Soil Testing – Triaxial Testing Part 3 – Test Execution, Monitoring and Results

Part One of our Triaxial Testing guide described the initial setup for a Triaxial Test involving the System Setup, Sample Preparation and Test Creation. Part 2 described the setup required for the Saturation, Consolidation and Shear stages. Triaxial Testing Part 3 will describe the Test execution, monitoring and results manipulation and assumes that all 5 setup steps of the ‘Assistant’ have already been completed.

Triaxial Testing Automation Options:

The ‘Automation Options’ section in the ‘Assistant’, allows automation of the Saturation, Consolidation and Shear stages of one or more specimens, without having to manually start each stage schedule. Complete automation of a test can be performed with the fitting of a solenoid valve to the Back Pressure port of the Triaxial Cell; otherwise the valve on the port will need to be operated manually.

In the example shown, three specimens are under test using one Load Frame, three Triaxial Cells, three solenoid valves and six APCs (two for each Cell). Specimen 1 is using a Load Frame with a solenoid valve fitted to the Back Pressure port and the entire test will run to completion. Specimens 2 and 3 each have a solenoid valve fitted to the Back Pressure port – but are not using a frame. This allows these specimens to be saturated at the same time, so that they will be ready for the Consolidation and Shear stages when the Load Frame becomes available following completion of the Specimen 1 test.

Live Test Data Views:

For all three stages (Saturation, Consolidation and Shear), the User has the option to view live information, either whilst the Test Stage is running or following Test Stage completion. New data views can be created, existing User Defined data views can be displayed, multiple User Defined data views can be sorted and data views can be deleted. Alternatively, a standard pre-defined data view (showing Measured Parameters and Calculated Data for the specimen being tested) can be selected (selection of Saturation Stage for Specimen 1 illustrated).

The Live Saturation Data view for specimen 1 is displayed allowing live monitoring of important variables.

Test Graph Data Views:

For all three stages (Saturation, Consolidation and Shear), the User has the option to view graphical information, either whilst the Test Stage is running or following Test Stage completion. New graphs can be created, existing User Defined graphs can be displayed, multiple User Defined graphs can be sorted and graph data can be deleted. Alternatively, pre-defined graphs can be selected (selection of the Raw Saturation Data Graph for Specimen 1 illustrated).

The selected B-Check stage graph of specimen 1 is illustrated. There are many graph manipulation facilities available (including cursors to calculate important values such as t50, t90 and triangle) and the graph can be copied and pasted if required.

Test Table Data Views:

For each testing stage (Saturation, Consolidation and Shear) the User has the option to view tabular information, either whilst the Test Stage is running or following Test Stage completion. New Tables can be created, existing User Defined Tables can be displayed, multiple User Defined Tables can be sorted and Table data can be deleted. Alternatively, pre-defined Tables can be selected (selection of the Saturation Table for Specimen 1 illustrated).

The selected B-Check stage table of specimen 1 is illustrated. The table data can be manipulated in a number of ways

The table data can also be exported if required for further processing in external data packages, by right clicking in the blank square in the top left hand corner of the table and selecting the required option

Executing the Test:

For all three stages (Saturation, Consolidation and Shear) the User can run the Test or a selected Stage schedule, Stop any running procedures for the selected Stage schedule, even if the Halt conditions for that Stage have not been satisfied and Clear all data relating to the all stored data relating to the selected Stage schedule. The Saturation Stage Test Control options are illustrated.

Selection of any of the ‘Control’ options will result in a popup window from which the required Specimen Schedule can be selected. The Run option selection for the BCheck 50 (kPa) stage for Specimen 1 is illustrated.

Results and Reports:

Once all Test stages have been completed, final moisture details of the selected specimen can be input. The related calculations shown will be automatically updated.

A number of different reports can be generated, these are summarised below.

An example of the summary report is illustrated. The report summarizes the Test Type and Sample Details, the Initial Conditions, summaries of the Test Stages, descriptions of the Test, Client and Site and also signatory boxes for Quality Control purposes are produced.

The summary report is generated as a (.rdlc) report definition file for viewing (as shown below), with options to alter the Page Layout if required, Print, Save as a PDF file or Export to Word or Excel.

Exporting and Importing:

All data relating to the currently selected test can be exported in Excel, AGS or Script format as illustrated below.

It is also possible to export any active test from a list selection.

Test data exported in Script format can be imported again later if required, or imported by another Clisp Studio user if necessary from the main menu.

Alternatively, this can be done by right clicking on the Test Type in the Test Explorer window and selecting ‘Import new Test’.

It is also possible to clone an existing test when creating a New Test. This is particularly useful, when the same Test parameters are required for additional samples.

Speak To VJ Tech For More Information

VJ Tech’s Triaxial testing software is developed at the highest standard, providing you with the best technology that performs excellent tests with accurate results. We are experts in finding the solution to all your testing requirements. We supply Triaxial testing equipment that caters to your requirements without compromising on performance and execution.

Our service and support team are quick to respond with a proven track record of customer satisfaction. Get in touch, telephone +44(0) 118 945 3737+44(0) 118 945 3737, or email service@vjtech.co.uk