Load Frames for Triaxial Testing

Triaxial Load Frames, continued

With the ability to control specimen drainage and measure pore pressure, the triaxial test has advantages over other shear strength test methods.

There are three common types of triaxial tests:
• The Unconsolidated Undrained Triaxial (UU Triaxial)
• The Consolidated Undrained Triaxial (CU Triaxial)
• The Consolidated Drained Triaxial (CD Triaxial)

With differing procedures, the UU triaxial is considered a total stress test while the CU triaxial and the CD triaxial are considered effective stress tests. In all cases, load frames are used to perform these tests.

Humboldt's Elite Series Load Frames provide the materials testing lab with a choice of three, highly-versatile and precision-built loading systems covering a range of testing applications. The HM-5030 is the workhorse of the group, capable of handling any testing need up to 50kN or 11,000 lbf. The HM-5020 is a machine designed specifically for triaxial testing and other testing requirements up to 15kN or 3,000 lbf. and, the HM-5040, is a heavy-duty machine capable of handling testing requirements up to 100kN or 22,000 lbf.

These machines provide four (4) integral and independent data acquisition channels, which can be utilized in stand-alone configurations or accessed through a LAN-networked computer using Humboldt's Next Software. Elite series load frames are built with durable, high-quality components and feature the use of a stepper motor, precision gears and gear box to ensure smooth and reliable operation, as well as precise results.

In stand-alone mode, these load frames provide a 7" (178mm) touch-screen controller. This new waterproof touch screens provide colorful, at-a-glance monitoring of testing functions without the use of a computer. Operators can see all the data in several formats at the machine while the test is running. Data can then be viewed simultaneously or downloaded later to a computer in the lab, in the next room or at a different location, while also providing report generation capabilities from within Humboldt's NEXT software or our enhanced test-specific modules.

Also available is our basic multi-speed machine, the HM-2850. This load frame is designed for those who want a simple, high-quality, multi-purpose load frame without built-in data acquisition capabilities.