Modified consolidation test apparatus

Abstract

Consolidation test is conducted in the laboratory by oedometer test equipment. Load is applied step by step with mechanical weights in this test. The load is kept for 24 hours in each step. Sample disturbance takes place during loading and unloading. This also effects the results of consolidation test. In this apparatus, modifications are made to loading system and the way of the collecting data. Loading system is designed to apply electro-pneumatic pressure via a mechanical piston to the top of the specimen. In order to determine whether the consolidation is complete, there are double check in this system. One of them is to observe the vertical deformation and the other is to check the load increment with a load cell which is placed under the bottom of the consolidometer. The data acquisition system is designed to collect data and to control the consolidation test with respect to time intervals. In conclusion, not only are these mentioned disadvantages minimized but also the collecting and assessment of data become fully automatic with the proposed modified lest system. Modified consolidation test equipment is a fully computer controlled system. In addition,due to the electro-pneumatic loading system, the results are much safer, more dependable and the duration of experiment is also variable with sample. Not only is the experiment controlled by deformation, but also the load is controlled in each loading step with the load cell placed under the oedometer cell. Thus, applied load and deformation are not continuously observed with the modified consolidation test apparatus. That is automatic control is achieved.