Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Introduction
A brief introduction to GDSLAB, covering the design ideas and the scope of the
software.
Installation
A step by step installation guide for GDSLAB kernel and additional components.
Running a Test
Shows how tests are run in general. Elements that are common to all tests are
explained.
GDSLAB Toolbar
Object Display
Transducer Calibrations
Test Modules
This section describes the test procedures according to particular test modules. Not
all available test modules may feature in this manual. For a full list of test modules
currently available for GDSLAB contact GDS Instruments directly or see
www.gdsinstruments.com.
ii
About
7a, Triaxial
7b, Oedometer
etc
iii
About
Introduction
Overview
GDSLAB is a program for the control and/or data acquisition of geotechnical laboratory tests.
The design of GDSLAB allows for flexibility in the way equipment is connected to the PC (i.e.
RS232, IEEE, USB), and flexibility in the type of equipment that may be connected (i.e.
includes equipment from a variety of manufacturers).
1-1
Introduction
1 Introduction
GDSLAB represents a breakthrough in geotechnical laboratory control software. As well as
working with the entire range of GDS's laboratory hardware, GDSLAB can also be used with
other manufacturers' testing equipment.
Features
Flexibility in hardware configuration including mix and match with other manufacturers.
Ability to choose particular test modules for your testing requirements or your
International Standards requirements.
Single piece of software for all laboratory products. This means that the testing quality will
be dependent on the hardware attached, not the software.
GDSLAB may be used to acquire and manipulate data from your existing hardware where
computer control is not available
Ability to dynamically change the Live Test Data displayed during the test.
Secondly, you can extend the capabilities of your testing apparatus and instrumentation.
Have you ever thought that you can perform slow cyclic tests or Stress Paths tests using
computer control of simple 'velocity controlled' loading frames? As long as the frame has a
PC control connection, these facilities become available to you.
Thirdly, you can plan the future development of your laboratory within a framework which
complies with national and international standards.
1-2
Introduction
Finally, when purchasing new equipment, you can choose the most cost-effective options
from different manufacturers, without having to worry about compatibility problems. Again, this
means that the quality of the tests will be as good as the hardware connected.
Test Modules
Test Modules are then purchased to bring the software to life. Each module is purchased
according to the types of test the user will be performing. An example of modules for research
or for commercial use appears below.
Commercial example
Research Example
K0 Testing module
The above examples highlight the flexibility of the software by allowing the user to choose
exactly which test module he would like to attach to GDSLAB.
The way GDSLAB is designed, gives the user flexibility for future upgrades by adding
additional test modules at any time in the future.
Device Modules
The Hardware used with the test modules is controlled using GDSLAB Device Modules.
GDSLAB requires each piece of connected hardware to have available on the system its
correct device module. These device modules are available free of charge for all hardware
1-3
Introduction
already supported by GDSLAB, or a small cost may be levied for control device modules not
currently supported (from less well known manufacturers).
installed, all the currently available device modules at the time the setup was created will be
installed. Additional or updated device modules are available for download directly from the
GDS website (www.gdsinstruments.com).
1-4
Introduction
Installation
Overview
2
INSTALLATION ......................................................................................................... 2
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2-1
Installation
2 Installation
GDSLAB primary installation can be obtained in two distribution formats:
If you are re-installing a completely new version of GDSLAB you should first un-install the old
version. To do this simply go to Add/Remove programs from the Windows Control Panel and
remove GDSLAB.
The same of course applies to Test Modules (all test modules may be
D:\ setup.exe
This can be run by browsing to the file with either Windows Explorer or My Computer or explicitly
referencing the file from the run menu as follows:
2-2
Installation
Click OK and follow the on-screen instructions (Note: you must select the target directory as
C:\GDSLAB\ if it has not already done so).
Common Windows files may be running when the installation procedure tries to overwrite them
and an error message will be displayed. This may be OK if you can choose to ignore this and
continue, but make a note of the files the PC rejected. You may be asked to re-boot your PC
before proceeding.
All device drivers available at the time of the release of the CD.
The GDSLAB kernel is now ready to run but will not be able to perform any testing yet.
GDSLAB icon should have been added to your Programs directory, along with an icon for the
Installation Manager. Before you can run any tests, the installation manager must be run to install
following additional components, namely:
Test Module(s) at least one test module must exist on your PC.
Hardware Configuration file this file describes the connectivity of your hardware.
and finally
The software is security protected by a HASP dongle. Software for this dongle will
need to be installed.
2-3
Installation
The buttons labelled 1 5 on the left of the form are the individual sections for additional
installation.
These should preferably be followed in order (i.e. 1 to 5), where at each stage
decisions need to be made about what components need to be installed/are required for your
system. Note: there is no need to install everything! only install those components you require,
you can always come back and install additional components at any time.
Selection 1 (Test Modules) will browse the GDSLAB CD to the Test Modules directory. A
separate list of Test Modules available on the CD are situated within this directory. Each test
module allows a different suite of tests to be run. Within the Test Module directory, browse into the
directory of your chosen Test Module, then click Go!.
Remember: There may be more test modules on you CD than are actually enabled by your GDS
HASP security dongle (key which is inserted in the back of the PC). In which case it is only
sensible to install those modules that you know you will have access to.
2-4
To enable other
Installation
modules, contact GDS and ask for a remote dongle update. Test modules that have not been
purchased will only run as demonstration versions and will not save any test data.
When you choose to create a station, the program will look for any file with the .ini extension
within the C:\GDSLAB\ directory. This file describes the hardware and the way each transducer
or control parameter is connected to your computer for a particular station. This is what gives
GDSLAB the flexibility to run different hardware configurations as defined by the user.
Clicking on the Station INI files button will show the following form:
A list of Hardware Initialisation Files (INI files) available on the CD are situated in their own
directory within Hardware Configuration Files.
configuration. When an ini file is selected a description of its Station Setup appears on the right of
the screen in the yellow box. Press Go! to transfer this file to the C:\GDSLAB directory ready
for use when GDSLAB is next run.
Contact GDS if you are unsure as to which ini file you should run, or you would like a custom
Hardware ini file made for your individual requirements (free of charge of course!).
Each test module allows a different suite of tests to be run.
The program utility called Visual Planner is designed for creating your own hardware
configuration files from new.
An essential step of the GDSLAB installation is to install the security module. This will activate all
of the purchased test modules.
2-5
Installation
Simply pressing Go! on the screen below will activate the full installation process for the GDS
HASP key. If the program does not find a HASP directory on your CD, it will allow you to browse
to a floppy disk (sometimes the hasp security key files are distributed on a floppy disk). Simply
browse to the root directory of the correct floppy, and click OK, or select the Floppy (A:) option
box.
Plug the security module (dongle) into the computers parallel port and GDSLAB is ready to use.
The files that comes with the security module are specific to that dongle, and no others.
When the security software has been installed, only the dongle relating to this software will
enable the test modules. The dongle itself holds keys to enable particular test modules.
To enable further test modules on your dongle, contact GDS Instruments Ltd for details.
This option simply allows for easy installation of any additional programs/utilities that are available
on the GDSLAB CD. Simply select the required utility and press Go! to install. The example
below shows installation for Adobe Acrobat Reader required to be installed on a PC before this
manual may be read as it is in pdf (*.pdf) format (the manual may be found on the GDSLAB CD in
the directory GDSLAB Manual.
2-6
Installation
The Object Manager is a tools for viewing all of the GDS dlls (dynamic link libraries) currently
installed on the PC. The version number and a short description of the file is displayed.
From the Tools menu, all of the files installed may be printed (to a file or a printer), to enable
diagnostics and version conflicts to be addressed.
To return to the Installation Manager select this option from the File menu item.
Internet downloads of all software modules and latest hardware devices will be available
2-7
Installation
Running a Test
Overview
This chapter shows the general running of tests. Due to the nature of GDSLAB where the tests
available depend upon which test modules you have chosen for your system, mainly elements
that are common to all tests are explained. For information regarding specific tests, please see
section 6 for the relevant test module.
RUNNING A TEST..................................................................................................... 2
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
Test Display Window ............................................................................................................................. 12
3.8.1
Graph Tabs ..........................................................................................................................................13
3.8.2
The Data Tab ......................................................................................................................................13
3.8.3
Customising the Data Display during a test..............................................................................13
3.9
3-1
Running a Test
3 Running a Test
To run a test a Test Station must be configured for your required hardware. It is of course also
important that the communications devices must be setup to the correct settings. This chapter
takes you step by step through the processes when you first run a test.
This means that no stations are configured. Upon clicking on the blank station 1 icon, only 1
option is available for that station, that of Create Station as follows:
List of available
station configurations
Default selection
Station configurations may be selected from the drop down list of available station configurations.
3-2
Running a Test
If you wish the station configuration to remain constant and to be configured whenever the
software is run, check the default selection box entitled Always start with this file? before you
press the OK button. The files for default startup may be later edited from File, Edit Startup file
from the menu bar.
Once the correct station configuration has been selected press the OK button.
At this point, all of the hardware configured in the station configuration will be audited to check the
status of each hardware item (this operation requires no user intervention unless a hardware
problem is encountered). Once the hardware audit is complete the Test Plan window will be
launched for the configured station. Note also that in the Scrolling Toolbar the station icon has
now changed to the station configured icon.
Station x Test
Plan window
The title bar of the Station Test Plan window will display the Station Number and the
configuration file name (ini file) used to setup the station.
After initialisation of a station the Station Status will be Station Idle. This indicates that the
station is configured and that there is no test currently running.
With a test station now completely configured the sample maybe installed in the apparatus. The
Specimen Details must be entered and a test plan configured.
3-3
Running a Test
Pressing the Choose Data File button will reveal a data saving window allowing you to choose
the filename and rate of saving data for your test. When a filename is successfully selected, it will
appear in the box labelled Filename: above.
Upon pressing the Choose Data File button, the first screen displayed will be for a choice of
either Single Directory or GDSLAB Project Structure (shown below).
prompt you for a single filename in the directory of your choice, whereas GDSLAB Project
Structure will save the data ready to be used with GDSLAB Reports (if you have it). Please refer
to GDSLAB Reports handbook for more information on saving data in this way. Note: If you do
not have GDSLAB Reports then we recommend you to use the Single Directory save option.
3-4
Running a Test
Upon choosing Single Directory and pressing the Next> button, the next displayed screen
(shown below) will prompt you for data saving information.
3-5
Running a Test
The Sample Details page shows the default National Standard to which the specimen details
are to be recorded, in this case the British Standard BS1377 has been selected as the standard.
Other National Standards (where available) may be selected from the dropdown list.
To enter the Sample Details click the left mouse button on the Setup Sample Details button.
Initially you will get a dialog box asking Is this the first test on a new specimen?.
If you answer YES, the back volume change transducer will be set to zero at the start of the test
(and the axial displacement transducer if the test is a docked test). This means that the initial
specimen height and diameter is assumed to be exactly as entered on the specimen details form.
If you say NO, the back volume change (and axial displacement) will remain unchanged and the
software will therefore assume that any volume change appearing on the back volume change
transducer is as a result of a previous test stage and should therefore be used in the calculation of
current (therefore initial) height and diameter.
3-6
Running a Test
Next you will get a dialog box asking Is the specimen docked?.
Docked means that the specimen top cap is in contact with the load ram (i.e. anisotropic, or
about to start an anisotropic test). Undocked means that the specimen top cap is not in contact
with the load ram and the test is therefore isotropic.
consequences to the software of a docked or an undocked specimen, please see section 3.5
entitled Docking and Undocking.
The initial specimen details may be recorded in the table provided, entry of any of the suggested
data items is optional with the exception of the Initial Sample Dimensions as this data is
required for calculations during testing.
Sample Dimensions
(compulsory)
Ram Diameter (0 if
internal load cell)
The Ram Diameter is important, particularly when you are using an external load cell. In this
situation, the ram diameter is used to calculate and make a correction for the upthrust on the ram
created by the cell pressure. If using an internal load cell, the change in cell pressure does not
effect the load reading and hence the Ram Diameter should be set to zero (0).
Once all of the required sample details have been entered select OK.
3-7
Running a Test
Once the specimen details have been entered the specimen icon will be checked as a reminder.
The input sample details may be reviewed by clicking the Review button.
The Sample Details frame may be left in view or minimised by pressing the Sample button. The
Sample Details may be reopened at any time by pressing the Review button
Now the sample details have been entered the Test Stages that we wish to run must be
configured. Click the Add Test Stage button to configure the first test stage.
loading or K0). An undocked test is any isotropic test (i.e. any test within the SATCON module
namely saturation, consolidation or B-check).
Notes:
-
When changing tests from the docked to the undocked state, the current specimen
dimensions are transferred to become the initial dimensions for the stage, and then the
back volume change is set to zero. During the undocked test stage, any specimen
dimension changes are calculated from any back volume changes only.
When changing tests from the undocked to the docked state, the current specimen
dimensions are transferred to become the initial dimensions for the stage, then the back
volume and the axial displacement transducer are set to zero. During a docked test
any specimen dimension changes are calculated from back volume change and any
measured axial displacement.
When changing test stages where the docking state does not change, then no zeroing or
transferral of dimensions is done.
3-8
Running a Test
Flow chart showing consequences of New Test and Specimen Docked questions.
NO
YES
(In both cases this means that the initial height and diameter
are as entered in the specimen details)
YES
YES
NO
Is the
test to be a docked
test?
Existing values
of Height,
Diameter, Axial
Displacement
and back
volume change
are maintained.
YES
NO
Transfer current
height and diameter
to become initial
height and diameter
for start of test stage.
Then zero back
volume change.
Sample should now
be undocked before
proceding.
Next Stage
Is the
test to be a docked
test?
Existing values
of Height,
Diameter, Axial
Displacement
and back
volume change
are maintained.
Next Stage
3-9
NO
Running a Test
In GDSLAB, a test stage may be a complete standard test, for example a pre-test such as a
saturation test or a consolidation test, or a main test such as a shearing test or a stress path test.
The types of tests that are available are independent of the test modules that have been
purchased, and have been subsequently installed on your system. The registered test modules
are displayed in the dropdown box within the Add Test Stage frame. Select the test stage that
you require from the drop down box and then click the Create New Test Stage button.
The Test Module Details form will be viewed according to the Test Module name that was
selected from the dropdown box. The Test Module Details forms are different for each test
module. Individual test module detail forms are explained in Chapter 6, Test Module Details.
Once a Test Module details form has been completed and added to the Test Plan the test is
ready to commence. Note that the Test Module icon has been checked to show that at least one
test stage has been configured.
Further Test Stages may be added to the test plan by clicking the Create New Test Stage button
again.
When all of the required Test Stages are configured and the user is ready to start the test click
the Test List button on the Station Test Plan window.
A summary of the Test Plan will be displayed below the Add Test Stage window (if it has not
been minimised).
GDSLAB v2 Handbook 18/03/2003
3-10
Running a Test
If the Test Plan is now complete the Go to Test button should be clicked to start the first Test
Stage of the Test Plan.
At this stage further test stages may be created by pressing the Create New Test Stage button or
the specimen details may be reviewed by pressing the Review Button.
Test Stages that have already been configured may be reviewed and edited by double clicking on
the appropriate line in the test plan display.
3-11
Running a Test
Graphs 1, 2 and 3
Data
Some features are common to all of the display tabs, Live Test
Data and the Test Control panels. The Live Test Data display is
located to the right of the Test Display window.
The Test Control panel is displayed at the foot of the Test Display window. The Test Control
panel contains two buttons. The Start Test button (which becomes a Stop Test button when
pressed) may be used at any stage for starting or stopping a test. The Test Plan may also be
reviewed form here.
3-12
Running a Test
The data type that is displayed in any of the graphs or the Live Test Data area may be changed
by double clicking on any of the graphs or the Live Data area or by clicking on the Browse Live
Data Options.
The data sets displayed in any of the graphs may be changed by double clicking on any of the
graphs and selecting the required data set.
Graph selection and Live Test Data options may be changed at any time during a running test.
The Graph Options are the same for all three of the on-line graphs. The numbering of the
graphs has the single graph on the Single Graph tab of the Test Display window as Graph
number 1, the upper and lower graphs on the Double Graph tab are graphs 2 and 3 respectively.
3-13
Running a Test
The user may zoom into any area of the graph by holding down the SHIFT key and dragging the
mouse (left button depressed) to form a rectangle onto the required area of the graph. This will
cause the graph to enlarge the user-selected rectangular area. To return the graph back to its
un-zoomed state simply press R on the keyboard.
3-14
Running a Test
Overview
4
4.1
The GDSLAB Tool Bar .............................................................................................................................2
4.1.1
GDSLAB Management Utilities .......................................................................................................3
4.2
4.3
4-1
Graphical Environment
To run GDSLAB click once on the Start Button, select the Programs Menu, then select the
GDSLAB item.
After the program has been loaded the GDSLAB graphical environment will be displayed
Menu Bar
GDSLAB
Toolbar
Test Display Area
The GDSLAB environment is the basis for all testing with GDSLAB.
4-2
Graphical Environment
Test Stations
The test stations tool bar displays configured and non-configured stations. In
this mode any station may be accessed by clicking on the station icon. A
context sensitive menu will appear to give you available options for your
station at all times i.e the contents of the menu will depend on the current
status of the selected test station.
Management
The Management toolbar contains the GDSLAB management utilities.
The menu displayed by the scrolling toolbar may be changed between the Test Stations and the
Management toolbars by clicking the respective buttons on the toolbar. (If the Test Stations
toolbar is currently on display, the button to display the Management toolbar will be at the bottom
of the scrolling toolbar).
The Management
Utilities allow configuration of hardware, test station management and station security options to
be modified. Further details on the management utilities appears in chapter 5.
GDSLAB management utilities are accessible through the Scrolling toolbar under the
Management heading.
Object Display
Visual Planner
4-3
Graphical Environment
Station Security
Object Manager
File
The File menu allows addition of new test stations
Windows
Standard to most Windows programs this menu item allows manipulation of
the open windows.
Help Access to on-line help files (may not be available in early releases of
GDSLAB).
4-4
Graphical Environment
The GDSLAB environment can be configured to control all GDS laboratory products and most
products from other manufacturers. This chapter demonstrates the configuration of your test
station using the GDSLAB management utilities.
Overview
5
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5-1
From the GDS Toolbar select the Management Group. The management
Group contains the following items:
Object Display.
Visual Planner
Security
Object Manager
When the Object Display item is selected from the Management group a schematic diagram of
the current station configuration is displayed.
5-2
The Object Display graphically represents the configuration of the selected station. Where
possible, a digital picture of the instrument will be displayed. Other pictures include the
Transducer object and the Control Parameter object explained below:
Transducer
The transducer connected to an instrument represents a single channel or
property of an instrument that may be read or from which data can be acquired.
This value may represent the single channel of a multi-channel instrument. I.e.
read value of cell pressure.
Control Parameter
The control parameter represents a single channel or property of an instrument
that may be controlled. i.e. application of cell pressure.
Using the User Toolbar the display of the station layout plan maybe altered to either show the
Transducer Objects or the Control Parameter Objects. This may be selected using the View
Transducer Objects button or the View Control Parameter Objects button.
The schematic layout of other stations configured may be reviewed using the Station Selection
buttons.
5-3
Transducer or
Control Objects
Acquisition
and Control
Computer Connection
Devices
By clicking on any of the devices within the object display, information about this device will
appear. Depending on the hardware arrangement, this may simply be an information box, or a
box where comms (communications) settings must be entered (e.g. RS232 or IEEE parameters).
These parameters must match the settings expected by the hardware. Refer to the
manufacturers hardware instructions for required communications parameters (common RS232
parameters for devices appears at the end of this chapter).
Transducer Details
Comms settings
Assuming the hardware is connected to the system correctly, clicking on the EYE icon will bring
up the transducer details. It is important to enter the correct details in the ADVANCED tab such
as Transducer Full Scale, Decimal Places and Transducer Upper Limit. The calibration tab is also
important, where either a full calibration may be performed, or the transducer sensitivity is
entered.
5-4
hardware connectivity are set in the Hardware Configuration file and so cannot be altered at this
level of the program. Physical connections may only be adjusted within the Visual Planner.
To ensure the transducer reading is correct, a number of compulsory values must be entered in
the Advanced tab for the Transducer as below:
Units returned
Units returned depends on the acquisition device. Most acquisition devices (such as the GDS
Serial Pad) return units of mV (millivolts)
5-5
Engineering Units
Units returned simply displays the user defined units for the transducer.
automatic).
When
transducer
has
been
configured
the
The Change Transducer button can be used to change the transducer calibration *.cal file
specified for a particular transducer. This would be used for example when changing between
load cells in a system, where a calibration file has already been setup for both transducers.
5-6
The Visual Planner is not available in the first Beta release of GDSLAB. Contact GDS if you
require any hardware changes to your setup. GDS will return the correct hardware initialisation
file to you by return of post or e-mail.
5-7
WF Tritech 50
Baud = 9600
Parity = n (none)
Data Bits = 8
Stop Bits = 2
5-8
Overview
Due to the nature of the GDSLAB software, test modules may be installed to add functionality to
the GDSLAB kernel. This chapter therefore consists of only the test modules initially purchased.
These sections appear as section 6a, 6b, 6c etc.
The test modules chosen will depend on the types of tests required by the user. For a full list of
tests currently available visit www.gdsinstruments.com and follow the links to GDSLAB.
If the test manual you require does not feature within the section 6 of this manual, they may also
be downloaded from the same site. Alternatively, contact GDS Instruments directly for a hard
copy.
control modules are listed below. Contact GDS Instruments or see www. gdsinstruments.com for
the latest list of available test modules.
ii
6a
The Data Acquisition Test Control Module that is provided free of charge with GDS Lab allows
general data acquisition and data logging to be conducted for triaxial and other standard tests.
The Data Acquisition Test Control Module is suitable for use where none of the test hardware may
be computer controlled but general data acquisition is required.
Specific data formats are included for acquiring data during different standard triaxial tests
including, Saturation, Consolidation, UU, CU and CD
6.1
Test Procedure
From the Add Test Stage panel from within the Station Test Plan window select the Test Control
Module:
TriaxialAcquisition.dll
Click the Create New Test Stage button to open the Test Stage Details form.
Select the required test type, General acquisition, Saturation, Consolidation, UU CU or CD.
Further data may also be saved into the data file along with the specific data acquired under
computer control. For the above example, the manually set cell pressure and the back pressure
maybe included in the data file.
6a- 1
When the test conditions have been entered the Next button reveals the data saving and
termination properties for the test. A maximum length for data acquisition may be input here. If
the maximum test length is left unchecked, the test will continue indefinitely, or until the user
manually ends the test.
The test details maybe reviewed using the Back and the Next Buttons
Once the test details are completed the test is added to the Test Plan by clicking the Add to Test
Plan button.
6a- 2
6b
Saturation Ramp
Consolidation
Test Cell
Satcon.dll
Click the Create New Test Stage button to open the test stage details window.
Select the required test type, either Saturation Ramp, B-Check (Skempton pore pressure
parameter B) or Consolidation.
6b-1
The saturation ramp setup screen (below) will display the current read Cell Pressure and Back
Pressure in the system. Enter the required target pressures for the Cell Pressure and the Back
Pressure along with the time for each device to reach these target pressures.
6.3.2 B-Check
The B-Check is a pre-test to check that the specimen is sufficiently saturated by measuring the
Skempton pore water pressure parameter B. The cell pressure is increased to the specified value
whilst the back pressure remains on hold volume (i.e. the undrained state). The system compares
the change in pore pressure (u) caused by the increase in cell pressure (3). The value of B is
calculated as u/3.
The B-Check setup screen (below) will display the current read Cell Pressure and Back Pressure
in the system. Enter the required target pressure for the Cell Pressure.
The system will seek to the target pressure in the quickest time it can. If using a GDS controller,
this may take between 1 and 5 minutes depending on the size of the cell and the amount of air
within the water
6b-2
6.3.3 Consolidation
Consolidation simply applies a constant Cell Pressure and a constant Back Pressure to the
sample whilst monitoring the volume change within the sample.
The Consolidation setup screen (below) will display the current read Cell Pressure and Back
Pressure in the system. Enter the required target pressure for the Cell Pressure and the Back
Pressure.
6b-3
End of Consolidation
If the user is performing a multistage consolidation, they may want the computer to detect the
end of consolidation. There is of course no perfect method for a PC to detect this, so the
program works on the assumption that over any 5 minute period, if the volume change within
3
The test settings may be reviewed using the Back button. Once the test setup is satisfactory the
test should be added to the test plan.
GDSLAB v2 Handbook 18/03/2003
6b-4
6c
UU
CU
CD
UU, CU
One Cell pressure source
Axial Strain Application (i.e. Bishop and Wesley Cell + volume change control, Load
Frame etc)
CD
One Cell pressure source
One Back pressure source
Axial Strain Application (i.e. Bishop and Wesley Cell + volume change control, Load
Frame etc)
Volume Change measurement
StandardTriaxial.dll
Click the Create New Test Stage button to open the test stage details form.
Select the required test type, either Unconsolidated Undrained, Consolidated Undrained or
Consolidated Drained. Then enter the requested parameters for the test type selected. Please
note that the loading velocity can be entered as being either positive or negative. If you enter the
loading velocity as negative you should be sure that the deviator stress on the test specimen will
not become negative. If you want the deviator stress to go negative (you want to carry out an
extension test) then please make sure that you are using the extension top-cap. If you are using
negative loading velocity you will probably also want to enter a minimum strain value for test
termination see 6.3.5 below.
GDSLAB v2 Handbook 18/03/2003
6c-1
The Unconsolidated Undrained setup screen (below) will display the current read Cell Pressure in
the system. Enter the required target pressure for the Cell Pressure and the velocity for the strain
rate (mm/hr).
The Consolidated Undrained setup screen (below) will display the current read Cell Pressure in
the system. Enter the required target pressure for the Cell Pressure and the velocity for the strain
rate (mm/hr).
6c-2
The Consolidated Drained setup screen (below) will display the current read Cell Pressure and
Back Pressure in the system. Enter the required target pressure for the Cell Pressure and the
Back Pressure along with the velocity for the strain rate (mm/hr).
6c-3
6c-4
or lower than the previous one. The maximum deviator stress will then be terminated when
th
rd
rd
Once the test setup is satisfactory the test should be added to the test plan.
6c-5
6d
Test Cell
Permeability.dll
Click the Create New Test Stage button to open the test stage details form.
Select the required test type, either Constant head permeability of Constant Flow Permeability.
Enter the required target pressures for the top pressure and the required pressure differential
between the top pressure and the back pressure. Also enter the cell pressure that will be used for
the test.
6d-1
Enter the required target pressures for the cell pressure, top flow rate and the required base
pressure. The maximum hydraulic gradient will be the maximum difference between the top and
base pressures.
6d-2
If the test is to be carried out for a finite amount of time this should be entered.
If the test is to run until user intervention to end the test select Do not terminate test.
The test settings may be reviewed using the Back button.
Once the test setup is satisfactory the test should be added to the test plan.
The use of a Wet / Wet differential pressure transducer allows constant head
permeability tests to be conducted using small (typically <5kPa) pressure differential between the
specimen top pressure and the base pressure.
6d-3
a Wet / Wet differential pressure transducer to regulate the pressure difference between the top
and base of the sample.
Hydraulic connections
Hydraulic connections*
Remote feedback*
IEEE Connections
Wet
Wet
Pressure
6d-4
4D Unsaturated Stress/Strain
Path Module
6e
Stress Path
Provides independent linear control of Axial Stress, Radial Stress, Pore Air Pressure and Pore
Water Pressure.
Strain Path
Provides independent linear control of Axial Strain, Radial Stress, Pore Air Pressure and Pore
Water Pressure.
Stress/Strain Path
Axial Stress/Strain Control/Acquisition (i.e. Bishop and Wesley Cell + volume change
control, Load Frame etc)
Radial Stress Control/Acquisition
Pore Air Pressure Control/Acquisition
Pore Water Pressure Control/Acquisition
Optional Hardware
Independent measurement of atmospheric pressure
Independent measurement of Temperature
4DUNSAT .dll
Click the Create New Test Stage button to open the test stage details form.
Select the required test type, either Axial Stress Controlled or Axial Strain Controlled.
6e-1
Enter the required target Axial Stress (a), Radial Stress (r), Pore Air Pressure (Ua) and Pore
Water Pressure (Uw) for the test (all in kPa). Then set the length of time to reach the targets in
minutes.
Note: The test will attempt to perform linear stress paths between the current values and the
target values.
The software will always attempt to maintain the path set by the user, but in
addition will slow the test down if any one of the set parameters is performing too slowly. This is
particularly crucial in unsaturated soil testing where the air pressure controller requires relatively
large volume changes to achieve a change in pressure, and is therefore much slower to seek to a
target pressure that say a similar device filled with water. Part of the reason for this is to ensure
the pore air pressure is greater than the pore water pressure at all times thus ensuring the
integrity of the high air entry porous stone.
6e-2
Enter the required target Axial Strain ( a), Radial Stress (r), Pore Air Pressure (Ua) and Pore
Water Pressure (Uw) for the test (all in kPa). Then set the length of time to reach the targets in
minutes.
6e-3
rd
rd
6e-4
Notes:
Volume of air in Controller
This is an estimate of the volume of air currently in the GDS air pressure controller. Ideally the
test should be started with the air pressure controller completely FULL, whereby the total air
volume should be known (all air pressure controllers shipped in 2000 should have a label
specifying the total volume air capacity when full this includes the dead space at the end of the
controller beyond the piston stroke.
Once the test setup is satisfactory the test should be added to the test plan.
6e-5
specifying the total volume air capacity when full this includes the dead space at the end of the
controller beyond the piston stroke.
Once the test setup is satisfactory the test should be added to the test plan.
6e-6
6f
Stepped Loading
Then either
Axial Displacement as measured by Upper Chamber volume change,
or
Optional
Independent measurement of Pore Pressure.
StandardHydrocon.dll
Click the Create New Test Stage button to open the test stage details form.
Select the required test type, either Unconsolidated Undrained, Consolidated Undrained or
Consolidated Drained.
6f-1
The Stepped Loading setup screen (below) will display the current read Axial Load and Back
Pressure in the system. Enter the required target values for Axial Load and Back Pressure.
The Consolidated Undrained setup screen (below) will display the current read Axial Strain and
Back Pressure in the system. Enter the target Axial Strain and Back pressure along with the
required time for the strain to reach its target. The Back Pressure will go immediately to its target,
while the strain will maintain a ramp.
6f-2
Note: with Stress/strain ramps, the system will always try to maintain the velocity the user sets. If
however the value set is actually faster then the attached hardware can perform, the test will
automatically slow to an appropriate rate.
The CRL setup screen (below) will display the current read Axial Load and Back Pressure in the
system.
6f-3
rd
6f-4
Once the test setup is satisfactory the test should be added to the test plan.
6f-5
6g
p, q Stress Path
Provides independent linear control of Deviator Stress, q, and Cambridge p, where:
q = 1 - 3
and
p = ( 1 +(2 x 3))/3
where
1 = axial stress
3 = radial stress
s, t Stress Path
Provides independent linear control of Max. Shear Stress, t, and Mean Stress, s, where:
t = (1 - 3)/2
and
s = ( 1 + 3)/2
where
1 = axial stress
3 = radial stress
Click the Create New Test Stage button to open the test stage details form. Select the required
test type, either p,q or s,t.
GDSLAB v2 Handbook 18/03/2003
6g-1
Stress Paths
Enter the required target Deviator Stress (q2) and Cambridge p (p2) for the test (both in kPa).
Then set the length of time to reach the targets in minutes.
Note: The test will attempt to perform linear stress paths between the current values and the
target values.
The software will always attempt to maintain the path set by the user, but in
addition will slow the test down if any one of the set parameters is performing too slowly.
6g-2
Stress Paths
Enter the required target s (s2) and the target t (t2) for the test (all in kPa). Then set the length of
time to reach the targets in minutes.
6g-3
Stress Paths
rd
rd
6g-4
Stress Paths
that over any 4 consecutive readings of deviator stress, the most recent reading is the same
or lower than the previous one. The maximum deviator stress will then be terminated when
th
rd
rd
6g-5
Stress Paths
6h
Sinusoidal (cyclic)
Axial Load or Axial Deformation Control/Acquisition (i.e. Bishop and Wesley Cell + volume
change control, Load Frame etc)
Radial Stress Control/Acquisition
Back Pressure Control/Acquisition
Click the Create New Test Stage button to open the test stage details form.
6h-1
Advanced Loading
Required targets will change according to which control type has been chosen for the parameter.
6h-2
Advanced Loading
rd
6h-3
Advanced Loading
rd
6h-4
Advanced Loading
K0 Consolidation Module
6i
Test 1: Kzero using ramp RADIAL STRESS with direct radial transducer measurement:
Uses a direct reading of the specimen diameter to enable the test control to maintain zero
diameter change.
Test 2: Kzero using ramp RADIAL STRESS with back volume change measurement:
Uses the change in volume of the specimen to calculate a theoretical new specimen height
thus ensuring the diameter change remains zero.
Axial Load or Axial Deformation Control/Acquisition (i.e. Bishop and Wesley Cell + volume
change control, Load Frame etc)
Radial Stress Control/Acquisition
Back Pressure and Volume Control/Acquisition
Optional Items
Radial direct measurement device (i.e. Radial Hall Effect caliper) must be used when
performing Kzero using direct radial transducer.
Click the Create New Test Stage button to open the test stage details form.
6i-1
K0
Current read values appropriate to your test are displayed in yellow text boxes. Enter the required
target value for Radial Stress and set the length of time to reach this target in minutes. During the
test, the axial displacement of the sample will be slowly adjusted thus ensuring the diameter of the
specimen remains constant, where the sample diameter change is measured directly from a radial
transducer.
6i-2
K0
Again, current read values appropriate to your test are displayed in yellow text boxes. Enter the
required target value for Radial Stress and set the length of time to reach this target in minutes.
During the test, the axial displacement of the sample will be slowly adjusted thus ensuring the
diameter of the specimen remains constant, where the specimen diameter change is calculated
from the back pressure volume change.
6i-3
K0
rd
6i-4
K0
rd
6i-5
K0
6j
Simple Shear Box machine connected to a Control Box (DIO Box) - Control/Acquisition
Datalogger - Acquisition
Click the Create New Test Stage button to open the test stage details form.
6j-1
Shear Box
Current read values appropriate to your test are displayed in yellow text boxes. Enter the required
target value for Shear Box Velocity. During the test, the axial displacement remains constant at
the specified value if the machine is capable of setting a specific velocity, or else just moves at
whatever constant velocity the machine is capable of.
6j-2
Shear Box
6j-3
Shear Box
Linear / Cyclic
The user may set whether the test will be a linear displacement ramp or run as a cyclic test
with a triangular waveform.
6j-4
Shear Box
6k
Click the Create New Test Stage button to open the test stage details form.
Select the required test type, either Dynamic Cyclic with Load Control or Dynamic Cyclic with
Displacement Control.
6k-1
The Dynamic Cyclic (Displacement) setup screen (below) will display the current read Axial
Displacement Datum and the current Cell Pressure in the system. Enter the required target Axial
Displacement Datum and Amplitude and the Cyclic Frequency. Also enter the required target Cell
Pressure.
6k-2
The Dynamic Cyclic (Load) setup screen (below) will display the current read Axial Load Datum,
and the current Cell Pressure in the system. Enter the required target Axial Load Datum and
Amplitude and the Cyclic Frequency. Also enter the required target Cell Pressure.
You will need experience of the system (and your specimen) to gauge the correct value for this
parameter. A simple procedure is as follows:- First carry out a static cyclic test (1 cycle) using the
same force datum and amplitude that you wish to use in the dynamic mode. Using this data you
can estimate the average kN/mm value (x say) for this test specimen. Then carry out a dynamic
cyclic test, again with only one or two cycles, using a stiffness value of 5x. Then examine the
GDSLAB v2 Handbook 18/03/2003
6k-3
waveform of force against time, if it is poor (not reaching targets or not a nice neat sinusoidal
shape) then carry out another dynamic cyclic test using a stiffness value half of the previous value
(this will make the system more responsive) and check the waveform again.
Repeat this procedure until the waveform looks good and you are meeting the required load
amplitude. If at any time the waveform starts to overshoot at various points in the cycle your
stiffness value is too low - you should then double the last stiffness value you used. If you chose
the lower stiffness value because the waveform was not good enough then the frequency you are
using is too high so use the higher stiffness value and halve the frequency.
Please note that the stiffness value is ignored for displacement controlled tests.
6k-4
Total Cycles
Enter the number of cycles after which the test will stop.
Cycles On
Enter the number of cycles to log data for used in conjunction with Cycles Off, data will be
logged for the number of cycles specified as on and then will not log data for the number of
cycles specified as off. This will be repeated until the test stops. Please refer to your
hardware manual for the amount of data that the high speed data acquisition card will hold.
When performing a long test it is possible that the card will run out of memory if data from all
the cycles is saved.
Cycles Off
Enter the number of cycles to not log data for.
6k-5
6k-6
Different Test Calculation Modules are required to enable the GDSLAB software to carry out
different types of test control. A test calculation module is required for each type of test for
example: triaxial, shearbox or oedometer.
For non-standard testing, for example, Unsaturated triaxial testing would require a test calculation
module extension. For information regarding which test calculation modules you require please
contact GDS.
A sample of the calculations made for the standard triaxial tests are given below.
r (%)
Ho - height change
Axial Stress,
a (kPa)
a (kPa)
7-1
Triaxial Calculations
Cambridge p (kPa)
(Axial Stress + 2 x (Radial Stress)) / 3
Cambridge p (kPa)
Cambridge p - pore water pressure
Where:
Do = Initial sample diameter
Ho = Initial sample height.
7-2
Triaxial Calculations
UPDATED VALUES
Current Specimen Water Volume
Initial Volume of Water in Sample + Change in Back Volume
Matric Suction
Pore Air Pressure Back Pressure
7-3
Triaxial Calculations