic or manual control of triaxial permeabil-
ity stages in accordance with BS1377:Part 6.
The module is used together with the standard
test stages of saturation and isotropic con-
solidation provided by the Effective Stress Test
Module to carry out triaxial permeability tests.
This package includes the following:
Deviator and shear stress plotted against axial strain during a monotonic shear stage - control and measurement of base pressure
- measurement of permeability under a con-
stant hydraulic gradient
Consolidation STRESS PATH MODULE (1) (2)
- measurement of permeability under a con-
(ASTM D4767, ASTM D7181, BS 1377:Part 8) This optional software module is for the auto- stant rate of flow
Automatic or manual isotropic consolidation matic or manual control of stress path stages,
with cell and back pressure targets set by the - Data monitoring and processing consists of:
with independent control of axial and radial
user stresses. The module can be used together - Multiple plot options including: change of
Data monitoring and processing consists of: with the standard stages of saturation, iso- volume / mean flow rate vs. time
- Multiple plot options including: volume tropic consolidation and monotonic shear pro- - Evaluation tools to calculate in real time the
change and pore pressure dissipation vs. time vided by the Effective Stress Test Module to permeability from the mean flow plot
- Graphical fitting methods, according to the carry out what is generally known as stress
relevant standards, for the evaluation of the path testing. This package includes the fol- UNSATURATED SOIL MODULE (1)
end of consolidation lowing: This optional software module is for the auto-
- Data processing of T50/T100 to calculate - Total stress ramps matic or manual control of specific stages for
speed for monotonic as for BS / ASTM. - Back pressure ramps unsaturated soils.
- MIT stress ramps to target values of s and t The module is used together with the standard
CU/CD test monotonic shear - Cambridge stress ramps to target values of test stages of saturation, isotropic consolida-
(ASTM D4767, ASTM D7181, BS 1377:Part 8) tion and monotonic shear provided by the
p and q
Automatic or manual shear stage (drained / Effective Stress Test Module to carry triaxial
- Ramps to target change in axial displace-
undrained) using calculated or user-defined testing on unsaturated soils. Stress path stag-
ment/strain
rate of strain and failure criteria in compres- es can also be performed when the Stress Path
sion or extension (2) - Ramps to target volume change
Module has been purchased. This package
Data monitoring and processing consists of: - User-defined independent ramps / hold of includes the following:
- Multiple plot options including: deviator deviator stress, cell pressure and back pressure - control and measurement of air pressure
stress, volume change, pore pressure vs. axial - Data monitoring and processing consists of: - control of matric suction during consolida-
strain; MIT or Cambridge stress path - Multiple plot options including: total and tion, monotonic shear and stress path stages
effective stress, volume change, pore pressure - measurement of pore pressure using the axis
UU test monotonic shear vs. axial strain; MIT or Cambridge stress path
(ASTM D2850, BS 1377:Part 7) translation method
Automatic or manual undrained shear stage - SWCC (soil water characteristics curve) test
K0 MODULE (1) (2) stage
in compression, with rate of strain and cell
pressure input. This optional software module is for the auto- - Data monitoring and processing consist of:
matic or manual control of K0 stages, with - Multiple plot options including: matric suc-
closed-loop control of the cross-sectional area tion/pressures vs. strain; matric suction vs.
of the soil sample. The module can be used moisture content
together with the standard test stages of satu-
- Display of all unsaturated related stresses
ration, isotropic consolidation and monotonic
throughout the test
shear provided by the Effective Stress Test
Module.
(1) An additional license must be purchased to
This package includes the following: unlock this module
- Axial stress ramps with closed-loop control (2) A vacuum top cap and submersible load cell
of radial stress to maintain the K0 conditions must be used for tests with stages in extension

Template For Data Processing

The Triaxial Template is Excel®-based data
processing software that has been specially
designed for the AUTOTRIAX 2 testing system.
Data for the entire test is imported at the
click of a button, with individual worksheets
created and completed automatically for each
stage of the test. Test reports are generated
conforming to the selected standard and can
be printed.
- Automatic data importing

- Processing and reporting of results to BS or
ASTM standards
- Includes presentation of Mohr circles and
failure envelope with manipulation tools
- Triaxial permeability results can be post-
processed to calculate the permeability value
- Possibility to plot a combined stress path
graph of total and effective Cambridge and
MIT stress path parameters over the whole
test
- Can process multiple types of test*:
- Unconsolidated Undrained (UU) triaxial - sin-
gle, set of 3 or multistage
- Consolidated Undrained triaxial (CU) - single,
set of 3 or multistage
- Consolidated Drained triaxial (CD) - single,
set of 3 or multistage
- Triaxial permeability
- CU and CD tests with any type of stage can
be processed: Typical data processing using template for AUTOTRIAX 2
- Saturation
- Isotropic consolidation
- Monotonic shear
Ordering Information
- Unsaturated (soil/water curve)
- Stress path n
29-WFD1A2/SW5
Activation code for Permeability test module
- K0 n
29-WFD1A2/SW1
with manual and automatic performance of
*The types of test that can be processed Effective stress (CU / CD / UU) base test soft- constant rate of flow and constant hydraulic
depend on which modules of the AUTOTRIAX ware with manual and automatic performance gradient permeability stages
2 software are licensed of saturation, consolidation and shear stages
to ASTM and BS
n
29-WFD1A2/TM
Triaxial Excel® Template for data processing
n
29-WFD1A2/SW2
software that has been specially designed for
Activation code for Stress path test module the AUTOTRIAX 2 testing system.
with manual and automatic performance of
stress path stages
n
29-WFD1A2/SW3
Activation code for K0 test module with man-
ual and automatic performance of K0 stages
n
29-WFD1A2/SW4
Activation code for Unsaturated test module
including manual and automatic modes for
testing using the axis translation method

Typical configurations
Automatic triaxial system to perform

Effective stress - Stress path - K0 tests

Effective stress - Stress path -
K0 - Permeability tests

Unsaturated tests

Typical configurations
Possible configurations of test starting from the left, then select the The system shall be completed with the follow-
The following summary table is intended as number of frames and triaxial cells that will ing components:
a practical guide for the most typical and be managed simultaneously; then continue - Triaxial load frame, see TRITECH model page 26
common configurations, limited to the part on the same row to find the main hardware - Banded triaxial cells and accessories, see
required for the main components, to cover components and software packages. If a single page 32
different type of triaxial tests. frame is dedicated to a single triaxial cell, the - Sensors: Displacement transducer, pressure
However, due to the high flexibility of the sys- test can be controlled automatically from start transducers, load cells, see page 64
tem, many other configurations not included to end. If a single frame is shared with several
- Pressure system and water distribution panel
in the table here below, can be managed, triaxial cells, the system can manage automati-
see. page 53
according to the requirements of the user. cally saturation and isotropic consolidation
To use the table below, first select the type simultaneously on the different triaxial cells. - De-airing water system see. page 40
If additional measurements are required, the
system can be upgraded with the following:
- Local strain measurements see page 34
- Bender elements see page 36
TX
Test Frame Software
cell
E S K0 P U WFD1A2 WFD0A1 WFD0A3 WFD0A1/UNS WF4502/B WF4511 WF4412 SW1 SW2 SW3 SW4 SW5
• • 1 1 1 2 • •
• • • 1 1 1 2 • • •
• • • • 1 1 1 1 3 • • • •
• • • • 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 • • • •
• • • • • 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 • • • • •
• 1 3 1 1 1 6 •
• • 1 3 1 2 1 7 • •
• 1 6 1 1 3 12 •
• • 1 6 1 2 3 13 • •
• • 3 3 3 6 • •
• • • 3 3 3 1 7 • • •
• • • 6 6 6 12 • • •
• • • 6 6 6 1 13 • • •
• • • 6 6 6 1 12 1 1 • • •
Key:
E: Total/effective stress according to BS and ASTM standards
S: Stress path (vacuum top cap and submersible load cell are required for tests with stages in extension)
K0: K0 consolidation (vacuum top cap and submersible load cell are required for tests with stages in extensions)
P: Permeability (the items indicated in the table are intended to perform permeability tests in one cell)
U: Unsaturated (the test requires the double-wall triaxial cell; the items indicated in the table are intended to perform unsaturated test in one cell)
Up to 6 independent systems are controller by the same PC

Data Aquisition Automatic
System forTriaxial
soil mechanics
Testing 30
29
GEODATALOG
Introduction
The main advantage of GEODATALOG is to record and monitor in real time Communication ports: RS232 and USB for
whichever measurement involved in a general test carried on in a soil mechanics data download to PC with software included
laboratory. The different transducers can be set up and grouped so that a single
test can involve as many measurements as required: all these transducers will On-board firmware
record data at the same time with a specific recording mode. Suitable for remote management of the
GEODATALOG is particularly suitable for research laboratories and universities logger with DATACOMM software (included).
where non standard tests are performed. DATACOMM Communication software
for data download and data filing
Digital calibration of channels with linear, poly-
nomial and multi-coefficient calibration mode.
Recording modes: controlled by time and/or
readings with linear, exponential and polino-
mial modes.
Graphical and numerical displaying of readings.
Report generation
Data export as HTML, XLS and TXT.
Selection of the language including a custom
language which can be input by the user.
Requires Microsoft Windows XP® or superior
Microsoft operating system.
If used with 2 logger units connected
to a single PC with extension kit model
General description Specifications 30-WF6032/NET can manage up to 64 channels.
Minimum PC Specifications:
This datalogger which is proposed in Hardware - Processor speed 500 MHz minimum
two versions: 16 or 32 channels capacity Number of channels: 16 (30-WF6016) or - Hard disk 200 MByte minimum
(30-WF6016 and 30-WF6032), provides 32 (30-WF6032). - RAM 512 Mbyte
automatic data recording in the non-auto- With 64 channels expansion kit model - CD – ROM
matic systems. 30-WF6032/NET and DATACOMM software - 1 saerial port RS232 or USB with adapter
The GEODATALOG is directly connected to included it is possible to connect to a single USB-RS232 or Ethernet card with adapter
PC. Data are automatically stored in mem- PC 2 logger units extending number of chan- Ethernet-RS232
ory and downloaded to PC in real time for nels to 64. - Windows® XP or superior
immediate monitoring of the different tests - Monitor minimum resolution 800x600 pixel
in progress at the same time. Sensors outputs: - MS Excel® suggested
It is compatible with a complete range of - Vex adjustable up to 10V DC (common to - A4 printer
transducers for the various test requirement. all channels)
- compatible with 3 and 4 wires sensors B Dimensions: 320x270x140mm (lxdxh)
A general purpose basic software
DATACOMM is included for calibration, data single and double ended A Weight: 2,5 kg appox.
recording and monitoring in real time of the Sensors inputs:
transducers involved in the tests in progress. - from -10V to +10V including the follow-
Proper templates have been developed for ing sensors:
data analysis, processing and printout of test - any amplified sensor with DC output;
certificates according to the most important - potentiometric transducers;
international standards (ASTM, BS, EN). - wheatstone bridge transducers with
mV/V DC output (load cells, pressure Accessories
n 30-WF6016 transducers, linear transducers, and
30-WF6042 Transducer extension
z
GEODATALOG, 16 channels Data equivalent)
cable, 6 m length
acquisition system for geotechnical - sensors inpedance from 100 Ohm to 10
tests. 110-240 V, 50-60 Hz, 1 ph. kOhm 30-WF6044 Transducer extension
z
Real resolution: ± 32 000 divisions cable, 12 m length
n 30-WF6032 Sampling rate: adjustable up to 3 samples/ 30-WF6032/NET Extension kit for
z
GEODATALOG, 32 channels Data management of up to 64 channels (to be
sec per channel
acquisition system for geotechnical used only with GEODATALOG)
tests. 110-240 V, 50-60 Hz, 1 ph. Data storage capacity: 8 Mbytes

30 Data Aquisition System for soil mechanics
Geo-Analysis Templates
MS Excel® Geo-Analysis Templates
n 30-WF6016/T1 Consolidation n 30-WF6016/T10 Undrained (UU)

Geo-Analysis Template conforming to Triaxial Testing Geo-Analysis Template
BS 1377:5 conforming to ASTM D2850
n 30-WF6016/T2 Direct and residual n 30-WF6016/T11 Effective Stress
Shear Geo-Analysis Template conforming (CU-CD) Triaxial Testing Geo-Analysis
to BS 1377:7 Template conforming to ASTM D4767 -
ASTM7181
n 30-WF6016/T3 Ring Shear
Geo-Analysis Template conforming to n 30-WF6016/T12 Hydraulic
BS 1377:7 Consolidation Geo-Analysis for MS-EXCEL
Template according to BS 1377:6
n 30-WF6016/T4 Effective Stress (CU-CD)
Triaxial Testing Geo-Analysis Template n 30-WF6016/T13 Hydrocon SWCC Geo-
conforming to BS 1377:8 Analysis for MS-EXCEL Template
n 30-WF6016/T5 Undrained (UU) Triaxial n 30-WF6016/T14 Permeability Geo-
Testing Geo-Analysis Template conforming Analysis template. MS Excel application
to BS 1377:7 for importing test data, calculating and
plotting results and producing test report in
n 30-WF6016/T6 CRS type consolidation accordance with BS1377: 6
Geo-Analysis Template conforming to
ASTM D4186 n 30-WF6016/T15 Unconfined Geo-
Analysis template according to ASTM D21
n 30-WF6016/T7 CBR Geo-Analysis 66
Template conforming to BS 1377:4
n 30-WF6016/T16 Ring shear Geo-
n 30-WF6016/T8 Consolidation Analysis Template conforming to
Geo-Analysis Template conforming to ASTM ASTM D6467
n 30-WF6016/T9 Direct and residual
Shear Geo-Analysis Template conforming
to ASTM D3080
DETERMINATION OF ONE-DIMENSIONAL CONSOLIDATION PROPERTIES OF SOILS USING INCREMENTAL LOADING DIRECT SHEAR TEST OF SOILS UNDER CONSOLIDATED DRAINED CONDITIONS

Tested in accordance with ASTM Designation: D 2435 Tested in accordance with ASTM Designation: D 3080
TEST DATA TEST REPORT
Project location Example
Project location EXAMPLE
Project reference 12345 Specimen number 2A, 2B, 2C
Project reference 12345 Specimen number 3A
Borehole number
Borehole number BH1 Specimen depth (m)
Specimen depth (m) 2.50, 2.50, 2.50
2.50, 2.50, 2.50
Borehole number BH2 Specimen depth (m) 1.5
Increment number 5 - Loading Vertical stress (kPa) 1280 Mass (kg) 25.70 0.000
Specimen 1
0.050
Specimen 2
6.500 0.100 Specimen 3
m)
0 150
0.150
ertical deformation (mm
6.400 d0; 6.384

0.200
Transducer reading (mm)
6.300
0.250
t50; 6.2 0.300
6.200
d50; 6.177
0.350
6.100
Ve
0.400
6.000 0.450
d100; 5.970
0.500
5.900
0.1 1.0 10.0 100.0
Time (mins)
5.800
0.10 1.00 10.00 100.00 1000.00 10000.00
Time (mins)
80.0
70.0
6.500
60.0
Root t90; 4.4
6.400
Shear stress (kPa)
50.0
Transducer reading (mm)
6.300
40.0
6.200
30.0
6.100
20.0 Specimen 1
6.000 Specimen 2
10.0
Specimen 3
5.900
0.0
5.800 0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 14.0 16.0 18.0
0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 10.00 12.00 14.00 16.00 18.00 20.00 Relative lateral displacement (%)
Relative lateral displacement (%)
Time (root mins)
5 T8 Example

Data Aquisition System for soil mechanics 30
DATACOMM
DATACOMM SOFTWARE
SOME EXAMPLES OF SCREENSHOT
Front panel of GEODATALOG

30-WF6032

Electronic transducers
ELECTRONIC TRANSDUCERS Codes Description Measure Application
For use with the GEODATALOG 30-WF6016, 30-WF6207 Displacement Linear Consolidation
30-WF6032. to potentiometric transducers displacement Shear testing
30-WF6210 Triaxial
The beside table summarises the type and 27-WF0377/ST Strain gauge load cell Force Shear testing
application of the various transducers, 28-WF0370/T Strain gauge load cells Force Triaxial
which are afterwords described. 28-WF0373/T
28-WF0375/T
28-WF6351 Submersible load cells Force Triaxial with banded
DISPLACEMENT POTENTIOMETRIC triaxial cells
TRANSDUCERS to
28-WF6356
n 30-WF6207 Linear potentiometric
transducer, 10 mm travel, with 6-pin 28-WF6300 Pressure transducers Pressure Triaxial
Lumberg connector complete with 28-WF6301
mounting block 28-WF6302 Continuous consolidation
n 30-WF6208 Linear potentiometric 28-WF4410 Automatic volume Volume Triaxial
transducer, 25 mm travel, with 6-pin change apparatus
Lumberg connector complete with
mounting block
n 30-WF6209 Linear potentiometric Specifications STRAIN GAUGE LOAD CELL
transducer, 50 mm travel, with 6-pin
Lumberg connector complete with Input voltage: 10 V DC For shear testing machines 27-WF2060 and
mounting block Output: from 0 to input voltage 27-WF2160
n 30-WF6210 Linear potentiometric Repeatability and accuracy: better than n 27-WF0377/ST Load cell 5 kN cap.
transducer, 100 mm travel, with 6-pin 0.002 mm complete with adapters
Lumberg connector complete with
mounting block
Accessories
28-WF6220 Mounting bracket for

z
displacement transducers to fit 15.5 mm
dia. triaxial cell ram
28-WF6221 Mounting bracket for
z
displacement transducers to fit 25 mm
dia. triaxial cell ram
28-WF1048/T Mounting bracket for
z
displacement transducer to fit standard 27-WF0377/ST
triaxial cell ram
30-WF6208
30-WF0652
z
Calibration device for linear
transducers
It consists of a stainless steel frame with
two holders: one for the transducer and
the other for the micrometer gauge head.
The holder can receive transducers having
nominal diameter of 8, 12, 19, 22 mm or 30-WF6220
18 mm square. Traceable calibration
Specifications
certificate available upon request
Nominal sensitivity: 2 mV/V
30-WF0652 with 30-WF6208 Accuracy: better than 0.1%

Data Aquisition System for soil mechanics 30
Electronic transducers (continued)
ELECTRONIC TRANSDUCERS PRESSURE TRANSDUCERS

Continued
Used for measurement of cell pressure, back
For use with the GEODATALOG 30-WF6016,
pressure, pore pressure (water or air).
30-WF6032.
STRAIN GAUGE LOAD CELLS FOR

n 28-WF6300
Pressure transducer, 1000 kPa
TRIAXIAL FRAMES
n 28-WF6301
n 28-WF0370/T Load cell 3,5 kN cap. Pressure transducer, 2000 kPa
n 28-WF0373/T Load cell 10 kN cap. 28-WF6300 with 28-WF6310
n 28-WF6302
n 28-WF0374/T Load cell 25 kN cap. Pressure transducer, 3500 kPa
n 28-WF0375/T Load cell 50 kN cap.
Specifications
n 28-WF0376/T Load cell 100 kN cap. Accessories
Input voltage: 0-10 V DC 28-WF6310 De-airing block for
z
Output: 100 mV full scale pressure transducer. To be connected to
Accuracy: better than 0.1 kPa banded triaxial cells
z 28-WF4459 De-airing block for
pressure transducer. To be connected to
standard triaxial cells
28-WF0370/T, 28-WF0375/T
Specifications
28-WF6300 with 28-WF4459
Nominal sensitivity: 2 mV/V
Accuracy: better than 0.1%
Connecting thread:
- Female M20x1.5 (3.5, 10, 25, 50 kN models)
- Female M30x2 (100 kN model)
SUBMERSIBLE LOAD CELLS Technical specifications
Internal load cells have been designed to Overload capacity: 200% Cable length: 2 metres
work inside the triaxial cell. They have a low Excitation voltage: 10 V DC Diameter: 75 mm
hysteresis and very good linearity together Non-linearity: ± 0.05% full scale Height excluding ram or stub: 50 mm
with a substantial over load safety feature. Hysteresis: 0.05% full scale A Weight excluding ram or stub: 850 g
SUBMERSIBLE LOAD CELLS FITTED WITH RAMS AND CORRESPONDENT TRIAXIAL CELL
Model of Capacity Model of Diameter of the ram

submersible kN kgf triaxial cell mm
load cell compatible
28-WF6350 1.0 100
28-WF6352 5.0 500 28-WF4050 15.5
28-WF6354 10.0 1000
28-WF6351 1.0 100 28-WF4070
28-WF4100
28-WF6353 5.0 500 28-WF4150
25.0
28-WF6355 10.0 1000
28-WF6356 25.0 2500
28-WF6352

Electronic transducers (continued)
ELECTRONIC TRANSDUCERS
Continued
VOLUME CHANGE TRANSDUCER
n 28-WF4410
Automatic volume change apparatus
When connected with a suitable display

or data acquisition system the apparatus
provides an electrical signal directly pro-
portional to the volume of water flowing
through the unit. The apparatus comprises
of a piston connected to a linear transducer
25 mm travel and sealed against a precision-
machined calibration chamber so that the
linear movement of the piston is exactly
proportional to the volume of water in the 28-WF4410
calibration chamber.
The apparatus includes the panel with
reversing valve system to measure the water
flow in both directions.
Basic capacity: 100 cm3

Transducer input: up to 12 V DC
Accuracy: ± 0.1 ml
B Dimensions: 260x280x400 mm (lxdxh)

Dynamic soil testing 31
DYNATRIAX, Cyclic/Stress path triaxial system
CYCLIC/STRESS PATH TRIAXIAL SYSTEM
Introduction Construction The phenomena and problems associated

We know that all of our structures are The preservation of archaeological sedi- with liquefaction concern saturated cohe-
subject to vibration, shock and cyclic ments and artefacts during construction. To sionless soils, even if they contain con-
establish the effects of past stress regimes siderable amount of fines. In recent years
loading. The effect on our foundation
on archaeological remains as seen in their particular attention has been focused on
design has usually been determined by
contemporary, in-situ context. sloping ground conditions, which although
testing with a 1 Hz sinusoidal wave To maximise site stability and integrity, do not require earthquake loading, might
shape but from the graph below it thereby enhancing the future preservation result in flow failure associated with cata-
can be seen that each application will of archaeological remains. Laboratory stud- strophic consequences.
have its own unique wave shape and ies will simulate past loading regimes as a
frequency. consequence of the historic accumulation Offshore
The Cyclic Stress Path system can rep- of debris and sediment and future loading To investigate the wave effect on offshore,
licate these unique applications in the based on a range of construction scenario. structures, waterside buildings, harbours and
laboratory test. pipelines. Wave effect and pipeline vibra-
Liquefaction tions can be recreated.
WF7000 SERIES 50/100 KN Liquefaction is a phenomenon that occurs in
saturated soils, in which the space between Blasting
STATIC/DYNAMIC TRIAXIAL SYSTEMS What effect does blasting have on struc-
individual particles is completely filled with
water. This water exerts a pressure on the tures in the areas surrounding the quarry or
q STANDARDS site? What effect does blasting have on the
ASTM D2850, D4767, D3999, D5311 / soil particles that influences how tightly the
particles themselves are pressed together. foundations of these structures? The blast-
BS 1377:Part 7, Part 8:1990 ing signature can be used for testing the
Prior to an earthquake, the water pressure is
Applications relatively low. However, earthquake shaking foundation material.
To reproduce in the laboratory the same can cause the water pressure to increase to
the point where the soil particles can readily Rail track
vibration, shock and cyclic forces to the soil
move with respect to each other. During the What effect does vibrations have on build-
sample, to give engineers a better under-
last three decades progress has been made ings close to railway track? Trains are becom-
standing of how a soil material behaves
in theoretical and experimental aspects of ing faster creating vibrations of greater
under these unique situations.
research concerning phenomenon of lique- frequency, which are transmitted into the
faction. surrounding ground. Cyclic tests on the
track subbase can be performed.
Causes of Vibration or Cyclic Loading
Ocean Waves
Wind
Earthquake
Earthquake
Rail track
Rail track
Blasting
Blasting
Traffic
Construction

31 Dynamic soil testing
DYNATRIAX, Cyclic/Stress path triaxial system (continued)
The dynamic triaxial system developed using the latest

technologies and decades of WF experience in the dynamic soil
testing field, ideal for commercial and research laboratories.
MODULARITY
FLEXIBILITY • Test setup by unique programmable
multi-stage test procedure:
• Three axis closed loop control for axial load during the test run, access to all controls to
or displacement, cell and back pressure expand and modify the stages according
• Operating frequency up to 10 Hz to the response of the soil specimen
• Two dynamic load/displacement options: • Designed to easily integrate existing
- Up to ±25 mm (±5 kN actuator) static systems
- Up to ±15 mm (±14 kN actuator)
• Two load frame options: 50 and 100 kN
• Capability to perform static (effective stress
and stress path), dynamic and unsaturated soil RELIABILITY
triaxial tests
• Available upgrade for bender element testing, • Standard and user defined wave shapes also
local strain and mid height pore pressure derived form in situ measurements (from
measurement violent earthquake to sedate ocean waves)
• Complete test automation of all test stages
using an high sensitivity closed loop P.I.D.
feedback (up to 10 kHz)
• Automatic compensation of cell/back pressure
during dynamic stage
• Transducers calibration and verification
management by the software
• Manual and automatic emergency air shut off
function

Continued
COMPONENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS Min. air supply: 800 kPa - Max. servovalve two on/off valves, one connected to the
frequency: 70 Hz. drainage line and one connected to the air
The DYNATRIAX is a computer controlled main supply of the triaxial cell.
Data Acquisition, process & control system
servo-pneumatic system designed to per- The CDC communicates with the PC through
form the static and dynamic stages of a The CDC – Compact Dynamic Controller is
a compact self contained unit that man- an Ethernet communication link (100
triaxial test.
ages the three closed loop axis (vertical load/ Mbit/s). The controller has sixteen transducer
The system manages three closed loop axis:
1. Vertical load/displacement displacement, cell and back pressure) with a input channels using 16 bit ADC.
- up to ± 25 mm (± 5 kN actuator) control loop rate of 10 kHz. It provides the Max. servovalves frequency: 70 Hz.
- up to ± 15 mm (± 14 kN actuator) automatic control of the system and drives
2. Cell pressure up to 1000 kPa
the servovalve units of the three axis and The pneumatic actuator
3. Back pressure up to 1000 kPa
The base system includes: applies the vertical cyclic
load/displacement according
Tritech 50 or Tritech 100 load machines to the set wave shape.
The TRITECH digital loading machine is a
microprocessor controlled drive system, spe-
cifically designed to perform both static or Servovalve for the vertical
dynamic tests. load control
- Static load capacity: 50 kN or 100 kN
- Static vertical displacement up to 100
mm (machine travel)
Actuator The actuator locking system

The double acting pneumatic actuator is digi- allows the user to easily
tally controlled and includes an integrated skip from dynamic to static
LVDT displacement transducer to control the testing taking advantages of
position and the movement of the piston dur- the load frame’s maximum
capacity.
ing the test.
- Dynamic load capacity: ±5 kN or ±14 kN
- Dynamic vertical displacement with trav- Submersible load cell is used
el up to ±25 mm for accurate measurement,
not affected by the friction
or ±15 mm
of the ram and the cell
- Operating frequency up to 10 Hz pressure.
(depending on test conditions)
Dynatriax includes PC and soft- The air reservoir is provided

ware that provides the with two servo valves for cell On/off valve. PC software controlled
control of all test stages in and back pressure control. automatic volume change
automatic mode. apparatus.
CDC – Compact Dynamic Controller

Tritech50 load frame fitted with
with manual emergency shut-off
±5 kN actuator and TRI-CELL Plus
switch. It is provided with
triaxial cell.
16 channels 16 bit ADC.

Continued
SOFTWARE
Multitasking, user–friendly Windows-based software is pre-

installed on the computer provided with the system.
The software provides control of the following utilities and stages
of a cyclic triaxial test:
Saturation
- Cell pressure increments with B value check
- Back pressure increments with volume change measurement
- Cell and back pressure ramp
Consolidation Saturation
- Isotropic consolidation with continuous volume change measurement This stage follows the incremental saturation as per
BS 1377-1990 but is flexible and allows other methods to be
K0 Consolidation used. The software will let you apply cell and back pressure
Vertical displacement loading with sample diameter control increments with B value displayed in the cell pressure stage.
using either: Graph displays
- Direct measurement by radial belt with on-sample transducer - Cell pressure against time
- Measurement of sample volume change and height - Pore pressure against time
- Back pressure against time
Stress path - Volume change against time
- Horizontal and Vertical Stress
- s, t (average stress and shear stress)
- p, q (mean normal stress and deviator stress)
- Vertical stress using strain control
Monotonic Shear
- Strain controlled static shear stage, drained or undrained
- Loading in compression or extension, using the vertical
actuator or the Tritech
Any or all of the above stages can be performed in ‘automatic

mode’ where the test parameters are entered at the start of the
test or stage and the software takes control of managing the
stages using predefined criteria.
Cyclic loading
ASTM D 5311 Load Controlled Cyclic Strength
ASTM D 3999 Load Controlled Modulus & Damping
ASTM D 3999 Displacement Controlled Modulus & Damping
Non Standard (single or multi cycle test) Selection of the cyclic stage and set up of the relevant parameters:
User defined or imported Waveshape - Test method: ASTM D5311, D3999, non standard
- Waveshape: sinusoidal, triangle, square, user defined
Transducer limits - Frequency
- An air shut-off valve can be programmed to be activated - Peak to peak amplitude
using user defined channel limits. - Type of control (stress, strain, force, displacement)
- Failure conditions: e.g. number of cycles, pore pressure ratio,
Calibration strain limit
- Digital calibration using linear fit, polynomial fit or linearization.
- Transducer verification option

Set up of the different stages of the test Transducer calibration

Saturation; isotropic consolidation; Ko consolidation; Stress Transducers can be allocated and calibrated from the library
path; Cyclic shear; Monotonic shear. in the test configuration.
Stress path Manual control procedure

This stage allows axial and radial stresses to be increased and The operator can manually manage the actuator, cell pres-
decreased in incremental stages. sure, back pressure, volume change, electrovalves and, at
Available graphs the same time, monitor the transducer readings.
All transducer calculated; stresses and strains; stress path.
Cyclic stress controlled Cyclic shear

The cyclic stage applies the specified cyclic loading to the Young’s modulus and shear modulus are monitored during
specimen. This screen shows all the varying values during the the cyclic stage against the number of cycles.
cyclic stage.
Available graphs
Real time transducers peak compression/extension and amplitude
valves.

Continued n 31-WF7000/RES Double wall triaxial cell

Upgrading software package for resilient
z 28-WF4170
modulus determination according to
n 31-WF7005 AASHTO T307.
Double-wall triaxial cell for unsaturated
Dynatriax, dynamic triaxial basic system, tests on 70 mm diameter soil samples,
±5 kN cyclic, on a 50 kN load machine. complete with 6 ports for transducer
110-240 V, 50-60 Hz, 1 ph. ACCESSORIES cables.
n 31-WF7006 Banded triaxial cell z 28-WF4171

Dynatriax, dynamic triaxial basic system, Double-wall triaxial cell for unsaturated
±14 kN cyclic, on a 50 kN load machine. z 28-WF4070 tests on 100 mm diameter soil samples,
110-240 V, 50-60 Hz, 1 ph. Banded triaxial cell for samples up to 70 complete with 6 ports for transducer
mm diameter. cables.
n 31-WF7010
Dynatriax, dynamic triaxial basic system, z 28-WF4100
±5 kN cyclic, on a 100 kN load machine. Banded triaxial cell for samples up to 100
110-240 V, 50-60 Hz, 1 ph. mm diameter.
n 31-WF7015 z 28-WF4150
Dynatriax, dynamic triaxial basic system, Banded triaxial cell for samples up to 150
±14 kN cyclic, on a 100 kN load machine. mm diameter.
110-240 V, 50-60 Hz, 1 ph.
n 31-WF7000/UNS
Upgrading package for unsaturated soil
testing.
The package includes the additional ser-
vovalve for air pressure control and the
software to automatically perform the
test
stages using the axis translation method:
- Simultaneous and independent control
of air pressure, pore water pressure and
axial stress
28-WF4170
- Performance of consolidation, saturation
soil water curve and shear stages
- Test data recording for each stage
Triaxial cell and test accessories must be
ordered separately.
28-WF4070
Double-wall triaxial cell product code

Diameter,
mm 28-WF4170 28-WF4171
50 28-WF4170/50 28-WF4171/50
70 28-WF4170/70 28-WF4171/70
Detail of the double wall of
100 - 28-WF4171/100 28-WF4170 and 28-WF4171
For top cap and vacuum top cap please refer to model below.
Banded triaxial cell product code Vacuum Top cap

Diameter,
mm 28-WF4070 28-WF4100 28-WF4150
38 28-WF4031/7 28-WF4031/10 28-WF4031/15 28-WF4032/AV
50 28-WF4051/7 28-WF4051/10 28-WF4051/15 28-WF4052/AV
70 28-WF4071/7 28-WF4071/10 28-WF4071/15 28-WF4072/AV
100 - 28-WF4101/10 28-WF4101/15 28-WF4102/AV
150 - - 28-WF4151/15 28-WF4152/AV

SAMPLE ACCESSORIES Bladder Air/Water pressure cylinder z 29-WF4412

for the sample accessories see pag. 34 Automatic volume change
z 28-WF4320
device with remote controlled flow inver-
Bladder air/water pressure cylinder for
sion. 100 cc capacity, 0.1 cc accuracy,
pressures up to 1000 kPa.
Submersible load cells 2000 kPa max. operating pressure.
Designed to work inside the triaxial cell.

The load measurement is highly accurate as
it is not affected by the friction of the ram
in the triaxial cell bush and cell pressure
and by cell pressure.
z 31-WF7117
Submersible load cell, 5 kN cap.
z 31-WF7118
z 31-WF7119
Common Specifications
Overload capacity: 200%
Excitation voltage: 10 VDC
Hysteresis: 0.05% full scale
28-WF4320 29-WF4412
Local strain transducers

Air compressor
z 86-D2015/A Models for dynamic testing
Air compressor, 10 bar max. z 28-WF4039/KN
pressure, 200 l capacity. Local strain transducer kit for 38 mm
Power: 5.5 kW, 400 V, 50 Hz, 3 ph. diameter samples with two vertical and
z 86-D2019
one radial miniature “on-specimen”
Air treatment unit comprehending air transducers, radial belt, axial fixing pads
dryer, particle filter, oil filter, coalescence and plugs.
filter, 230 V, 50-60 Hz, 1ph.
z 28-WF4059/KN
As above but for 50 mm diameter samples.
Transducers z 28-WF4079/KN
31-WF7117 As above but for 70 mm diameter samples.
z 31-WF7121
LVDT linear transducer, ±25 mm travel, z 28-WF4109/KN
Water distribution panel (0,2% FSO accuracy). As above but for 100 mm diameter samples.
z 28-WF6300 z 28-WF4159/KN
z 31-WF4335 Pressure transducer, 10 bar max. As above but for 150 mm diameter samples.
Water distribution panel, two pressure
z 28-WF6310
lines, complete with digital pressure gauge
and hand pump. De-airing block for pore pressure transducer.
28-WF6300 with 28-WF6310

31-WF4335

Resonant Column
n
31-WF8500
For the determination of:
RC test
- shear wave velocity
- secant shear modulus G
- damping ratio D
- ratio from free-vibrations
TSS test
- secant shear modulus rom stress-strain
response
- damping ratio from hysteresis loops 31-WF8500
Automatic calculation of: MAIN FEATURES - TSS: damping ratio from hysteresis
- Resonant Frequency loops
- Shear wave velocity - Combined Resonant Column / - Internal floating frame for large
- Shear modulus Torsional Simple Shear device angular and axial deformation
- Shear strain - Automatic detection of - Confining pressure up to 1 MPa
- Damping ratio from half power band fundamental frequency
- Suitable for 50 mm dia. specimen
width - RC: damping ratio from half power (or 38 mm on request)
- Damping ratio from free vibration bandwidth and from free vibration
decay - Integrated signal generator and
data
oscilloscope
Reference Standard:
ASTM D4015-2000
Operating principle
RESONANT COLUMN combines the fea- resonant frequency, shear wave velocity
tures of both resonant column and torsio- and shear wave modulus are calculated
nal shear into a single unit including the using elasticity theory. The corresponding
current driven motor to apply torsional shear strain is evaluated from the motion
LVDT
load to sample, a series of transducers amplitude. Material damping can be deter- axial
with signal conditioning, a cell and back mined from the half power bandwidth or transducer
pressure electro-pneumatic control system from a free-vibration decay curve, which
and a data logger. is generated by shutting off the driving Coil
In the Resonant Column test a cylindrical power. Magnet
soil specimen is restrained at the bottom In the Torsional Simple Shear test the soil Internal
and dynamically excited at the top. The specimen is deformed cyclically at a low External cell
torsional force at the top is generated frequency (a maximum of 10 Hz), conti- cell wall
using an electrical motor constituted by nuously monitoring torque and deforma- wall Sample
eight drive coils encircling four magnets tion. From the torque-deformation cur-
attached to a drive plate. The generated ves, a relationship between average shear
frequency is up to 250 Hz. The fundamen- stress and average shear strain is obtained,
tal mode of vibration is found from the which in turn provides the shear modulus
maximum amplitude of motion; from the and the damping ratio.

Resonant Column
evaluated from the resonant frequency. The

damping ratio can be evaluated either from
(continued) the complete frequency response of the soil
specimen (“half power band width”), or from
Test stages a free-vibration decay curve that is gener-
ated by shutting off the driving power.
Saturation stage At a given consolidation effective stress, RC
During saturation stage a small amount tests are repeated several times, increasing
of cell and back pressures are applied in progressively the amplitude of the input
steps, with a consequent dissolution of the voltage, thus obtaining the secant shear
air contained in the intergaranular spaces. modulus and the damping ratio correspond-
A control system generate the cell and ing to increasing shear strain values.
back pressures using air/water interfaces.
Cell, back and pore pressures are measured RC: Resonant Column test
by pressure transducers 1000kPa cap, 0.1
kPa accuracy. Volume change is measured
using high sensitivity differential pressure Torsional Simple Shear test (TSS)
transducer. A sinusoidal current is applied to the coils in slope of the stress-strain loops, while mate-
Consolidation stage a quasi-static condition and the motion of rial damping is related to the area of the
The sample is subjected to the same back the top of the specimen is monitored using hysteresis loop.
pressure used during the last saturation step the proximity displacement transducers. The At a given consolidation effective stress, TSS
while the cell pressure depends on the effec- input current (proportional to the shear tests are repeated several times, increasing
tive stress required in the next steps. When stress) and the corresponding torsional rota- progressively the amplitude of the input
pore water pressure and volume changes tion (proportional to the shear strain) are voltage, thus obtaining the secant shear
are completely dissipated the consolidation simultaneously recorded. The shear modulus modulus and the damping ratio correspond-
stage ends. of the soil is determined from the average ing to increasing values of the shear strain.
During this stage the axial strain is measured
using a LVDT transducer ± 12.5 mm travel, TSS: Determination of the shear
modulus and damping factor
0,2% class.
RC and TSS tests are usually performed in

undrained conditions, closing the drainage
channels and measuring changes in the pore
water pressure.
Resonant Column test (RC)

A signal generator supplies a sinusoidal
voltage to the driving amplifier and a pro- TSS : Strain level and
portional current to the coils attached to mechanical behavior
the cell body. The magnetic field in the coils of the soil sample in simple
interacts with the magnets attached to the cyclic shear condition
driving plate, that in turn conveys a torsional
oscillation to the top of the specimen. As
the frequency of the input signal varies, the
dynamic response of the specimen results
in a varying motion amplitude. The ampli-
tude is captured either by an accelerometer
attached to the driving plate and by prox-
imity displacement transducers measuring
the relative movement of the driving plate
relative to the coils.
The frequency that maximizes the motion of
the top of the specimen is associated to the
first-mode resonance and is found applying
an input signal with a frequency sweep. TSS: Schematic stress
The secant shear modulus of the soil can be representation

Resonant Column (continued)
(continued)
General specifications
Includes items:
- aluminium cell with stainless steel
columns and acrylic transparent cylinder
with 170 mm int. dia. x 200 mm ext. dia.,
including channels for bottom drainage;
- test accessories for 50 mm (or 38 mm) dia.
specimens;
- internal floating frame for assembling the
electrical motor that applies the torsional 31-WF8500 system. Controls panel. 31-WF8500 system.
loads; this motor has four NeFeB Detail of the electrical motor.
10 x 25 x 40 mm magnets and eight coils.
- main control box including:
- power supply RESONANT COLUMN
- current amplifier
- 8 channels signal conditioning unit Code Description Q.ty
- USB data acquisition and signal
generation board 31-WF8500 RESONANT COLUMN combined resonant column/torsional 1
- two electro-pneumatic converters shear device for the automatic determination of damping
for cell and back pressure ratio from half power bandwith and free vibration decay
- sensor kit containing: method.
- axial LVDT transducer
- automatic volume change apparatus 31-WF8500/1 RESONANT COLUMN calibration kit including two weights
with flow inversion and two bars.
- three Pressure transducers
- two Eddy current displacement 28-WF2016/A Air Compressor 10 bar 145 psi maximum working pressure, 1
sensors (with miniaturised driving Output 10.2 cfm, 100 L receiver. 230 V/50 Hz/1 ph
system)
- PC and software 28-WF2016/2 Water Trap for Air/Water assembly 1
Maximum torque: 1.2 Nm 28-WF4221/A De airing tank, 23 lt capacity 1

Maximum angular deformation: 10°
Maximum Cell and back pressure: 1 MPa. 28-WF2001 Portable vacuum pump. 220-240 V/50-60 Hz/1 Ph 1
Excitation frequency 28-WF2064 Rubber tube dia 6,5 x 12,5 mm, 2 m long for vacuum 1
- Dynamic (RC) 1-300 Hz
- Cyclic (TS) from 0 to 50 Hz maximum 86-D2005 Air drying unit. For use with silica gel
Optional sensor: 86-D0819 Silica gel. 1 kg

- MEMS accelerometer
28-WF4225 Valve panel for use with de-airing tank 1
Optional calibration Kit:
- N°2 calibration bars kit + N°2 calibration
weights

Cyclic simple shear
CYCLIC SIMPLE SHEAR APPARATUS

110-240 V, 50-60 Hz, 1 ph.
q STANDARDS
ASTM D6528
Introduction
The cyclic simple shear apparatus is
generally used for research into the
dynamic field of soil behaviour, and
can simulate quite easily many dif-
ferent field loading conditions, as for
example:
- Stability under seismic events of
submerged slopes on the continen-
tal shelf characterised by layered
clays
- Degradation of shear stress cohesive
soils under cyclic loading
- Evaluation of the liquefaction
parameters of non coesive soils
under cyclic loading 31-WF7500
The cyclic simple shear is a plane Main features
strain device. The shear strain is - 5 kN horizontal and vertical actuators
- 5 kN load cells fitted in-line actuators 1 N accurancy
induced by horizontal movement at - Operating frequency up to 10 Hz (depend on test condition)
the bottom of the sample relative to - Plane strain measurement
the top. The horizontal diameter of - Shear at a constant height
the sample remains constant, there- - Shear at a constant stress
- Shear at a constant rate of strain
fore any change in volume shall be as
a result of vertical movement of the
top platen. Sample Shear stage
The standard sample is 70 mm dia. The test During shear the rings slide across each
This imposed distortion is termed can also be performed on 50 mm dia. sam- other as shown.
“Simple Shear” ples using the conversion kit 31-WF7500/1. During the shearing stage of the test the
It is positioned on a pedestal with a top cap vertical height of the sample is maintained
The system is designed to allow a the same as a triaxial sample and supported at a constant height by the vertical actua-
sample to be consolidated, drained by a rubber membrane placed and secured tor in a closed control loop with the vertical
and then sheared. with O-rings. To maintain a constant diam- displacement transducer. The rings maintain
eter throughout the test the sample is sup- a constant sample diameter.
ported by a series of slip rings.
Top Cap Vertical Stress Brass Rings
Shear Stress
Base Pedestal

Cyclic simple shear (continued)
General description
Base system
The system consists of a simple shear load

frame air receiver with vertical and hori-
zontal loading control valves. It incorporates
a control and data acquisition system as
described below, with two 5 kN actuators.
The system is mounted on a cabinet sup-
porting all components. The horizontal and
vertical actuators are fixed to the frame,
which supplies the reaction to the forc-
es applied. Each actuator has an internal
displacement transducer, which relays the
actuator piston position back to the com-
puter. This is very important when setting up
a sample; it allows you to set enough travel
for the test duration.
The sample is set up in the machine, which
has a rigidly fixed top half and a moving
bottom half. The top half houses the 50
mm dia. vertical ram. This is housed in a
linear bearing to allow vertical movement
and prevent horizontal movement. The bot- Sample having in the
tom half is mounted on roller bearings as in 31-WF7500 cyclic
a standard shear box. simple shear machine
Integrated Multi-Axis Control System

(IMACS)
The system is identical to that one which

is part of the cyclic triaxial system, except
for the input channels, which are 6 instead
of 13. In-line signal conditioning The system includes the following:
- Cyclic simple shear machine with horizon-
Load cells This normalises all the transducer outputs, tal and vertical actuators 5 kN capacity
allowing transducers to be moved from - Accessories for sample preparation
These two 5 kN load cells are fitted in-line channel to channel without having to re- - Force and displacement transducers
with the horizontal and vertical actuators. calibrate. - Control system and data acquisition
The load cells are fitted with an in-line
- Software and PC
calibration module, allowing the transduc- System specification
ers to be changed or moved within the data
acquisition system without the need to re- Main frame: floor mounted, steel box frame
calibrate them. Accurate to 1 N. including integral double acting horizontal
and vertical pneumatic actuators. Each with
Displacement transducer an internal displacement transducer. The top Accessories
cap is fixed and the pedestal is mounted on
This ± 25 mm displacement transducer roller bearings.
is built into the actuator. It measures the Conversion kit for 50 mm dia. samples
actuator piston position and can also be Sample size: 70 mm dia. (50 mm with
conversion kit) z 31-WF7500/1 50 mm dia. sample
used as the control transducer for the cyclic
accessories including pedestal and
strain test. Maximum load: ± 5 kN vertical and top cap
horizontal
Vertical displacement transducer
Actuators frequency range: 0 – 10 Hz
This transducer is calibrated over ± 2.5 mm (depending on test condition)
for controlling the sample height. Accurate B Overall dimensions: 1500x1200x700 mm
to 1 μm. (hxlxw)
Electrical specification:
240 or 110 V, 50-60 Hz, 1 ph.

Cyclic simple shear (continued)
Consolidation stage
The consolidation stage is simply the appli- Set up parameters

cation of a static axial loading stress to the This stage of the software allows you to
specimen while the lateral loading (shear) select the type of test parameters you
axis is held stationary. Axial stress and speci- wish to carry out for example:
men displacements (axial and lateral) data Consolidation stage force pressure
are measured over time and logged by the Shear stage axial mode to be controlled
system. Logged data is also displayed to the in stress or constant height.
operator in the form of charts and tables as Shear stage lateral mode to be controlled
the test stage proceeds. The consolidation in force or displacement with choice of
stage is manually terminated by the opera- wave shape.
tor once consolidation of the specimen is Shear rate speed.
determined to be complete. Test termination on cycle counts or %
axial strain.
Cyclic simple shear stage
This stage of the test applies a lateral cyclic Consolidation

shear force, or optionally a displacement, to This stage shows the consolidation forces
the specimen, while the axial axis is either being applied to the sample.
maintained at the specified stress, or option-
ally, the specimen height is maintained.
Graph displays
Both axial and lateral force and specimen
Axial stress against time.
displacements together with shear induced
Induced pore pressure against time.
pore pressure are measured for each loading
Axial force against time.
cycle. Measured data is obtained from 50
Shear force against time.
sample points captured over the cycle peri-
od. This data is displayed to the operator in
the form of wave shapes, charts and tables
and also logged by the system to an archive
data file. The loading cycle shape is operator
selectable from predefined functions but Cyclic shear
may also be a user generated shape. This stage shows the dynamic forces/
displacements being applied to the
Linear displacement shear stage sample.
The linear displacement shear stage of the Graph displays
test applies a rate of lateral shear displace- Axial stress against time.
ment to the specimen. Both axial and lateral Induced pore pressure against cycles.
force and specimen displacement together Axial force against time.
with shear induced pore pressure are meas- Shear force against time.
ured for each loading cycle. Measured data
is displayed to the operator in the form of
charts and tables and also logged by the
system to an archive-data file.
Rate shear
This stage shows the rate shear being
applied to the sample.
Graph displays
Axial stress against time.
Induced pore pressure against time.
Axial force against time.
Shear force against time.

(FACT) Fully-Automated Cyclic Triax
IPC Global is now part of CONTROLS Group
FULLY-AUTOMATED CYCLIC TRIAX (FACT)
q STANDARDS
ASTM D3999-91, ASTM D4767-11, AASTM D5311, AASHTO T307,
BS 1377:8
Main Features
• EASY INSTALLATION. Assembled and ready to go

• WITH FACT YOU CAN: Replicate and investigate earth-
quake tremors, quantify liquefaction, determine cyclic
or dynamic loading on foundation, conduct conven-
tional testing-saturation, isotropic & anisotropic, test
all possible vibration patterns with the wide frequency
range, evaluate vibration effects on existing structures
and historic building
• EASY TESTING: Fast and reliable results
FACT: Fully-Automated Cyclic Triax by IPC Global
Integrated imacs control and data acquisition

Vibration and cyclic loading can have devastating Controlling FACT is IPC Global’s Integrated Multi-Axis Control System
effects on the stability of structures. These (IMACS). IMACS delivers leading edge performance, unparalleled
damaging loading patterns are caused by control and the ultimate in flexible data acquisition.
earthquakes blasting, ocean waves wind,
UTS software
construction, road and rail traffic. Ipc Global’s purpose designed UTS software is purpose built and
Now you can accurately simulate these extreme drawn upon over 20 years of advanced material testing experience.
real life conditions with IPC Global’s / WF Fully
Automated Cyclic Triax (FACT)
The Fully-Automated Cyclic Triax has superior performance in:

- Cyclic Axial Strength Test - UU Unconsolidated Undrained
- Cyclic Axial Strain Test (stress strain test)
- Cyclic and Monotonic Shear - Resilient Modulus
Strength Test - Sine, haversine, triangle and
- Damping Ratio square waveforms
- Liquefaction Potential - User-defined waveforms of 40,000
- Compression Test point description.
- Quick Undrained Test - Cyclic Back Pressure Test*
- Stress Path Tests - Cyclic Confining Pressure Test*
- CU Consolidated Undrained - Shear Modulus*
Triaxial Tests - Bender Elements*
- Unsaturated Tests
- CD Consolidated Drained Triaxial Within limitations
Tests and additional hardware
80 Soil Mechanics Division of CONTROLS For more information visit

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CONTROLS S.R.L.
is certified ISO 9001:2008
In line with its continual program

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CONTROLS S.R.L. reserves the right to alter
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› Soil

S oil Mechanics Testing Systems

In line with its continual program

ipcglobal.com.au Paper from

relate directly to the relevant foundation or structure. Using procedures

involving extracting, examining and testing representative samples the engi-

we have seen a significant contribution to experimental analysis resulting

Standards and publication of good testing manuals and procedures.

WYKEHAM FARRANCE is one of the longest established manufacturing

companies in the world of Geotechnical Testing Systems. It has always been

synonymous with high technology and quality. A close working relationship

development of new testing techniques and systems.

WYKEHAM FARRANCE was originally formed in 1941 by Geoff Wykeham and

as the Soil Mechanics Division.

distributors provide complete customer service and technical advice including

planning, installation, training and maintenance for all types of laboratories.

27 DIRECT/RESIDUAL SHEAR STRENGTH APPARATUS

29. AUTOMATIC TRIAXIAL SYSTEM

30. DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM FOR SOIL MECHANICS.

31. DYNAMIC SOIL TESTING

Pioneers in advanced soil testing

Cyclic/Stress Path Triaxial System

Automatic triaxial system

The International Network. A total “Service” System

6 Soil Mechanics Division of CONTROLS GROUP

Soil Mechanics Division of CONTROLS 7

FRONT LOADING OEDOMETERS

The oedometer consists of a rigid aluminium

Max. loading using 11:1 beam ratio:

30-WF6401 Dial gauge 10 mm travel

26-WF0312 Oedometer bench to

8 Soil Mechanics Division of CONTROLS

Fixed ring(1) Specimen Specimen Specimen Cell dim. Cell

Spare parts for standard and permeability cells

WEIGHT APPLICATION GUIDE

SLOTTED STEEL WEIGHTS WEIGHT SETS

Accessories for data processing

Soil Mechanics Division of CONTROLS 9

CONTINUOUS CONSOLIDATION Advantages

Specimen size: 25.4x63.5 mm (hxdia.)

26-WF0360 with accessories

- Designed to perform continuous consolida-

10 Soil Mechanics Division of CONTROLS

The Hydrocon is supplied complete with

Overall dimensions (dxh): 260x450 mm

CONFIGURATION OF A COMPLETE SYSTEM

Soil Mechanics Division of CONTROLS 11

The oedometer consolidation test is used to

12 Soil Mechanics Division of CONTROLS

Consolidation cells (see page 9)

The software can control up to 60 units (distributed in 10 testing systems)

The screenshot above shows an example of test sequences setting, where

Soil Mechanics Division of CONTROLS 13

DIGISHEAR 27-WF2060 with accessories

n 27-WF2060 Speed range adjustable from 0.00001 to

14 Soil Mechanics Division of CONTROLS

SPARE PARTS FOR SHEAR BOX ASSEMBLIES

Soil Mechanics Division of CONTROLS 15

Main features - Possibility to set different speed and

The basic structure of this machine is iden-

16 Soil Mechanics Division of CONTROLS

Speed range: 0.00001 to 11.00000 mm/min Shear boxes

A Weight approx.: 120 kg