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LoadTrac II/FlowTrac II or III - Constant Rate of Strain Consolidation
LoadTrac II/FlowTrac II or III - Constant Rate of Strain Consolidation
Consolidation Testing

Constant Rate Consolidation Test System

The LoadTrac II / FlowTrac system fully automates performing a Constant Rate Consolidation (CRC) test, also known as Constant Rate-of-Strain (CRS). Once a soil sample is in place, and the test conditions selected, this system will run the entire CRC/CRS test from start to finish. For the standard CRS test, the LoadTrac II / FlowTrac system consolidates the sample through a loading path specified by using constant rate of strain loading. Geocomp software also allows users the flexibility to perform the test using constant rate of stress, constant gradient, and constant pore pressure ratio parameters.

The FlowTrac is used during the back pressure saturation as well as maintaining a constant cell pressure during the consolidation phase of the test. To avoid running the test too fast or too slow, the system uses Excess Pore Pressure Ratio Limits.

 

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Description

The constant rate of strain (CRS) consolidation test is used to determine the extent and rate of consolidation of saturated cohesive soils with a strain-controlled loading approach while also measuring axial force and excess pore water pressure. This method gives both total and effective stresses and is typically used for low hydraulic materials. It is considered a superior test to incremental consolidation (ASTM D2435) in that it incorporates measurement of pore-water pressure (effective stress) in rate of settlement, as well as hydraulic gradients.
Lab Photo

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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