ELE International’s Global Technical and Field Service Manager, Alfonso Rivera, explains how soil testing can be set up to run with the new AUTO Soils Consolidator (ASC).

Compressible soils can be subject to long-term consolidation under the loads imposed by other layers, foundations and above ground structures so the one-dimensional consolidation (oedometer) test is vitally important for many construction projects.

An ELE Auto Soils Consolidator

Tests are therefore carried out on specimens prepared from undisturbed samples as well as remoulded samples. Traditional methods involve manual changes to the loading of suspended weights, often four or five times, which involves a significant amount of laboratory time, particularly if the time for a change in load weight occurs when the lab is unattended – at night or weekends for example.

The time taken for the completion of the test represents a significant cost for soil testing laboratories and can result in project delays. In addition to speed, automation of the test offers a number of significant advantages. For example pre-programmed international test methods can be applied automatically for every test, which significantly reduces the opportunity for human error.

Normally, a sample is prepared by using a knife to remove a section from an undisturbed soil core that is slightly thicker than the cutting ring, which is then inserted into the core to create the test sample with the soil protruding from the cutting ring on both sides.

This excess soil is then removed with the knife or spatula and the weight of the ring containing the sample is measured and recorded. The trimmings can be used for moisture content determination.

Detailed test stages are displayed for the entire test sequence, and operators are able to quickly and simply change the seating, loading and unloading stages if necessary. By clicking ‘next’ the user is provided with a screen, which summarises the test set-up, and if this is acceptable, the user clicks ‘start the test’.