Soil Consolidation

Consolidation tests are performed by applying incremental loads to a soil sample and measuring the deformation response. The results from these tests are used to predict settlements in the field with response to changes in the soil effective stresses.

Cons-4 is designed to easily and inexpensively automate existing incremental-loading consolidometer or oedometer apparatuses including traditional dead weight units as well as pneumatic devices.    

This program automatically acquires deformation rates on one-dimensional oedometer test data during incremental loading of a saturated soil sample.  Cons-4 software, together with the GCTS DataCube-C* wireless data acquisition device can simultaneously monitor up to 4 different oedometer tests on your mobile device through Bluetooth connection.  

Cons-4 provides real-time graphs of all ongoing tests and is also capable to display previous tests.  It also performs real-time calculations of the relevant parameters including the end of primary consolidation. By calling your attention on your mobile device that the test is ready for the next load increment, it allows to significantly reduce total testing time while minimizing potential user errors increasing data reliability.

Complete PDF test reports including Taylor’s (Root Square) and Casagrande’s (Logarithm) calculations are automatically produced and easily displayed, printed, or e-mailed.  Raw data files can also be exported for further analysis or manipulation.

*GCTS Testing Systems offers an inexpensive Consolidation Test Upgrade kit that includes the DataCube-C Data Acquisition device together with 4 displacement sensors and mounting hardware that adapts to most commercial consolidation apparatuses.

Relevant Standards: 

ASTM D2435 / D2435M - 11(2020)
Standard Test Methods for One-Dimensional Consolidation Properties of Soils Using Incremental Loading

ASTM D4546 - 14e1
Standard Test Methods for One-Dimensional Swell or Collapse of Soils

AASHTO T216
One-Dimensional Consolidation Properties of Soils

ISO/TS 17892-5:2004
Incremental Loading Oedometer Test

BS 1377-5:1990
Methods of test for soils for civil engineering purposes. Compressibility, permeability, and durability tests