ACE - Automatic Computerized Oedometer

Fully automatic PC-controlled test execution
Three conditions for the automatic switch to the next step are available: time, swelling, rate of secondary consolidation.
Testing can continue 24 hours a day, 7 days a week without interruption giving greater throughput of tests with a considerable cost decrease
Automated loading eliminates negative factors such as operator error and manual handling of dead weights
15kN maximum loading capacity, 10mm travel displacement transducer
Real-time data and graph display
Single ACE software installation controls up to 60 units
Test management software supplied

description

The oedometer consolidation test is used to determine the rate and magnitude of consolidation of a soil specimen restrained laterally and subjected to a number of successive increments of vertical load. In this automatic model, the incremental loading is fully automatic in load (stress) or swelling (strain) modes, and offers a practical and accurate way to execute a test with reliable test results.

The ACE unit, along with theSHEARMATIC Automatic shear testing machine and AUTOTRIAX Automatic triaxial test systems, makes up a range of unique equipment for providing complete automation of the Soil Mechanics laboratory. The ACE (Automatic Computerized oEdometer) consists of a small and compact load frame housing two coaxial pneumatic cylinders: the smaller one for low loads and the other for higher loads, with automatic switching from one to the other when needed.

There are two analogue channels: one for the displacement transducer and the other for the load cell with closed-loop feedback, which controls application of the required pressure using a high precision pneumatic servo-actuator. Test parameters are pre-programmed and saved in the ACE software by the operator, including the test end, which can be programmed on a time or increment basis.

The software can control up to 60 ACE units from a single PC, giving the operator the choice of controlling single or multiple units. Once the software is installed (supplied) with the first ACE unit, it is possible to extend the control of further units just by enabling the communication without additional interventions and costs: an IP address is given to each unit for the LAN communication: system modularity is ensured for subsequent integrations.

Calibrations of displacement transducers and load cells are performed and saved as txt file. Up to 8 points of calibration can be recorded for each channel. Test results are recorded and displayed in real time and calculations are performed automatically. Test data can be processed using the proper Geo-Analysis Templates conforming to BS or ASTM Standards.

The frame can accept all standard consolidation cells, from 50.47 to 112.80mm diameter. Consolidation cells, Geo-Analysis templates and test software are not included. See Accessories. PC is not included

technical specifications

Software
ACE software operates as interface for all testing processes: the possibility to pre-set all test conditions and let each oedometer unit to work independently and to perform the whole test automatically is the great advantage of ACE testing system, ensured by the dedicated software developed by the geotechnical experts.
ACE software allows to set up, save and recall different load/unload sequences: for each of them applied pressure steps, recording mode, time of application, swelling control and secondary consolidation rate limit can be defined by the user. Besides the traditional time limit control for transition from one step of pressure to another, further automatic controls are included in the software with great advantage to the users, as:

Swelling control: if the specimen under test tends to expand, a swelling limit can be pre-set: in case the pre set limit is exceeded, the system will automatically skip to the next loading step.
Secondary consolidation rate control: the system will automatically skip to next loading step if the secondary consolidation rate is lower than a pre-set limit.

ACE - Automatic Computerized Oedometer

description

Order

technical specifications

ACE - Automatic Computerized Oedometer