31-WF7005/7010/7015 Dynatriax: Manuale Di Istruzioni Instruction Manual

31-WF7005/7010/7015
DYNATRIAX
Cyclic Triaxial Software
MANUALE DI ISTRUZIONI
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Manuale di Istruzioni DYNATRIAX Software
DYNATRIAX Software Instruction Manual
CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................1

1.1 Icons appearing in the manual ........................................................................ 2
1.2 Manual revision history ................................................................................... 3
2.0 DESCRIPTION ................................................................................4
2.1 Main features .................................................................................................... 4
3.0 INSTALLATION AND SETUP .........................................................5
3.1 Installation of the software .............................................................................. 5
4.0 SOFTWARE COMPONENTS ..........................................................7
4.1 Overview of the software ................................................................................. 7
4.2 System buttons ................................................................................................ 8
4.2.1 Unload test button .......................................................................................... 8
4.2.2 Real-time display button ................................................................................. 8
4.3 Status bar.......................................................................................................... 9
4.3.1 Valve S1 indicator ........................................................................................... 9
4.3.2 Valve S2 indicator ........................................................................................... 9
4.3.3 Volume change flow direction indicator .......................................................... 9
4.3.4 Volume change flow mode indicator ............................................................... 9
4.3.5 Control indicator ............................................................................................. 9
4.3.6 Cell pressure indicator .................................................................................... 9
4.3.7 Back pressure indicator .................................................................................. 9
4.3.8 Stage type display .......................................................................................... 9
4.3.9 Stage conditions display ................................................................................. 9
4.3.10 Stage status display...................................................................................... 10
4.4 Main panel....................................................................................................... 11
4.4.1 Viewing the panel ......................................................................................... 11
4.4.2 Real time values ........................................................................................... 11
4.4.3 Stage type cell .............................................................................................. 11
4.4.4 Add stage button .......................................................................................... 11
4.4.5 Stage list ....................................................................................................... 11
4.4.6 Remove stage button.................................................................................... 12
4.4.7 Start new test button ..................................................................................... 12
4.4.8 Test name cell .............................................................................................. 12
4.4.9 Log directory indicator .................................................................................. 12
4.4.10 New test button ............................................................................................. 12
4.4.11 Load template button .................................................................................... 12
4.4.12 Save template button .................................................................................... 12
4.4.13 Debug mode button ...................................................................................... 12
4.4.14 Calibration button ......................................................................................... 12
4.4.15 Manual control button ................................................................................... 12
4.4.16 Config button ................................................................................................ 13
4.4.17 Tuning button ................................................................................................ 13
4.4.18 Language button ........................................................................................... 13
4.4.19 Review button ............................................................................................... 13
4.4.20 Logo.............................................................................................................. 13
4.4.21 Quit button .................................................................................................... 13
4.5 Test Setup panel ............................................................................................ 14
4.5.2 Stage list ....................................................................................................... 14
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Manuale di Istruzione DYNATRIAX Software
4.5.3 Setup Saturation panel ................................................................................. 14

4.5.4 Setup Consolidation Isotropic panel .............................................................. 16
4.5.5 Setup K0 Consolidation panel ....................................................................... 18
4.5.6 Setup Stress Path panel ............................................................................... 20
4.5.7 Setup Monotonic Shear panel ....................................................................... 23
4.5.8 Setup Cyclic Shear panel .............................................................................. 25
4.6 Specimen Setup panel ................................................................................... 32
4.6.1 Viewing the panel.......................................................................................... 32
4.6.2 Specimen details cells .................................................................................. 32
4.6.3 Specimen initial conditions cells.................................................................... 33
4.6.4 Total membrane thickness cell...................................................................... 33
4.6.5 Side drains control ........................................................................................ 33
4.6.6 Drains correction check box .......................................................................... 33
4.6.7 Membrane correction check box ................................................................... 33
4.6.8 Trimmings water content cells....................................................................... 33
4.6.9 End of stage values ...................................................................................... 33
4.7 Saturation panel ............................................................................................. 35
4.7.2 Start Saturation button .................................................................................. 35
4.7.3 End Saturation button ................................................................................... 35
4.7.4 Exit Saturation button .................................................................................... 36
4.7.5 Transducer reading indicators....................................................................... 36
4.7.6 Cell pressure target indicator ........................................................................ 36
4.7.7 Back pressure target indicator ...................................................................... 36
4.7.8 Reading number indicator ............................................................................. 36
4.7.9 Increment summary ...................................................................................... 36
4.7.10 Saturation summary ...................................................................................... 36
4.7.11 Live values tabs ............................................................................................ 37
4.7.12 End of stage values tab ................................................................................ 37
4.7.13 Cell pressure increment button ..................................................................... 37
4.7.14 Cell pressure increment cell .......................................................................... 37
4.7.15 Cell and back pressure increment button ...................................................... 37
4.7.16 Back pressure increment button ................................................................... 37
4.7.17 Ramp time cell .............................................................................................. 37
4.7.18 Back pressure differential cell ....................................................................... 37
4.7.19 Graph selection control ................................................................................. 37
4.7.20 Graph legend ................................................................................................ 38
4.7.21 Scale controls ............................................................................................... 38
4.7.22 Saturation graph ........................................................................................... 38
4.7.23 Graph palette ................................................................................................ 38
4.7.24 Next increment button ................................................................................... 38
4.8 Isotropic consolidation panel ........................................................................ 39
4.8.2 Target cell pressure cell ................................................................................ 39
4.8.3 Target back pressure cell .............................................................................. 39
4.8.4 Target ramp time cell .................................................................................... 40
4.8.5 Initialize targets button .................................................................................. 40
4.8.6 Start consolidation button.............................................................................. 40
4.8.7 End consolidation button ............................................................................... 40
4.8.8 Exit consolidation button ............................................................................... 40
4.8.10 Consolidation summary ................................................................................ 40
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4.8.11 Reading number ........................................................................................... 40

4.8.13 Graph legend ................................................................................................ 41
4.8.14 X-axis format check box ............................................................................... 41
4.8.15 Scale controls ............................................................................................... 41
4.8.16 Consolidation graph ...................................................................................... 41
4.8.17 Graph palette ................................................................................................ 41
4.8.18 Live values tabs ............................................................................................ 41
4.9 K0 Consolidation panel .................................................................................. 42
4.9.2 Rate of strain cell .......................................................................................... 42
4.9.3 Loading method control ................................................................................ 42
4.9.4 Drainage method control .............................................................................. 43
4.9.5 Start K0 consolidation button ........................................................................ 43
4.9.6 End K0 consolidation button .......................................................................... 43
4.9.7 Exit K0 consolidation button .......................................................................... 43
4.9.8 Transducer reading indicators ...................................................................... 43
4.9.9 K0 summary .................................................................................................. 43
4.9.10 Reading number ........................................................................................... 44
4.9.12 Graph legend ................................................................................................ 44
4.9.13 X-axis control ................................................................................................ 44
4.9.14 Scale controls ............................................................................................... 44
4.9.15 K0 graph ........................................................................................................ 44
4.9.16 Graph palette ................................................................................................ 44
4.9.17 Live values tabs ............................................................................................ 45
4.10 Stress path panel ........................................................................................... 46
4.10.2 Start stress path button................................................................................. 46
4.10.3 End stress path button .................................................................................. 46
4.10.4 Exit stress path button .................................................................................. 47
4.10.5 Target abscissa cell ...................................................................................... 47
4.10.6 Target ordinate cell ....................................................................................... 47
4.10.7 Ramp time cell .............................................................................................. 47
4.10.8 Drainage method control .............................................................................. 47
4.10.9 Transducer reading indicators ...................................................................... 47
4.10.10 Stress path summary ................................................................................ 47
4.10.11 Reading number........................................................................................ 48
4.10.12 Graph selection control ............................................................................. 48
4.10.13 Graph legend ............................................................................................ 48
4.10.14 X-axis control ............................................................................................ 48
4.10.15 Scale controls ........................................................................................... 48
4.10.16 Stress path graph ...................................................................................... 48
4.10.17 Graph palette ............................................................................................ 48
4.10.18 Live values tabs ........................................................................................ 49
4.10.19 End of stage values tab............................................................................. 49
4.11 Monotonic shear panel .................................................................................. 50
4.11.2 Start shear button ......................................................................................... 50
4.11.3 End shear button .......................................................................................... 50
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4.11.4 Exit shear button ........................................................................................... 51

4.11.5 Rate of strain cell .......................................................................................... 51
4.11.6 Loading method control ................................................................................ 51
4.11.7 Drainage method control ............................................................................... 51
4.11.9 Shear summary............................................................................................. 51
4.11.10 Rate of displacement ................................................................................. 52
4.11.11 Reading number ........................................................................................ 52
4.11.12 Graph selection control.............................................................................. 52
4.11.13 Graph legend............................................................................................. 52
4.11.14 X-axis control............................................................................................. 52
4.11.15 Scale controls ............................................................................................ 52
4.11.16 Shear graph............................................................................................... 52
4.11.17 Graph palette............................................................................................. 52
4.11.18 Live values tabs......................................................................................... 52
4.11.19 End of stage values tab ............................................................................. 52
4.12 Cyclic shear panel .......................................................................................... 54
4.12.2 Start cyclic shear button ................................................................................ 54
4.12.3 End cyclic shear button ................................................................................. 54
4.12.4 Exit cyclic shear button ................................................................................. 54
4.12.5 Cycles to view cell ......................................................................................... 55
4.12.6 Cycle number ................................................................................................ 55
4.12.8 Cyclic shear summary ................................................................................... 55
4.12.9 Peak data tab ................................................................................................ 55
4.12.10 Amplitude data tab .................................................................................... 56
4.12.11 Graph data type control ............................................................................. 57
4.12.12 Graph selection control.............................................................................. 58
4.12.13 Graph legend............................................................................................. 58
4.12.14 X-axis control............................................................................................. 58
4.12.15 Y-axis control............................................................................................. 58
4.12.16 Cyclic shear graph ..................................................................................... 58
4.12.17 Graph palette............................................................................................. 58
4.12.18 Live values tabs......................................................................................... 58
4.12.19 End of stage values tab ............................................................................. 58
4.13 Real-time values panel ................................................................................... 60
4.13.1 Load cell reading........................................................................................... 60
4.13.2 Displacement transducer reading ................................................................. 60
4.13.3 Volume change device reading ..................................................................... 60
4.13.4 Cell pressure transducer reading .................................................................. 60
4.13.5 Back pressure transducer reading ................................................................ 60
4.13.6 Pore pressure transducer reading ................................................................. 60
4.13.7 Actuator transducer position ......................................................................... 60
4.13.8 Axial on-specimen transducer 1 reading ....................................................... 60
4.13.9 Axial on-specimen transducer 2 reading ....................................................... 61
4.13.10 Radial on-specimen transducer reading .................................................... 61
4.13.11 Mid-height pore pressure transducer reading ............................................ 61
4.13.12 Zero buttons .............................................................................................. 61
4.13.13 Close button .............................................................................................. 61
4.14 Calibration panel ............................................................................................ 62
4.14.1 Edit calibrations button .................................................................................. 62
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4.14.2 Transducer selection control ......................................................................... 62

4.14.3 Transducer units cell..................................................................................... 62
4.14.4 Transducer full scale cell .............................................................................. 62
4.14.5 Decimal places cell ....................................................................................... 63
4.14.6 Print button ................................................................................................... 63
4.14.7 Export button ................................................................................................ 63
4.14.8 Calibration table – displays the following calibration data: ............................ 63
4.14.9 Calibration graph .......................................................................................... 63
4.14.10 Transducer details..................................................................................... 63
4.14.11 Fit method control ..................................................................................... 63
4.14.12 Fitting equation ......................................................................................... 64
4.14.13 New calibration button............................................................................... 64
4.14.14 Add calibration point button ....................................................................... 64
4.14.15 Delete calibration point button ................................................................... 64
4.14.16 Note cell .................................................................................................... 64
4.14.17 Raw transducer reading indicator.............................................................. 64
4.14.18 Transducer reading indicator .................................................................... 64
4.14.19 Export calibration button ........................................................................... 64
4.14.20 Import calibration button ............................................................................ 64
4.14.21 Verification button ..................................................................................... 64
4.14.22 Close button .............................................................................................. 64
4.14.23 Verification panel....................................................................................... 64
4.15 Manual control panel ..................................................................................... 68
4.15.1 Actuator up button ........................................................................................ 68
4.15.2 Movement cell .............................................................................................. 68
4.15.3 Actuator down button .................................................................................... 69
4.15.4 Increase cell pressure button ........................................................................ 69
4.15.5 Cell pressure change cell ............................................................................. 69
4.15.6 Decrease cell pressure button ...................................................................... 69
4.15.7 Increase back pressure button ..................................................................... 69
4.15.8 Back pressure change cell............................................................................ 69
4.15.9 Decrease back pressure button .................................................................... 69
4.15.10 Cell pressure line valve button .................................................................. 69
4.15.11 Back pressure line valve button ................................................................ 69
4.15.12 Air pressure line valve button .................................................................... 69
4.15.13 AVC flow mode button .............................................................................. 70
4.15.14 AVC flow direction ..................................................................................... 70
4.15.15 Tritech up button ....................................................................................... 70
4.15.16 Tritech down button................................................................................... 70
4.15.17 Transducer reading indicators ................................................................... 70
4.15.18 Close button .............................................................................................. 70
4.16 System configuration panel .......................................................................... 71
4.16.1 Additional transducer check boxes ............................................................... 71
4.16.2 Language control .......................................................................................... 71
4.16.3 Log file path cell ............................................................................................ 72
4.16.4 Max graph points control .............................................................................. 72
4.16.5 Password cell ............................................................................................... 72
4.16.6 Static PID cells ............................................................................................. 72
4.16.7 Dynamic PID cells......................................................................................... 72
4.16.8 Transducer limit cells .................................................................................... 73
4.16.9 Transducer limit controls............................................................................... 73
4.16.10 Don’t save and close button ...................................................................... 73
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4.16.11 Save and close button ............................................................................... 73

4.17 Tuning panel ................................................................................................... 74
4.17.1 Reading indicators ........................................................................................ 74
4.17.2 Target indicators ........................................................................................... 74
4.17.3 PID cells ........................................................................................................ 75
4.17.4 Tuning graph ................................................................................................. 75
4.17.6 Graph legend ................................................................................................ 75
4.17.7 Actuator position mode control...................................................................... 75
4.17.8 Y-axis control ................................................................................................ 76
4.17.9 Cycle number indicator ................................................................................. 76
4.17.10 X-axis max control ..................................................................................... 76
4.17.11 Reset max/min value button ...................................................................... 76
4.17.12 Actuator servo-valve settings .................................................................... 76
4.17.13 Amplitude controls ..................................................................................... 76
4.17.14 Close button .............................................................................................. 77
4.18 Language panel .............................................................................................. 78
4.18.1 Language control .......................................................................................... 78
4.18.2 Apply button .................................................................................................. 78
4.18.3 Exit button ..................................................................................................... 78
4.18.4 Item number column ..................................................................................... 78
4.18.5 Actual language column ................................................................................ 79
4.18.6 Customise language column ......................................................................... 79
4.19 Review panel ................................................................................................... 80
4.19.1 Viewing options ............................................................................................. 80
4.19.2 Stage list ....................................................................................................... 80
4.19.3 Active panel area .......................................................................................... 81
4.19.4 Sample number cell ...................................................................................... 81
4.19.5 Saved sample indicator ................................................................................. 81
4.19.6 Load test button ............................................................................................ 81
4.19.7 Selected test indicator ................................................................................... 81
4.19.8 Quit button .................................................................................................... 81
5.0 USING THE SOFTWARE .............................................................. 83
5.1 Running the software ..................................................................................... 83
5.2 Setting up a test.............................................................................................. 84
5.3 Performing a manual saturation stage ....................................................... 103
5.4 Performing a manual consolidation stage ................................................. 107
5.5 Performing a manual stress path stage ..................................................... 109
5.6 Performing a K0 consolidation stage .......................................................... 111
5.7 Performing a manual monotonic shear stage ............................................ 113
5.8 Performing an automatic saturation stage ................................................. 116
5.9 Performing an automatic consolidation stage ........................................... 118
5.10 Performing an automatic stress path stage ............................................... 120
5.11 Performing an automatic K0 consolidation stage ...................................... 122
5.12 Performing an automatic monotonic shear stage ..................................... 123
5.13 Performing a cyclic shear stage.................................................................. 125
5.14 Ending a test ................................................................................................. 127
5.15 Setting control channel performance ......................................................... 129
5.15.1 Tuning a static control ................................................................................. 129
5.15.2 Tuning a cyclic control ................................................................................ 131
5.15.3 Amplitude control ........................................................................................ 133
5.16 Calibrating a transducer .............................................................................. 135
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5.17 Closing the software .................................................................................... 140
This instruction manual is an integral part of the machine and should be read before using the machine
and be safely kept for future reference.
CONTROLS reserves all rights of this manual; no part or whole can be copied without the written
permission of CONTROLS.
The proper use of this machine must be strictly adhered to, any other use must be considered as
incorrect.
The manufacturer cannot be held responsible for damage caused by incorrect use of the machine.
The machine must not be tampered with for any reason. In case of tampering, the manufacturer
declines any responsibility of functioning and safety of the machine.
This Manual is published by CONTROLS.
CONTROLS reserve the right to update its manuals without notification in order to correct possible
typing errors, mistakes, updating of information and/or updating of programs and/or accessories.
Such changes will be inserted in the latest edition of the current manual.
This present in English is the original version. Printed in Italy.
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
The DYNATRIAX software is a user-friendly and comprehensive program that

allows the user full manual or automatic control of a cyclic triaxial test, using the
DYNATRIAX cyclic triaxial system.
From the start to the end of a test, the software has total control of the
compression frame, the pressure systems, the actuator, and the volume change
device, allowing a test to be completed with minimal intervention from the
operator.
The flexible nature of the software enables a tailor-made test template to be

created, consisting of any combination of an unlimited number of stage types,
including saturation, isotropic consolidation, K0 consolidation, stress path,
monotonic shear, and cyclic shear.
The software displays live transducer readings, graphical test data and
calculated specimen dimensions throughout the test.
Current or historic test data can also be easily reviewed and imported into a
spreadsheet program (e.g. Microsoft Excel) for processing.
The software also contains functions for managing the DYNATRIAX system,
allowing the user to calibrate transducers, set system limits and tune the control
channels.
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1.1 ICONS APPEARING IN THE MANUAL
 This icon indicates a NOTE; please read the items marked by this icon
carefully.
This icon indicates a WARNING message; the items marked by this icon
refer to the safety aspects of the operator and / or the service engineer.
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1.2 MANUAL REVISION HISTORY
Revision / Date Change description Author

Rev. 0 (SwV 0.0.62) Preliminary version release Julia
05.03.2010 Wawrzynowicz
Rev. 1 (SwV 0.0.84) First release Julia
31.03.2010 Wawrzynowicz
Rev. 2 (SwV 0.0.106) Steps 18 and 19 added to Julia
08.11.2010 Section 4.26 Wawrzynowicz
Rev. 3 (SwV 1.1) Section structure changed Julia
20.12.2012 Sections 4.5.8 and 4.17 Wawrzynowicz
updated
Section 5.15 added
Section 4.19 revised
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2.0 DESCRIPTION
2.1 MAIN FEATURES
The following stages of a cyclic triaxial test can be performed::
Saturation by increments of cell pressure with B value checks
Saturation by back pressure increments with volume change measurement
Saturation by a drained ramp to a pre-defined cell pressure and back
pressure, with volume change measurement
Isotropic consolidation with automatic management of the volume change
device to ensure continuous measurement of volume change
Undrained or drained load controlled ramp to pre-defined values of stress
path parameters p and q or s and t
Undrained or drained load controlled ramp to pre-defined values of total
vertical and horizontal stresses
Determination of K0 under drained or undrained conditions by vertically
ramping at a pre-defined rate of strain, with specimen diameter control
Load controlled cyclic shear to ASTM D 5311 standard
Load or displacement controlled modulus and damping to ASTM D 3999
standard
User-defined load/stress or displacement/strain controlled cyclic shear
Undrained or drained monotonic shear in compression or extension
With the exception of cyclic stages, the entire testing sequence can be
performed automatically with no need for user intervention
Communication and control is over a high speed Ethernet link
A calibration facility is included for performing digital calibrations and
verification, and producing calibration certificates for the system’s transducers
Transducer limits can be set to prevent damage to the system by overloading
Historical data can be easily loaded in and reviewed
Measured and calculated test data for the cyclic stages is displayed, including
permanent and recoverable deformation and strain, and resilient modulus
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3.0 INSTALLATION AND SETUP

3.1 INSTALLATION OF THE SOFTWARE
The DYNATRIAX software is pre-installed on the system’s PC. If the software needs
to be re-installed for any reason, it should be done by following Steps 1 to 2 below:
1. Insert the CD provided into the CD-Rom drive of the PC.
Fig 3-1
2. Open Windows Explorer and open the folder on the CD called ‘TriaxSetup’.
Double-click the application called ‘setup.exe’ (see Fig 3-1).
3. Click the ‘Next >>’ button on the next two windows that are shown, wait for the
installer to complete and then click the ‘Finish’ button on the final screen.
The default installation directory is C:\Program Files\AdvancedCyclicTriax.
4. To create a shortcut to the DYNATRIAX program on the PC desktop, open the

installation directory, right-mouse click on the file called ‘Triax_main.exe’ and
select ‘Send To’ and then click on ‘Desktop (create shortcut)’ (see Fig 3-3).
The icon shown in Fig 3-2 will appear on the desktop.
Fig 3-2
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Fig 3-3
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4.0 SOFTWARE COMPONENTS

4.1 OVERVIEW OF THE SOFTWARE
The software comprises six main elements: system buttons for viewing real-time
data and ending a test, a status bar which indicates the status of system
components, the main panel which contains the functions needed to set up a test
and manage the system, the test setup panel where parameters for each stage
can be edited, the specimen setup panel in which the specimen details and initial
measurements are entered, and six test stage panels where the functions to
start, monitor and end the test stages are located. These elements are detailed
in Sections 4.5 to 4.12.
Test setup panel
Main panel Specimen setup panel Test stage panels System buttons
Status bar Fig 4-1
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4.2 SYSTEM BUTTONS
4.2.1 Unload test button

This button is used to end a test, either because it has finished, or because it
needs to be aborted for some reason before it is finished. Clicking it will
return the pressures and load to zero, and return the system to manual
control to allow the specimen to be removed from the cell.
After clicking the button you will be asked to confirm the command. Click
‘OK’ to end the test or ‘Cancel’ to cancel the command and continue the test.
NOTE:
 Clicking the Unload test button before a test has finished will cause the
test to be aborted. You will be unable to restart or recover the test after the
unload command has been confirmed.
Test data up to the unload point will be saved in the location specified in the
main panel.
4.2.2 4.2.1
Fig 4-2
4.2.2 Real-time display button

Displays the Real-time values panel which contains live readings for all the
system’s transducers, as well as functions for applying a zero offset to the
load, pressure and on-specimen transducer readings. See Section 4.13.
The button is available for the duration of the test.
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4.3 STATUS BAR

Displays the live status of the system components and general information about
the type and status of the stage that is running. See Fig 4-3.
4.3.2 4.3.4 4.3.6 4.3.8 4.3.9 4.3.10
4.3.1 4.3.3 4.3.5 4.3.7

Fig 4-3
4.3.1 Valve S1 indicator

Not used in the current version of the software.
4.3.2 Valve S2 indicator

Indicates the status of the back pressure line valve.
Green and ‘ON’ indicate that the solenoid valve is open,
Red and ‘OFF’ indicate that the solenoid valve is closed.
4.3.3 Volume change flow direction indicator

Indicates the flow direction setting of the volume change device connected to
the back pressure line.
Green and ‘U’ indicate that the flow direction is set to ‘FLOW UP’,
Red and ‘D’ indicate that the flow direction is set to ‘FLOW DOWN’.
4.3.4 Volume change flow mode indicator

Indicates the flow setting of the volume change device connected to the back
pressure line.
Green and ‘B’ indicate that the device is set to ‘BYPASS’,
Red and ‘F’ indicate that the device is set to flow mode.
4.3.5 Control indicator

Indicates the current setting for the axial controller.
Green and ‘Disp’ indicate that the controller is set to actuator control,
Green and ‘Load’ indicate that the controller is set to load control,
Red and ‘Disp’ indicate that the controller is set to Tritech control.
4.3.6 Cell pressure indicator

Indicates the status of the cell pressure controller.
Green and ‘ON’ indicate that the pressure controller is on,
Red and ‘OFF’ indicate that the pressure controller is off.
4.3.7 Back pressure indicator

Indicates the status of the back pressure controller.
Green and ‘ON’ indicate that the pressure controller is on,
Red and ‘OFF’ indicate that the pressure controller is off.
4.3.8 Stage type display

Displays the type of stage that is currently running.
4.3.9 Stage conditions display
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Displays a brief description of the conditions under which the stage is being
carried out.
4.3.10 Stage status display

Displays a brief description of the action that the system is currently carrying
out.
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4.4 MAIN PANEL

This panel contains functions for setting up the stages of a test, specifying where
to save the test data, and loading a previous test to view the data, along with a
selection of utilities for managing the system before starting a test. See Fig 4-4.
4.4.1 Viewing the panel

Select the ‘Main’ tab to view the panel.
4.4.6 4.4.15 4.4.13 4.4.18 4.4.17
4.4.1 4.4.5 4.4.3 4.4.4 4.4.14 4.4.20 4.4.16
4.4.2 4.4.7 4.4.11 4.4.12 4.4.8 4.4.9 4.4.10 4.4.19

Fig 4-4 4.4.21
4.4.2 Real time values

Displays live readings for all the system’s transducers.
4.4.3 Stage type cell

For selecting the type of stage to be added to the Stage list (Item 4.4.5).
Click on the arrows to the left of the cell to scroll through the options.
4.4.4 Add stage button

Appends the stage selected in the Stage type cell (Item 4.4.3) to the
contents of the Stage list (Item 4.4.5).
4.4.5 Stage list

Displays a list of all the stages that have been selected to be carried out
during the test.
The stages are carried out in the order shown.
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4.4.6 Remove stage button

Removes the last stage from the Stage list (Item 4.4.5).
4.4.7 Start new test button

Starts a new test by proceeding to the panel of the first stage in the Stage
list (Item 4.4.5).
If you select automatic mode for the first stage in the Test Setup panel
(Section 4.5), the stage will start automatically when you click the button.
If all the stages in the Stage list have been completed, the button text will
change to ‘Resume test’. If required, you can then add further stages to the
Stage list and click the button to continue with the test.
4.4.8 Test name cell

For entering the name that you want the test data files to be saved as.
4.4.9 Log directory indicator

Indicates the location that the test data files will be saved in.
The location can be changed in the Log file path cell in the System
configuration panel (Item 4.16).
4.4.10 New test button

Clears the Stage list (Item 4.4.5) and creates a file path for the data file in
the Log directory indicator (Item 4.4.9) using the test name that is entered
in the Test name cell (Item 4.4.8).
If the test name already exists, the program will ask you to change it.
4.4.11 Load template button

Opens a window to allow you to select and load a template saved from a
previous test.
Loading a template enters stages into the Stage list (Item 4.4.5) and loads in
values for all the test parameters in the Test Setup panel (Section 4.5). This
function allows you to setup a duplicate test without re-entering all the stages
and parameters.
4.4.12 Save template button

Saves the contents of the Stage list (Item 4.4.5) and the test parameters
from the Test Setup panel (Section 4.5) to a new template, which can then
be loaded in to use for subsequent tests.
After clicking the button, you will be prompted to enter a name and location
for the template.
4.4.13 Debug mode button

For diagnosing system problems – for Controls service engineers use only.
4.4.14 Calibration button

Opens the Calibration panel. See Section 4.14.
4.4.15 Manual control button

Opens the Manual control panel. See Item 4.15.
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4.4.16 Config button

Opens the System configuration panel. See Item 4.16.
4.4.17 Tuning button

Opens the Tuning panel. See Item 4.17.
4.4.18 Language button

Opens the Language panel. See Item 4.18.
4.4.19 Review button

Opens the Review panel for viewing historical test data – from either the
current test or a previous one. See Item 4.5.
4.4.20 Logo
Clicking on the logo opens an ‘About’ screen containing details of the
software and firmware version numbers. Click on the ‘About’ screen to close
it.
4.4.21 Quit button

Closes the program.
The program will not close if there is a test running. The test must be ended
(using the Unload test button (Item 4.2.1) before the program can be
closed.
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4.5 TEST SETUP PANEL

This panel contains stage setup panels for each of the six different stage types to
allow the test parameters to be viewed and edited. See Fig 4-5.

Select the ‘Test Setup’ tab to view the panel.
4.5.1 4.5.3 4.5.4 4.5.5 4.5.6 4.5.7 4.5.8 4.5.2
Fig 4-5
4.5.2 Stage list

For selecting which stage parameters are displayed for editing. The list
contains all the stages which were created in the Stage list of the Main
panel (Item 4.4.5).
Click on a stage in the list to view or edit the parameters for that stage.
The changes you make to the parameters will be automatically saved.
4.5.3 Setup Saturation panel

Select a saturation stage from the Stage list (Item 4.5.2) to view the panel
with the parameters for that stage (see Fig 4-6).
This panel contains all the parameters needed to set up a saturation stage.
All the parameters will be locked while the stage is running.
4.5.3.1 Saturation method control – for selecting the method that will be used for
the saturation.
Click on the arrow to the right of the cell to select from:
‘Cell pressure increment’ to saturate the specimen by increments of cell
pressure only;
‘Back pressure increment’ to saturate the specimen by increments of cell
pressure and back pressure;
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‘Cell + back pressure ramp’ to saturate the specimen by a continuous ramp

of cell and back pressure.
This parameter is only needed for performing an automatic stage and so will
only be available if the Auto stage check box (Item 4.5.3.2) is ticked.
4.5.3.1 4.5.3.3 4.5.3.4 4.5.3.2 4.5.3.5 4.5.3.6
4.5.3.7 4.5.3.9 4.5.3.8

Fig 4-6
4.5.3.2 Auto stage check box – for specifying whether or not the stage will be
performed automatically (i.e. without any user input).
Tick the box to let the software perform the stage automatically.
Leave the box un-ticked to perform the stage manually.
4.5.3.3 Cell pressure increment cell – for entering the amount, in kPa, that the
cell pressure will be increased by during a cell pressure increment.
4.5.3.4 Differential pressure cell – for entering the difference, in kPa, that you
want between the cell pressure and the back pressure during a back
pressure increment.
4.5.3.5 Minimum back pressure cell – for entering the minimum back pressure
that must be reached by the end of the saturation stage.
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4.5.3.6 Ramp time cell – for entering the time, in seconds, that you want the
system to take to ramp to the next pressure increment.
4.5.3.7 Data logging method control – for selecting the logging method for the
saturation stage.
Click on the arrow to the right of the cell to select from ‘Linear (time)’ or
‘Logarithmic (time)’.
If ‘Linear (time)’ is selected then the saturation data will be logged at the
rate entered in the Linear time interval cell (Item 4.5.3.8).
If ‘Logarithmic (time)’ is selected then the saturation data will be logged at
the rate given by the formula (A x reading number B), where A and B are the
values entered in the Logarithmic factor cells (Item 4.5.3.9).
4.5.3.8 Linear time interval cell – for entering the time interval, in minutes, that
you want between each logged reading.
This parameter is only available when you have selected ‘Linear (time)’ for
the Data logging method control (Item 4.5.3.7).
4.5.3.9 Logarithmic factor cells – for entering the factors A and B that give your
required logging rate when used in the formula (A x reading number B).
These parameters are only available when you have selected ‘Logarithmic
(time)’ for the Data logging method control (Item 4.5.3.7).
4.5.4 Setup Consolidation Isotropic panel

Select an isotropic consolidation stage from the Stage list (Item 4.5.2) to
view the panel with the parameters for that stage (see Fig 4-7).
This panel contains all the parameters needed to set up an isotropic
consolidation stage.
4.5.4.1 Effective consolidation pressure cell – for entering the effective pressure
that the specimen will be consolidated to (i.e. the difference between the
cell pressure and the back pressure), in kPa.
In order to achieve the required effective consolidation pressure, an
increment of cell pressure will be added on to the back pressure.
4.5.4.2 Auto stage check box – for specifying whether or not the stage will be
4.5.4.3 Back pressure check box – for specifying whether or not the system will
use the back pressure from the previous stage for the consolidation.
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Tick the box to use the value from the previous stage.
Leave the box un-ticked to allow the system to choose the back pressure –
the system will round the current pore pressure to the nearest 10kPa and
use this value for the back pressure.
4.5.4.4 Target ramp time cell – for entering the time, in seconds, that you wants
the system to take to ramp to the consolidation pressures.
4.5.4.5 Initial stage time interval cell – for entering the time interval, in seconds,
that you want between each logged reading of the initialisation stage.
The initialisation stage is the period before the start of consolidation when
the system is ramping to the target consolidation pressures.
4.5.4.6 Logarithmic factor cells - for entering the factors A and B that give your
4.5.4.3 4.5.4.1 4.5.4.2 4.5.4.4
4.5.4.5 4.5.4.6
Fig 4-7
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4.5.5 Setup K0 Consolidation panel

Select a K0 consolidation stage from the Stage list (Item 4.5.2) to view the
panel with the parameters for that stage (see Fig 4-8).
This panel contains all the parameters needed to set up a K 0 consolidation
stage.
4.5.5.1 K0 consolidation method control – indicates that the stage will be vertical
strain controlled.
4.5.5.2 Auto stage check box - for specifying whether or not the stage will be
4.5.5.4 4.5.5.3 4.5.5.1 4.5.5.2 4.5.5.7 4.5.5.8
4.5.5.9 4.5.5.6 4.5.5.5 4.5.5.10 4.5.5.11

Fig 4-8
4.5.5.3 Rate of strain cell – for entering the rate of strain that the K0 will run at, in
percent per hour.
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4.5.5.4 Loading method control – for selecting whether the K0 will run in
compression or extension.
Click on the arrow to the right of the cell to select from ‘Compression’ or
‘Extension’.
4.5.5.5 Drainage method control – for selecting whether the K0 stage will be
drained or undrained.
Click on the arrow to the right of the cell to select from ‘Drained’ or
‘Undrained’.
The K0 stage can only be undrained if a radial on-specimen transducer is
being used to measure specimen diameter.
4.5.5.6 Diameter control method – for specifying the method that will be used to
control the specimen diameter during the K0 stage.
‘Disp / Vol’ to monitor and control the diameter as calculated from the
change in volume and height;
‘Radial belt’ to monitor and control the diameter as measured by the radial
on-specimen transducer. (This option is only available if you have a radial
on-specimen transducer enabled in the System configuration panel, Item
4.16)
4.5.5.7 Termination / hold conditions – for specifying the conditions that you
want the K0 to stop at.
For each termination condition that you want to be taken into consideration
during the K0 stage, the relevant box must be ticked and a value entered. If
more than one condition is specified, the one that is reached first will
determine when the stage stops.
The system will continue ramping until one of the termination conditions is
met. In a manual stage, when the first termination condition is reached the
system will stop ramping and hold all the stresses until you end the stage.
In an automatic stage, the system will end the stage and proceed to the
next stage when the first termination condition is met.
4.5.5.8 Diameter control setup cells – for specifying ranges of tolerances for
diameter change and the cell pressure responses to them.
The tolerances must be entered, in millimetres, in the ‘Range’ cells. Your
required cell pressure responses must be entered, in kPa, in the ‘Change’
cells.
The diameter control works in the following way during the K0 stage:
If the specimen diameter deviates by less than the value entered in ‘Range
4’ there will be no change in the cell pressure;
If the specimen diameter deviates by more than the value entered in ‘Range
4’ but less than the value entered in ‘Range 3’, the cell pressure will be
changed by the value in ‘Change 4’;
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If it deviates by more than the value entered in ‘Range 3’ but less than the
value entered in ‘Range 2’, the cell pressure will be changed by the value in
‘Change 3’;
If it deviates by more than the value entered in ‘Range 2’ but less than the
value entered in ‘Range 1’, the cell pressure will be changed by the value in
‘Change 2’;
If it deviates by more than the value entered in ‘Range 1’, the cell pressure
will be changed by the value in ‘Change 1’.
The values must be entered in descending order of size, with the largest
values in ‘Range 1’ and ‘Change 1’ cells. The values are absolute - a
negative change in diameter will result in a positive change in cell pressure
and a positive change in diameter will result in a negative change in cell
pressure.
4.5.5.9 Data logging method control – for selecting the logging method for the K0
stage.
‘Linear (strain)’.
If ‘Linear (time)’ is selected then the K0 data will be logged at the rate
entered in the Linear time interval cell.
If ‘Linear (strain)’ is selected then the K0 data will be logged at the rate
entered in the Linear strain interval cell (Item 4.5.5.11).
the Data logging method (Item 4.5.5.9).
4.5.5.11 Linear strain interval cell – for entering the strain interval, in percent, that
This parameter is only available when you have selected ‘Linear (strain)’ for
the Data logging method (Item 4.5.5.9).
4.5.6 Setup Stress Path panel

Select a stress path stage from the Stage list (Item 4.5.2) to view the panel
with the parameters for that stage (Fig 4-9).
This panel contains all the parameters needed to set up a stress path stage.
4.5.6.1 Stress path method control – for selecting which stresses will be used as
the targets for the stress path and whether the stage will be stress or strain
controlled.
‘p & q – stress control’ to ramp to target values of p (1/3 ( v+2 h)) and q
( v- h);
‘s & t – stress control’ to ramp to target values of s (½ ( v+ h)) and t (½ ( v-
h));
‘Total horiz. & vert. stress – stress control’ to ramp to target values of total
horizontal and vertical stress;
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‘Total vert. stress – strain control’ to ramp the total vertical stress at a
specified rate of strain.
4.5.6.5 4.5.6.4 4.5.6.1 4.5.6.3 4.5.6.2 4.5.6.10
4.5.6.6 4.5.6.7 4.5.6.11 4.5.6.9 4.5.6.8 4.5.6.13 4.5.6.12

Fig 4-9
4.5.6.3 Target abscissa cell – for entering the abscissa (x-axis) stress path point
that you want the system to reach by the end of the ramp.
The abscissa will be either s, p or h, depending on which stress path
method you have selected.
This parameter is only needed for performing an automatic stress controlled
stress path and so will only be available if the Auto stage check box (Item
4.5.6.2) is ticked and you have selected a stress control option for the
Stress path method control (Item 4.5.6.1).
4.5.6.4 Target ordinate cell – for entering the ordinate (y-axis) stress path point
that you want the system to reach by the end of the ramp.
The ordinate will be either t, q or v, depending on which stress path
method you have selected.
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4.5.6.5 Ramp time cell – for entering the time, in minutes, that you want the
system to take to ramp to the stress entered in the target ordinate cell and
the target abscissa cell.
4.5.6.6 Rate of strain cell – for entering the rate of strain, in percent per hour, that
you want the stress path to run at.
Only a positive number may be entered – the strain direction is determined
by the loading method.
This parameter is only needed for performing an automatic strain controlled
4.5.6.2) is ticked and you have selected the strain control option for the
4.5.6.7 Loading method control – for selecting whether the stress path will run in
Click the arrow to the right of the cell to select from ‘Compression’ or
‘Extension’.
This parameter is only needed for performing an automatic strain controlled
4.5.6.2) is ticked and you have selected the strain control option for the
4.5.6.8 Drainage method control – for selecting whether the stress path will be
Click the arrow to the right of the cell to select from ‘Drained’ or ‘Undrained’.
This parameter is only needed for performing an automatic stress path and
so will only be available if the Auto stage check box (Item 4.5.6.2) is
ticked.
4.5.6.9 Hold time cell – for entering the time, in minutes, that you want the system
to hold the target stress for, once they have been reached at the end of the
stage.
This parameter is only needed for performing an automatic stress path and
so will only be available if the Auto stage check box (Item 4.5.6.2) is
ticked.
4.5.6.10 Termination / hold conditions – for specifying the conditions that you
want the stress path stage to stop at.
during the stress path stage, the relevant box must be ticked and a value
entered. If more than one condition is specified, the one that is reached first
will determine when the stage stops.
If you have selected a stress control method option, the system will
continue ramping until either the targets entered in the Target abscissa
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cell and the Target ordinate cell (Items 4.5.6.3 & 4.5.6.4) are reached or
until one of the termination conditions is met, whichever is reached first. If
you have selected the strain control method, the system will continue
ramping until one of the termination conditions is met.
When the first termination condition is reached the system will stop ramping
and hold all the stresses for the hold time specified (in an automatic stage)
or until you end the stage (in a manual stage).
stress path stage.
‘Linear (strain)’.
If ‘Linear (time)’ is selected then the stress path data will be logged at the
rate entered in the Linear time interval cell (Item 4.5.6.12).
If ‘Linear (strain)’ is selected then the stress path data will be logged at the
rate entered in the Linear strain interval cell (Item 4.5.6.13).
4.5.7 Setup Monotonic Shear panel

Select a monotonic shear stage from the Stage list (Item 4.5.2) to view the
panel with the parameters for that stage (Fig 4-10).
This panel contains all the parameters needed to set up a monotonic shear
stage.
4.5.7.1 Drainage method control – for selecting whether the shear stage will be
4.5.7.3 Loading method control – for selecting whether the shear stage will run in
Click the arrow to the right of the cell to select from ‘Compression’ or
‘Extension’.
The stage can only be run in extension if ‘Actuator’ is selected for the
Displacement control (Item 4.5.7.7).
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4.5.7.4 Rate of strain cell – for entering the rate of strain, in percent per hour, that
you want the shear stage to run at.
Only a positive number may be entered – the strain direction is determined
by the loading method.
4.5.7.5 4.5.7.1 4.5.7.3 4.5.7.4 4.5.7.2 4.5.7.6
4.5.7.8 4.5.7.7 4.5.7.10 4.5.7.11 4.5.7.9

Fig 4-10
4.5.7.5 Failure criteria control – for selecting the criterion at which the shear
stage will be considered to be finished.
‘Maximum Effective Principle Stress Ratio’ to stop the shear stage when the
maximum effective principle stress ratio is reached (only applicable for an
undrained stage);
‘Constant Shear Stress / Pore Pressure’ to stop the shear stage when there
is no further significant change in both shear stress and pore pressure (only
applicable for an undrained stage);
‘Constant Volume / Shear Stress’ to stop the shear stage when there is no
further significant change in both shear stress and volume (only applicable if
for a drained stage);
‘Use Termination Strain only’ to stop the shear stage when the axial strain
reaches the value entered in the Termination strain cell (Item 4.5.7.6).
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If the selected failure criterion is not reached during the shear stage, the
stage will be stopped when the termination strain is reached.
4.5.7.6 Termination strain cell – for entering the axial strain, in percent, at which
the shear stage should be stopped.
This value will only be used to stop the shearing if the selected failure
criterion has not been reached, or if ‘Use termination strain only’ has been
selected as the failure criterion.
4.5.7.7 Displacement control – for selecting whether the system uses the actuator
or the Tritech compression frame to shear the specimen.
Click the arrow to the right of the cell to select from choice of ‘Actuator’ or
‘Tritech’.
It is not possible to use Tritech control if you have chosen to do an
automatic stage – in an automatic shear stage, the displacement control is
fixed to ‘Actuator’.
It is only possible to shear the specimen in extension using the actuator.
The actuator has a maximum loading capacity of 5kN.
shear stage.
Click on the arrow to the right of the cell to select from ‘Linear (time)’,
‘Linear (strain)’ or ‘Logarithmic (time)’.
If ‘Linear (time)’ is selected then the shear data will be logged at the rate
entered in the Linear time interval cell (Item 4.5.7.9).
If ‘Linear (strain)’ is selected then the shear data will be logged at the rate
entered in the Linear strain interval cell (Item 4.5.7.11).
If ‘Logarithmic (time)’ is selected then the saturation data will be logged at
the rate given by the formula (A x reading number B), where A and B are the
values entered in the Logarithmic factor cells (Item 4.5.7.10).
4.5.7.10 Logarithmic factor cells – for entering the factors A and B that give your
These parameters are only available when you have selected ‘Logarithmic
(time)’ for the Data logging method control (Item 4.5.7.8).
4.5.8 Setup Cyclic Shear panel

Select a cyclic shear stage from the Stage list (Item 4.5.2) to view the panel
with the parameters for that stage (Fig 4-11).
This panel contains all the parameters needed to set up a cyclic shear stage.
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4.5.8.1 Cyclic shear method control – for selecting the method for the cyclic
stage.
‘ASTM D 5311 (Load Controlled Cyclic Strength Test)’ to cycle the
specimen in accordance with the ASTM standard D 5311, which specifies a
load controlled sinusoidal wave form;
‘ASTM D 3999 (Load Controlled Modulus and Damping Test)’ to cycle the
specimen in load control, in accordance with the ASTM standard D 3999,
which specifies a sinusoidal wave form with a maximum of 40 cycles. With
this method selected, the damping ratio, Young’s modulus and shear
modulus will be calculated and shown on the Cyclic Shear panel (see Item
4.12.10);
‘ASTM D 3999 (Displacement Controlled Modulus and Damping Test)’ to
cycle the specimen in displacement control, in accordance with the ASTM
standard D 3999, which specifies a sinusoidal wave form with a maximum
of 40 cycles. With this method selected, the damping ratio, Young’s
modulus and shear modulus will be calculated and shown on the Cyclic
Shear panel (see Item 4.12.10);
‘Non standard (multi cycle test)’ to cycle the specimen with user-defined
control modes, wave shapes and number of cycles.
‘Non standard (single cycle test)’ to cycle the specimen with user-defined
control modes and wave shapes, with the number of test cycles fixed to
one.
4.5.8.2 Control mode – for selecting whether the axial cycling will be under load
control or displacement control.
Click the button to the right of the cell to select from:
‘Stress’ to specify the extension and compression values for the cyclic
loading in deviator stress (kPa);
‘Strain’ to specify the extension and compression values for the cyclic
loading in axial strain (%);
‘Load’ to specify extension and compression values for the cyclic loading in
load (N);
‘Displacement’ to specify extension and compression values for the cyclic
loading in deformation (mm).
If you have selected ‘ASTM D 5311 (Load Controlled Cyclic Strength Test)’
or ‘ASTM D 3999 (Load Controlled Modulus and Damping Test)’ for the
Cyclic shear method control (Item 4.5.8.1), this parameter will be fixed as
‘Load’. If you have selected ‘ASTM D 3999 (Displacement Controlled
Modulus and Damping Test)’, it will be fixed as ‘Displacement’.
4.5.8.3 Drainage method control – for selecting whether the cyclic stage will be
4.5.8.4 Reference stress cell – for entering the reference shear stress (if the
specimen is clay) or the effective consolidation stress (if the specimen is
sand).
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This value is used to calculate the average and cyclic shear stress ratios on
the Cyclic Shear panel (Item 4.12.10).
The label for this cell depends on the soil type that you have chosen on the
Specimen Setup panel (Item 4.6.2).
4.5.8.7 4.5.8.3 4.5.8.8

4.5.8.5 4.5.8.2 4.5.8.6 4.5.8.1 4.5.8.4
4.5.8.16 4.5.8.18 4.5.8.15 4.5.8.20 4.5.8.13

4.5.8.12
4.5.8.19
4.5.8.11 4.5.8.17 4.5.8.14 4.5.8.9
4.5.8.10
Fig 4-11
4.5.8.5 Waveshape control – for selecting a wave shape for the cyclic loading.
Click the button to the right of the cell to select from ‘Sinusoidal’, ‘Triangle’,
‘Square’ or ‘User defined’.
(A user defined wave shape is selected using the User waveform cell
(Item 4.5.8.6.))
This function is only available if you have selected a ‘Non-standard’ option
for the Cyclic shear method control (Item 4.5.8.1).
4.5.8.6 User waveform cell – for loading in a pre-defined wave shape file.
A wave shape file is a .udw file, which is created using the program ‘UDW
Generator’ that accompanies this software.
Click the open folder icon to the left of the cell to locate your required .udw
file.
This function is only available if you have selected ‘User defined’ for the
Waveshape control (Item 4.5.8.5).
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4.5.8.7 Test frequency cell - for entering the frequency (or number of complete
cycles per second) for the cyclic wave form, in hertz.
Frequency (Hz) = number of cycles / time (seconds).
Any value between 0.008Hz and 10Hz may be entered.
The time period for one cycle at the frequency that has been entered is
shown on the x-axis of the Cycle chart (Item 4.5.8.12).
4.5.8.8 Sample rate cell – for entering the number of readings that you want to be
logged for each cycle, unless you have selected a user-defined wave-
shape, in which case it is for entering the number of readings per second.
The maximum number that may be entered depends on the test frequency
and is indicated in the Maximum sample rate indicator (Item 4.5.8.9). If a
user-defined wave shape has been loaded, the maximum value is 2000
readings per second.
Every channel will be logged at the rate that you enter.
4.5.8.9 Maximum sample rate indicator – indicates the maximum value that can
be entered in the Sample rate cell (Item 4.5.8.8), the value is the maximum
number of readings that can be logged per cycle.
This parameter is not available if you have selected ‘User defined’ for the
Waveshape control (Item 4.5.8.5).
4.5.8.10 Axial amplitude cell – for entering the required amplitude of the axial
cycles – see Fig 4-12.
The units for this parameter depend on which Control mode (Item 4.5.8.2)
has been selected.
Fig 4-12
Here are two examples:
Example 1 - The previous stage was an isotropic consolidation, the load at
the start of the cyclic stage is 0N, you want to cycle +/- 100N. You should
enter 100 in the Amplitude cell. The peak to peak amplitude will be 200N
and the cycle will peak at -100N in extension to +100N in compression.
Example 2 - The previous stage was a stress path, the load at the start of
the cyclic stage is 100N, you want to cycle +/- 100N. You should enter 100
in the Amplitude cell. The peak to peak amplitude will be 200N and the
cycle will peak at 0N in extension to 200N in compression.
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4.5.8.11 Axial peak to peak amplitude - indicates the peak to peak amplitude of
the axial cycle, i.e. the difference between the peak compression value and
the peak extension value.
4.5.8.12 Cycle chart – displays the appearance of a single axial cycle using the
parameters that you have entered. The x-axis displays the duration, in
seconds, of one cycle.
4.5.8.13 Radial amplitude cell – for entering the required amplitude of the cell
pressure cycles – see Fig 4-12, in kPa.
If you don’t want any radial cycling, enter a zero in this cell and the Radial
extension cell (Item 4.5.8.14).
This parameter is only available if you have selected ‘Non standard (multi
cycle test)’ or ‘Non standard (single cycle test)’ for the Cyclic shear
method control (Item 4.5.8.1).
4.5.8.14 Radial peak to peak amplitude - indicates the peak to peak amplitude of
the radial cycle, in kPa, i.e. the difference between the peak compression
value and the peak extension value.
This value will be applied to the specimen in addition to any cell pressure
that has already been applied to the specimen before the start of the stage.
If you don’t want any radial cycling, enter a zero in this cell and the Radial
compression cell (Item 4.5.8.13).

NOTE:
Radial cycling should only be used together with axial cycling and should be
carried out only at frequencies of less than 1 Hz.
4.5.8.15 Invert radial waveshape check box – for specifying whether or not the
radial cycle is in phase with the axial cycle (see Fig 4-13).
Tick the box to invert the wave shape, so that the radial cycle is 180º out of
phase with the axial cycling.
Leave the box un-ticked for the cycle to be in phase with the axial cycling.
Here is an example:
The cell pressure at the start of the cyclic stage is 400kPa, you want to
cycle the cell pressure by +/- 50kPa. You should enter 50 in the radial
compression cell and 50 in the radial extension cell. The peak to peak
amplitude will be 100kPa and the cycle will peak at 350kPa in extension to
450kPa in compression.
4.5.8.16 Poisson’s ratio cell – for entering the Poisson’s ratio which will be used to
calculate shear strain and shear modulus during the cyclic stage.
Poisson’s ratio = radial strain/axial strain. The default value is 0.5.
31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN 29 20.12.2012

4.5.8.17 Axial strain reference control – for selecting whether axial strain during
the cyclic stage is calculated using data measured by the external
displacement transducer or the actuator displacement transducer.
Click the arrow to the right of the cell to select from ‘External’ or ‘Act Pos’ for
the actuator displacement.
4.5.8.18 Maximum test cycles cell – for entering the maximum number of cycles
that you want to be applied during the cyclic stage.
The maximum number that may be entered is 9,999,999.
If you have selected ‘Non standard (single cycle)’ for the Cyclic shear
method control (Item 4.5.8.1), this parameter will be fixed at 1.
If you have selected ‘ASTM D 3999 (Load Controlled Modulus and Damping
Test)’ or ASTM D 3999 (Displacement Controlled Modulus and Damping
Test)’ for the Cyclic shear method control, this parameter will be fixed at
40.
This value will only be used to stop the cycling if none of the selected
termination conditions have been reached, or if you have not selected any
other Termination conditions (Item 4.5.8.19).
Fig 4-13
4.5.8.19 Termination conditions - for specifying the conditions that you want the
cycling to stop at.
during the cyclic loading, the relevant box must be ticked and a value
entered. If more than one condition is specified, the one that is reached first
will determine when the cycling is stopped.
20.12.2012 30 31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN

If none of the selected termination conditions are reached during the cyclic
loading, the cycling will stop when the number of cycles reaches the
number entered in the maximum test cycles cell.
The system must calculate the peak and valley data after each complete
cycle before it can determine whether termination conditions have been
met. Therefore, when the system stops cycling, it will stop after the final
cycle is complete.
4.5.8.20 Graph data memory management – for entering how frequently you want
to save the test data for loading back into the review panel after the test is
finished. The first value, N1, is fixed as ‘1’ so for cycle numbers 1 to 100,
data for every cycle will be stored. The default values for N2, N3 and N4
are 10, 100 and 1000 respectively.
This function is intended to save computer memory in cyclic stages with
very large numbers of cycles where it is not necessary to recall data for
every cycle.

NOTE:
If you enter 1 for all the values when performing a cyclic stage with very
large cycle counts (e.g. 1,000,000) large amounts of the system memory
may be consumed by the software and could cause the Windows operating
system to become unstable.
31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN 31 20.12.2012

4.6 SPECIMEN SETUP PANEL

Select the Specimen Setup tab to view the Specimen Setup panel (Fig
4-14).
This panel contains general information about the test specimen.
4.6.1 4.6.2 4.6.5 4.6.4 4.6.6 4.6.7
4.6.3 4.6.9 4.6.8

Fig 4-14
4.6.2 Specimen details cells

For entering the following general information for identifying and describing
the test specimen:
Job reference – the reference number of the project or job
BH/Pit reference – the name or number of the sample
Sample number – the name or number of the sample
Sample depth – the depth, in metres, at which the sample was taken
Location – the name of the location or site from which the sample was taken
Soil type – the soil type that best describes the main constituent of the
specimen
Click the arrow to the right of the cell to select from ‘Clay’ or ‘Sand’.
Soil description – a brief visual description of the soil
Type of specimen – a description of how the specimen was prepared
Click the arrow to the right of the cell to select from ‘Undisturbed’ or
‘Compacted’.
20.12.2012 32 31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN

4.6.3 Specimen initial conditions cells

For entering the following values for the initial conditions of the specimen,
after trimming:
Length – the length or height of the specimen, in millimetres
Diameter – the diameter of the specimen, in millimetres
Wet mass – the initial mass of the specimen, in grams
Particle density – the particle density or specific gravity of the specimen, in
mega grams per cubic metre
If the actual value is not known, enter an estimated value.
4.6.4 Total membrane thickness cell

For entering the total thickness of all the membranes used on the specimen,
in millimetres.
4.6.5 Side drains control

For selecting the type of side drains applied to the specimen.
Click the arrow to the right of the cell to select from:
‘Vertical’ if there are side drains applied vertically to the specimen;
‘Spiral’ if there are side drains applied spirally to the specimen;
‘None’ if there are no side drains on the specimen.
4.6.6 Drains correction check box

For specifying whether or not you want a drains correction to be taken off the
calculated deviator stress during stress path and monotonic shear stages.
The value of the drains correction depends on the type of side drains that
you have selected. (It is calculated in accordance with BS1377:1990:Part 8.)
4.6.7 Membrane correction check box

For specifying whether or not you want a membrane correction to be taken
off the calculated deviator stress during stress path and monotonic shear
stages.
The membrane correction is calculated from the total membrane thickness
that you entered. (It is calculated in accordance with BS1377:1990:Part 8.)
4.6.8 Trimmings water content cells

For entering the following values for calculating the water content of the soil
trimmings left over after the preparation of the specimen:
Container no. – the name or number that identifies the container, tin or tray
Wet specimen + container mass – the mass of the container with the
trimmings in, before drying, in grams
Dry specimen + container mass – the mass of the container with the
trimmings in, after drying, in grams
Container mass – the mass of the empty container, in grams
Water content – displays the calculated water content of the trimmings, in
percent
4.6.9 End of stage values

Displays the following calculated values for the test specimen at the setup
stage:
Area – the cross-sectional area, in square millimetres
31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN 33 20.12.2012

Volume – the volume, in cubic centimetres

Dry mass – the dry mass, in grams
Voids ratio – the ratio of the air voids to the volume of soil in the specimen
Bulk density – the wet or bulk density, in mega grams per cubic metre
Dry density – the dry density, in mega grams per cubic metre
Volume of voids – the volume of voids, in cubic centimetres
Degree of saturation – the degree of saturation, in percent
20.12.2012 34 31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN

4.7 SATURATION PANEL

Select the Saturation tab to view the panel (Fig 4-15).
This panel contains all the functions necessary for saturating the specimen,
and displays live transducer readings, graphical saturation data, total and
effective stress values and calculated values relating to the specimen
conditions.
The specimen can be saturated by two different methods: by increasing the
cell and back pressure in separate increments (steps), or by continuously
and simultaneously increasing the cell and back pressures in a pressure
ramp.
(The panel will be blank until the Start Saturation button (Item 4.7.2) is
clicked, except for Items 4.7.2 to 4.7.4.)
4.7.15 4.7.3 4.7.5 4.7.7 4.7.10
4.7.13 4.7.2 4.7.4 4.7.1 4.7.14 4.7.17 4.7.6 4.7.9 4.7.8 4.7.11 4.7.12
4.7.19 4.7.20 4.7.22 4.7.23

4.7.16 4.7.21 4.7.18
Fig 4-15
4.7.2 Start Saturation button

Initialises the saturation stage by enabling the required functions on the
panel.
When the saturation has started, this button is disabled.
It is only available during a manual stage.
4.7.3 End Saturation button

Ends the saturation stage, displays the End of stage values tab (Item
4.7.12) and enables you to exit the saturation panel and proceed to the next
stage of the test.
31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN 35 20.12.2012

4.7.4 Exit Saturation button

Closes the saturation panel and displays the panel for the next stage of the
test.
This button is only enabled when the saturation stage has ended. It is only
available during a manual stage.
4.7.5 Transducer reading indicators

Displays live readings of all the system’s transducers.
4.7.6 Cell pressure target indicator

Displays the target value, in kPa, for the cell pressure to reach during the
current cell pressure increment.
4.7.7 Back pressure target indicator

Displays the target value, in kPa, for the back pressure to reach during the
current back pressure increment.
4.7.8 Reading number indicator

Displays the current reading number.
4.7.9 Increment summary

Displays the following values for the current saturation increment:
Saturation increment number – the current increment or step number
Elapsed time – the amount of time that the increment has been running for,
in hours, minutes and seconds
B value – the pore pressure coefficient B, calculated from the live pore
pressure readings during a cell pressure increment
During a back pressure increment or a cell and back pressure ramp, the
value will be zero.
Change in length – the amount, in millimetres, that the length of the
specimen has changed during the increment, as calculated from the change
in displacement measured by the displacement transducer.
A positive number indicates a decrease in length; a negative number
indicates an increase.
Change in volume – the amount of water that has been taken up by the
specimen, as measured by the volume change device, in cubic centimetres
A negative number indicates that water has moved into the specimen; a
positive number indicates that water has moved out.
4.7.10 Saturation summary

Displays the following information relating to the present condition of the
specimen:
Total volume change – the total amount of water that has been taken up by
the specimen during the saturation stage, in cubic centimetres
Wet mass – the wet mass of the specimen, in grams, taking any movement
of water into the specimen into account
Volume of voids – the volume of air-voids in the specimen, in cubic
centimetres, taking any movement of water into the specimen into account
20.12.2012 36 31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN

4.7.11 Live values tabs

Display the live calculated values of the total and effective stresses acting on
the specimen:
Click a tab to bring it to the front.
4.7.12 End of stage values tab

Displays final conditions for the specimen at the end of saturation.
Click the tab to bring it to the front.
The tab will only be available after the stage has ended.
4.7.13 Cell pressure increment button

Applies the specified cell pressure increment (Item 4.7.14) to the triaxial cell.
This button is only available during a manual stage.
4.7.14 Cell pressure increment cell

For entering the increment of pressure, in kPa, that you require for the next
cell pressure step.
The number entered must be positive.
This cell is only available during a manual stage.
4.7.15 Cell and back pressure increment button

Applies a continuous and simultaneous ramp of cell pressure and back
pressure to the triaxial cell and the specimen respectively.
When the button is clicked, the pressures will increase (or decrease) to the
targets that are displayed in the cell pressure and back pressure target
indicators, over the time period that you entered in the ramp time cell.
4.7.16 Back pressure increment button

Increases the back pressure by the amount necessary to achieve the
differential between the cell pressure and the back pressure that you entered
in the Back pressure differential cell (Item 4.7.18), and opens the back
pressure line valve in order to apply the pressure to the specimen.
4.7.17 Ramp time cell

For entering the time, in seconds, that you want the system to take to ramp
to the target pressures displayed in the target cell and back pressure
indicators.
4.7.18 Back pressure differential cell

For entering the difference, in kPa, that you want to maintain between the
cell pressure and the back pressure during a pressure ramp.
4.7.19 Graph selection control

Controls which data series are plotted against each other on the Saturation
graph (Item 4.7.22).
Click the arrow to the right of the cell to select an option from the list.
31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN 37 20.12.2012

4.7.20 Graph legend

Provides a colour key for the graph data and controls which of the data
series are displayed on the graph.
Tick or un-tick the boxes to add or remove data from the graph.
4.7.21 Scale controls

Control whether the graph axes are scaled automatically or manually.
Click the arrow to the right of the cell to select from ‘Autoscale’ or ‘Manual
scale’.
With ‘Manual scale’ selected, the minimum and maximum values of the axis
can then be changed by double-clicking on the value and then typing in a
new one.
4.7.22 Saturation graph

Displays graphical saturation data.
Select which data series are displayed on the graph by using the Graph
selection control and the Graph legend (Items 4.7.19 & 4.7.20).
4.7.23 Graph palette

Allows you to view specific areas of the graph in more detail by zooming in
and out and moving the region of the graph that is displayed.
The function of each item is as follows:
Cursor movement tool – not used in this software
Zoom tool – click it to enable zooming in and out of the graph
Panning tool – click it to enable panning the display (dragging the
contents of the graph to view different areas)
The following functions are only available during an automatic stage (see Fig 4-16):
4.7.24 Next increment button

Over-rides the system during an automatic saturation stage and applies the
next increment of pressure.
4.7.24
Fig 4-16
20.12.2012 38 31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN

4.8 ISOTROPIC CONSOLIDATION PANEL

Select the Consolidation Isotropic tab to view the panel (Fig 4-17).
This panel contains all the functions necessary for consolidating the
specimen isotropically, and displays live transducer readings, graphical
consolidation data, total and effective stress values and calculated values
relating to the specimen conditions.
(The panel will be blank until the Start consolidation button (Item 4.8.6) is
4.8.7 4.8.3 4.8.5 4.8.1

4.8.6 4.8.2 4.8.4 4.8.9 4.8.10 4.8.11 4.8.18 4.8.19
4.8.14 4.8.13 4.8.16 4.8.17

4.8.12 4.8.15 4.8.8 Fig 4-17
4.8.2 Target cell pressure cell

For entering (in a manual stage) or displaying (in an automatic stage) the cell
pressure that you want to use for the consolidation stage, in kPa.
In an automatic stage, the value is calculated using the Effective
consolidation pressure cell (Item 4.5.4.1) in the Setup consolidation
isotropic panel.
4.8.3 Target back pressure cell

For entering (in a manual stage) or displaying (in an automatic stage) the
back pressure that you want to use for the consolidation stage, in kPa.
In an automatic stage, the value will be either the back pressure from the
previous stage, or 300kPa, depending on whether or not the Back pressure
check box (Item 4.5.4.3) in the Setup consolidation isotropic panel is
ticked.
31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN 39 20.12.2012

4.8.4 Target ramp time cell

time that you want the system to take to reach the target cell and back
pressures, in seconds.
In an automatic stage, the value is taken from the Target ramp time cell
(Item 4.5.4.4) in the Setup consolidation isotropic panel.
4.8.5 Initialize targets button

Increases or decreases the cell and back pressures (if necessary) to the
target values at a controlled rate, over the time period that you entered in the
target ramp time cell.
4.8.6 Start consolidation button

Starts the consolidation stage by opening the back pressure line valve and
starting the data logging.
This button will not be available until the system has reached the target
pressures in the initialize stage.
It is only available during a manual stage.
4.8.7 End consolidation button

Ends the stage by closing the back pressure line valve and stopping the data
logging. Once clicked, it displays the End of stage values tab (Item 4.8.19)
and enables you to exit the panel and proceed to the next stage of the test.
4.8.8 Exit consolidation button

Closes the panel and displays the panel for the next stage of the test.
This button is only enabled when the stage has ended.

4.8.10 Consolidation summary

Displays the following live calculated values for the stage:
Elapsed time – the amount of time that the stage has been running for, in
hours, minutes and seconds
Change in length – the change in specimen height, in millimetres, as
measured by the displacement transducer
Change in volume – the amount of water that has moved into or out of the
Volumetric strain – the amount of water that has moved into or out of the
specimen, as a percentage of the specimen volume at the start of the stage
Degree of consolidation – the amount of excess pore pressure that has
dissipated, as a percentage of the effective consolidation pressure.
4.8.11 Reading number

20.12.2012 40 31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN


Controls which data series are plotted against each other on the
Consolidation graph (Item 4.8.16).
4.8.13 Graph legend

4.8.14 X-axis format check box

For specifying whether the x-axis of the graph is displayed in linear time or
square root time.
Tick the box to set the x-axis to square root time,
Leave the box un-ticked to set the x-axis to linear time.

scale’.
new one.
4.8.16 Consolidation graph

Displays graphical consolidation data.
Select which data series are displayed on the graph by using the graph
selection control and the graph legend.


Display live calculated values of the total and effective stresses acting on the
specimen.

Displays final conditions for the specimen at the end of consolidation.
31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN 41 20.12.2012

4.9 K0 CONSOLIDATION PANEL

Select the K0 Consolidation tab to view the panel (Fig 4-18).
This panel contains all the functions necessary for determining the K 0 and
displays live transducer readings, graphical K0 data, total and effective stress
values and calculated values relating to the specimen conditions.
(The panel will be blank until the Start K0 consolidation button (Item 4.9.5)
is clicked, except for Items 4.9.2 to 4.9.7.)
4.9.7 4.9.3 4.9.5
4.9.6 4.9.2 4.9.4 4.9.8 4.9.1 4.9.9 4.9.10 4.9.17 4.9.18
4.9.11 4.9.14 4.9.13 4.9.15 4.9.16

4.9.12 Fig 4-18
4.9.2 Rate of strain cell

rate of strain, in percent per hour, that you want the K0 to be carried out at.
In an automatic stage, the value is taken from the Rate of strain cell (Item
4.5.5.3) in the Setup K0 consolidation panel.
4.9.3 Loading method control

For selecting (in a manual stage) or displaying (in an automatic stage)
whether the specimen will be strained in compression or extension.
‘Extension’.
In an automatic stage, the value is taken from the Loading method control
(Item 4.5.5.4) in the Setup K0 consolidation panel.
20.12.2012 42 31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN

4.9.4 Drainage method control

whether the K0 will be drained or undrained.
The K0 stage can only be undrained if a radial on-specimen transducer is
being used to measure the specimen diameter.
In an automatic stage, the value is taken from the Drainage method control
(Item 4.5.5.5) in the Setup K0 consolidation panel.
4.9.5 Start K0 consolidation button

Starts the K0 stage by opening the back pressure line (where ‘Drained’ is
selected for the drainage method), starting the data logging, and starting the
actuator.
4.9.6 End K0 consolidation button

Ends the stage by stopping the data logging, stopping the actuator, and
closing the back pressure line valve (where ‘Drained’ is selected for the
drainage method). Once clicked, it displays the End of stage values (Item
4.9.18) and enables you to exit the panel and proceed to the next stage of
the test.
4.9.7 Exit K0 consolidation button


Display live readings of all the system’s transducers.
4.9.9 K0 summary
Axial strain – the change in specimen height as a percentage of the
specimen height at the start of the stage
Change in pore pressure – the amount of excess pore pressure that has
been generated since the start of the stage, in kPa
Required volume – a live estimate of the total amount of water that must
move into or out of the specimen in order to keep the specimen diameter
constant, in cubic centimetres
31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN 43 20.12.2012

A negative number indicates that water must move into the specimen; a
positive number indicates that water must move out.
This value is only during a drained stage.
Change in diameter – the change in specimen diameter, in millimetres,
either as measured by the radial on-specimen transducer or as calculated
from the change in specimen volume and height, depending on which option
is selected in the Setup K0 consolidation panel (Item 4.5.5.6)
CP target – the current target for the cell pressure, in kPa.
The target is calculated using the current cell pressure +/- whatever is
needed to correct for any change in the specimen diameter, using the
parameters entered in the Diameter control setup cells (Item 4.5.5.8) of the
Setup K0 consolidation panel.
Rate of displacement – the rate of displacement, in millimetres per minute,
that the actuator is set to move at.


Controls which data series are plotted on the K0 graph (Item 4.9.15).
4.9.12 Graph legend

4.9.13 X-axis control

For selecting what data is used for the x-axis.
Click on the arrow to the right of the cell and select an option from the list.

scale’.
new one.
4.9.15 K0 graph
Displays graphical K0 consolidation data.

20.12.2012 44 31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN



specimen.

Displays final conditions for the specimen at the end of the K0 stage.
31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN 45 20.12.2012

4.10 STRESS PATH PANEL

Select the Stress Path tab to view the panel (Fig 4-19).
This panel contains all the functions necessary for carrying out a stress path
and displays live transducer readings, graphical stress path data, total and
effective stress values and calculated values relating to the specimen
conditions.
(The panel will be blank until the Start stress path button (Item 4.10.2) is
4.10.7 4.10.3 4.10.5 4.10.1

4.10.6 4.10.2 4.10.4 4.10.9 4.10.10 4.10.11 4.10.18 4.10.19
4.10.12 4.10.15 4.10.8 4.10.16 4.10.17

4.10.13 4.10.14 Fig 4-19
4.10.2 Start stress path button

Starts the stress path stage by starting the data logging, opening the back
pressure line (where ‘Drained’ is selected for the drainage method), and
starting the actuator.
4.10.3 End stress path button

Ends the stage by stopping the data logging, stopping the actuator, and
closing the back pressure line valve (where ‘Drained’ is selected for the
drainage method). Once clicked, it displays the End of stage values tab
(Item 4.10.19) and enables you to exit the panel and proceed to the next
stage of the test.
20.12.2012 46 31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN

4.10.4 Exit stress path button

4.10.5 Target abscissa cell

abscissa (x-axis) point, in kPa, that you want the system to reach by the end
of the stress path ramp.
This will be either s (½ ( v+ h)), p (1/3 ( v+2 h)) or h, depending on which
stress path method has been selected in the Setup Stress Path panel (Item
4.5.6.1).
This cell is only available during a stress controlled stress path stage.
In an automatic stage, the value is taken from the Target abscissa cell (Item
4.5.6.3) in the Setup Stress Path panel.
4.10.6 Target ordinate cell

ordinate (y-axis) point, in kPa, that you want the system to reach by the end
of the stress path ramp.
This will be either t (½ ( v- h)), q ( v- h) or v, depending on which stress
path method has been selected in the Setup Stress Path panel (Item
4.5.6.1).
In an automatic stage, the value is taken from the Target ordinate cell (Item
4.10.7 Ramp time cell

time, in minutes, that you want the system to take to ramp to the stresses
entered in the Target abscissa cell and the Target ordinate cell (Items
4.10.5 & 4.10.6).
In an automatic stage, the value is taken from the Ramp time cell (Item

whether the stress path will be drained or undrained.
(Item 4.5.6.8) in the Setup Stress Path panel.

4.10.10 Stress path summary

31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN 47 20.12.2012


This value is only displayed during a drained stage.
Load target – the load, in newtons, that the system must reach in order to
achieve the target stresses that you specified (Items 4.10.5 & 4.10.6)
CP target – the cell pressure, in kPa, that the system must reach in order to
achieve the target stresses that you specified
BP target - the back pressure, in kPa, that the system must reach in order to
achieve the target stresses that you specified


Controls which data series are plotted on the Stress path graph (4.10.16).
4.10.13 Graph legend


Click on the arrow to the right of the cell and select an option from the list.

scale’.
new one.
4.10.16 Stress path graph

Displays graphical stress path data.
20.12.2012 48 31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN


specimen.

Displays final conditions for the specimen at the end of the stress path stage.
31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN 49 20.12.2012

4.11 MONOTONIC SHEAR PANEL

Select the Monotonic Shear tab to view the panel (Fig 4-20).
This panel contains all the functions necessary for shearing the specimen in
compression or extension and displays live transducer readings, graphical
shear data, total and effective stress values and calculated values relating to
the specimen conditions.
(The panel will be blank until the Start shear button (Item 4.11.2) is clicked,
except for Items 4.11.2 to 4.11.7.)
4.11.7 4.11.3 4.11.5 4.11.10
4.11.6 4.11.2 4.11.4 4.11.8 4.11.9 4.11.1 4.11.11 4.11.18 4.11.19
4.11.14 4.11.12 4.11.16 4.11.17
4.11.13 4.11.15 Fig 4-20
4.11.2 Start shear button

Starts the stress path stage by starting either the Tritech compression frame
or the actuator, depending on what was selected from the Displacement
control (4.5.7.7) in the Setup monotonic shear panel, opening the back
pressure line (where ‘Drained’ is selected for the drainage method), and
starting the data logging.
4.11.3 End shear button

Ends the stage by stopping the data logging, stopping the Tritech
compression frame or actuator, and closing the back pressure line valve
(where ‘Drained’ is selected for the drainage method). Once clicked, it
displays the End of stage values tab (Item 4.11.19) and enables you to exit
the panel and proceed to the next stage of the test.
20.12.2012 50 31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN

4.11.4 Exit shear button

4.11.5 Rate of strain cell

rate of strain, in percent per hour, that you want the specimen to be sheared
at.
In an automatic stage, the value is taken from the Rate of strain cell (Item
4.5.7.4) in the Setup Monotonic shear panel.
4.11.6 Loading method control

whether the specimen will be sheared in compression or extension.
‘Extension’.
In an automatic stage, the value is taken from the Loading method control
(Item 4.5.7.3) in the Setup Monotonic shear panel.

whether the shear stage will be drained or undrained.
(Item 4.5.7.1) in the Setup Monotonic shear panel.

Display live readings of all the system’s transducers.
4.11.9 Shear summary

31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN 51 20.12.2012

4.11.10 Rate of displacement

The rate of displacement that the triaxial frame is set to move at, in
millimetres per minute.


Controls which data series are plotted on the graph.


Click on the arrow to the right of the cell to select from ‘Time’ or ‘Axial strain’.

scale’.
new one.
4.11.16 Shear graph

Displays graphical shear data.


specimen.

Displays final conditions for the specimen at the end of the shear stage.
20.12.2012 52 31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN


31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN 53 20.12.2012

4.12 CYCLIC SHEAR PANEL

Select the Cyclic Shear tab to view the panel (Fig 4-21).
This panel contains all the functions necessary for cycling the specimen and
displays live transducer readings, graphical cyclic data, peak and valley data,
cyclic amplitude data, total and effective stress values, and calculated values
relating to the specimen conditions.
(The panel will be blank until the Start cyclic shear button (Item 4.12.2) is
4.12.3 4.12.5 4.12.10
4.12.6 4.12.2 4.12.4 4.12.9 4.12.7 4.12.8 4.12.1 4.12.18 4.12.19
4.12.12 4.12.15 4.12.11 4.12.16 4.12.17

4.12.14 4.12.13 Fig 4-21
4.12.2 Start cyclic shear button

Starts the cyclic stage by starting the actuator cycling axially and the cell
pressure cycling (if applicable), opening the back pressure line (where
‘Drained’ is selected for the drainage method), and starting the data logging.
4.12.3 End cyclic shear button

Ends the stage by stopping the data logging, stopping the actuator and the
cell pressure cycling (if applicable), and closing the back pressure line valve
(where ‘Drained’ is selected for the drainage method). Once clicked, it
displays the End of stage values tab (Item 4.12.19) and enables you to exit
the panel and proceed to the next stage of the test.
4.12.4 Exit cyclic shear button

20.12.2012 54 31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN

4.12.5 Cycles to view cell

For entering the number of cycles that you want to display on the cyclic shear
graph.
Click the arrows to the left of the cell to scroll through the numbers. The
minimum that can be entered is 5, the maximum is 50.
4.12.6 Cycle number

Displays the current cycle number.

4.12.8 Cyclic shear summary

4.12.9 Peak data tab

Displays the following peak (peak compression) and valley (peak extension)
data for the last complete cycle (Fig 4-22).
4.12.9.1 Measured pressure data

Cell pressure at peak compression and peak extension
Back pressure at peak compression and peak extension
Pore water pressure at peak compression and peak extension
Maximum excess pore water pressure during cycle
4.12.9.2 Measured deformation data

Displacement reading at peak compression and peak extension
Actuator position at peak compression and peak extension
4.12.9.3 Calculated stress data

q ( v- h) at peak compression and peak extension
Total horizontal stress
Total vertical stress
s (½ ( v+ h))
31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN 55 20.12.2012

p (1/3 ( v+2 h))

t (½ ( v- h))
Effective horizontal stress
Effective vertical stress
s’ (½ ( v’+ h’))
p’ (1/3 ( v’+2 h’))
4.12.9.1 4.12.9.4
4.12.9.2 4.12.9.3 4.12.9.5

Fig 4-22
4.12.9.4 Measured load data

Load reading at peak compression and peak extension
4.12.9.5 Calculated strain data

Axial strain at peak compression and peak extension
Shear strain at peak compression and peak extension
4.12.10 Amplitude data tab

Displays the following peak amplitude data for the last complete cycle (Fig
4-23).
4.12.10.1 Stress data

Double amplitude (peak to peak) deviator stress
Single Amplitude deviator stress
Average deviator stress
Average shear stress
Cyclic shear stress
4.12.10.2 Stress ratio data

Average shear stress ratio
Cyclic shear stress ratio
20.12.2012 56 31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN

4.12.10.1 4.12.10.3
4.12.10.2 4.12.10.4 4.12.10.5 4.12.10.6

Fig 4-23
4.12.10.3 Strain data

Double amplitude (peak to peak) axial strain
Single amplitude axial strain
Average axial strain
Average shear strain
Cyclic shear strain
4.12.10.4 Pore pressure ratio
4.12.10.5 Modulus data

Young’s modulus
Shear modulus
Damping ratio
These values are only available for tests being carried out to the ASTM
3999 standard.
4.12.10.6 Closure error – the change in deformation between two successive cycle
peaks
This value is only relevant for tests being carried out to ASTM 3999
standard.
4.12.11 Graph data type control

Controls the type of data that are plotted on the Cyclic shear graph (Item
4.12.16).
Click the arrow to the right of the cell to select from:
‘Actual values’ to plot live data transducer data;
‘Peak/valley values’ to plot calculated data and transducer data;
‘Hysteresis of last cycle’ to plot a hysteresis loop of the last complete cycle.
31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN 57 20.12.2012


Controls which data series are plotted against each other on the graph.


Click on the arrow to the right of the cell and select from ‘Time’ or ‘Cycle
number’
If you select ‘Actual values’ is selected from the Graph data type control
(Item 4.12.11), the number of cycles displayed on the graph will depend on
what was entered in the Cycles to view cell (4.12.5).
If ‘Peak and valley’ is selected from the Graph data type control, the graph
will show all the cycles carried out so far.
4.12.15 Y-axis control

Controls whether the y-axis is scaled automatically or manually.
scale’.
new one.
If ‘Hysteresis of last cycle’ is selected from the Graph data type control
(Item 4.12.11), the y-scale is fixed as ‘Autoscale’.
4.12.16 Cyclic shear graph

Displays graphical cyclic shear data.
Select which data series are displayed on the graph by using the Graph
selection control (Item 4.12.12) and the Graph legend (Item 4.12.13).


specimen.
20.12.2012 58 31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN

Displays final conditions for the specimen at the end of the cyclic shear
stage.
31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN 59 20.12.2012

4.13 REAL-TIME VALUES PANEL

The panel contains live readings for all the system’s transducers, as well as
functions for zeroing the load and confining pressure readings. See .
It is opened by clicking the Real-time display button (Item 4.2.2) on the Main
panel and is available at all times.
4.13.1
4.13.2
4.13.3
4.13.4
4.13.5
4.13.6
4.13.12
4.13.7
4.13.8
4.13.9
4.13.10
4.13.11
4.13.13
Fig 4-24
4.13.1 Load cell reading
4.13.2 Displacement transducer reading
4.13.3 Volume change device reading
4.13.4 Cell pressure transducer reading
4.13.5 Back pressure transducer reading
4.13.6 Pore pressure transducer reading
4.13.7 Actuator transducer position
4.13.8 Axial on-specimen transducer 1 reading
20.12.2012 60 31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN

This indicator will only be visible if ‘On-specimen 1’ is enabled in the System

configuration panel (see Item 4.16).
4.13.9 Axial on-specimen transducer 2 reading

This indicator will only be visible if ‘On-specimen 2’ is enabled in the System
4.13.10 Radial on-specimen transducer reading

This indicator will only be visible if ‘Radial belt’ is enabled in the System
4.13.11 Mid-height pore pressure transducer reading

This indicator will only be visible if ‘Mid Height Pressure’ is enabled in the
System configuration panel (see Item 4.16).
4.13.12 Zero buttons

Applies a zero offset to the channel by setting the reading of the transducer
to zero.
The green light on indicates that the channel has had a zero offset applied;
The green light off indicates that the channel is reading its true, absolute
value, with no zero offset applied.
The cell pressure, back pressure and pore pressure readings can be set to
zero, if necessary, before the start of the test. They must not be set to zero
at any time during the test.
The on-specimen, radial belt and mid-height pressure buttons will only be
available for the transducers that are enabled in the System configuration
panel (see Item 4.16).
4.13.13 Close button

Closes the panel.
31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN 61 20.12.2012

4.14 CALIBRATION PANEL

Displays calibration data in tabulated and graphical form, and contains functions
for performing, viewing, editing and reporting calibrations. See Error! Reference
source not found..
Click the Calibration button (Item 4.4.14) to open the panel.
This panel is not available after a test has started.
4.14.1 4.14.3 4.14.8 4.14.4 4.14.2 4.14.9 4.14.6 4.14.5 4.14.10 4.14.7
4.14.11 4.14.17 4.14.12 4.14.13 4.14.14 4.14.16 4.14.18 4.14.21 4.14.20

4.14.15 4.14.22 4.14.19
Fig 4-25
4.14.1 Edit calibrations button

Unlocks the panel to allow its contents to be edited.
You will be required to enter a password to unlock the panel. (The password
is set in the System configuration panel, Item 4.16.)
4.14.2 Transducer selection control

For selecting the transducer that you want to view the calibration for.
Click the arrow to the right of the cell and select a transducer to display its
calibration data.
4.14.3 Transducer units cell

Displays the engineering units of the transducer.
4.14.4 Transducer full scale cell
20.12.2012 62 31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN

For entering the maximum capacity of the transducer.
4.14.5 Decimal places cell

For entering the number of decimal places that you want the transducer
reading to be displayed to.
The minimum that can be entered is 0, the maximum is 3.
4.14.6 Print button

Prints a calibration report containing information about the transducer, and a
calibration data table.
When you click the button, a pop-up dialog box will prompt you to choose
which printer you want to use.
4.14.7 Export button

Exports the data for all the calibrations to an Excel template which is
provided as part of the software package.
When you click the button, a pop-up dialog box will prompt you to choose a
name and a location for saving the Excel file.
4.14.8 Calibration table – displays the following calibration data:

Calibration point number
Reference data (Ref.) – the reading entered for the reference equipment
at each calibration point, in engineering units
Measured data (Measured) – the measured transducer reading, in Volts,
that was recorded at each calibration point
Fitted data – the transducer reading, in Volts, after the data fitting method
selected for the Fit method control (Item 4.14.11) has been applied
4.14.9 Calibration graph

Displays the values in the reference data column of the Calibration table as
abscissa with the transducer values in the measured data and fitted data
columns as ordinates.
4.14.10 Transducer details

For entering the following information about the transducer and the
calibration:
Make – the name of the manufacturer or supplier of the transducer
Model – the manufacturer or supplier’s model number for the transducer
Serial No – the manufacturer or supplier’s serial number for the
transducer
Reference No – your own laboratory’s identification reference for the
transducer
Location – the location of the transducer within the laboratory (e.g. the
name of the system that it is part of)
Operator – the name or initials of the person who performed the
calibration
Calibrated date – the date that the calibration was carried out
4.14.11 Fit method control

For selecting the method of data fitting to be applied to the measured
calibration data.
31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN 63 20.12.2012

Click the arrow to the right of the cell to select from ‘Linear’, ‘Polynomial’ or
‘Linearization’.
When the fit method is changed, the data in the fitted data column of the
Calibration table is updated.
4.14.12 Fitting equation

Displays the formula that has been applied to the measured data in order to
calculate the fitted data.
This will only be shown for Polynomial and Linear fit methods.
4.14.13 New calibration button

Clears all the existing data from the Calibration table so a new calibration
can be started.
4.14.14 Add calibration point button

Starts the process of adding a new calibration point to the Calibration table
– first a window is opened for you to enter a reference value, then a second
window is opened for you to capture a measured value for the transducer.
4.14.15 Delete calibration point button

Deletes the last calibration point from the Calibration table.
4.14.16 Note cell

For entering any notes or comments about the calibration or the transducer.
4.14.17 Raw transducer reading indicator

Displays the live transducer reading in millivolts.
4.14.18 Transducer reading indicator

Displays the live transducer reading in the engineering units shown in the
Transducer units cell (Item 4.14.3).
4.14.19 Export calibration button

Saves the current calibration as a data file so that it can be re-loaded at a
later date.
When you click the button, a pop-up dialog box will prompt you to choose a
name and a location for saving the file.
4.14.20 Import calibration button

Imports a calibration data file that you previously exported.
When you click the button, a pop-up dialog box will prompt you to select the
name and location of the file.
4.14.21 Verification button

Opens the Verification panel (Item 4.14.23).

Closes the panel.
4.14.23 Verification panel
20.12.2012 64 31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN

Contains functions for verifying a calibration (Error! Reference source not

found.).
Click the Verification button (Item 4.14.21) to open the panel.
All the components on the panel are the same as on the Calibration panel
(Item 4.14) except for the following extra items:
4.14.23.1 Verification data table - displays the measured transducer readings

captured at each verification point, in engineering units.
Up to three verification series can be carried out; the table contains a
separate column for each series.
4.14.23.1 4.14.23.2
Fig 4-26 4.14.23.4 4.14.22
4.14.23.2 Verification results table – displays the following data calculated from the
transducer readings in the Verification data table (Item 4.14.23.1):
Mean – the arithmetic mean of the measured transducer readings at
each verification point, in engineering units
RE – the error between the value in the Mean column and the reference
reading (in the Ref. column of the Calibration table) at each verification
point, as a percentage of the reference reading
The calculation used for RE is: RE = (M – R)/R%
Where: M = Mean transducer reading at the verification point, in
engineering units;
R = Reference reading at the verification point, in engineering
units
RRE – the relative repeatability of the measured transducer readings at
each verification point, as a percentage of the reference reading
The calculation used for RRE is: RRE = (Mmax – Mmin)/R %
Where: Mmax = highest measured transducer reading at the
verification point, in engineering units
31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN 65 20.12.2012

Mmin = lowest measured transducer reading at the verification

point, in engineering units
R = Reference reading at the verification point, in engineering
units
If only one verification series has been performed, RRE will be 0%.
4.14.23.3 Close button – closes the panel.

If any changes have been made to the verification, you will be asked if you
want to save the changes.
4.14.23.4 Run verification button – displays the following tools to enable a

verification to be carried out on the selected transducer (see Error!
Reference source not found.):
4.14.23.5
4.14.23.6
4.14.23.10
4.14.23.7
4.14.23.8
4.14.23.9
4.14.23.11 4.14.23.12
Fig 4-27
4.14.23.5 Reference output cell – displays the value that the reference equipment
should be set to for the next verification point.
4.14.23.6 Apply button – captures the live transducer reading and adds the value to
the Verification data table (Item 4.14.23.1).
4.14.23.7 Transducer reading indicator – displays the live transducer reading in

engineering units.
4.14.23.8 Raw transducer reading indicator – displays the live transducer reading,
in volts.
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4.14.23.9 Series indicator – displays the verification series number that you are
currently performing.
The maximum number of series that may be performed is three.
4.14.23.10 Verification data table - displays the measured transducer readings

captured at each verification point, in engineering units.
Up to three verification series can be carried out; the table contains a
separate column for each series.
4.14.23.11 Exit (no save) button – closes the panel without saving the verification
data.
4.14.23.12 Save and exit button – closes the panel and saves the verification data,
entering it into the Verification data table on the Verification panel (Item
4.14.23).
31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN 67 20.12.2012

4.15 MANUAL CONTROL PANEL

Contains functions that allow you to manually control the actuator, the pressures,
the volume change device and the Tritech compression frame. See Error!
Reference source not found..
Click the Manual control button (Item 4.4.15) to open the panel.
4.15.6 4.15.2 4.15.5

4.15.4 4.15.1 4.15.3 4.15.10 4.15.11 4.15.12
4.15.7 4.15.9 4.15.8 4.15.15 4.15.14 4.15.17 4.15.18

4.15.16 4.15.13
Fig 4-28
4.15.1 Actuator up button

Moves the actuator upwards by the amount entered in the Movement cell
(Item 4.15.2).
4.15.2 Movement cell

For entering the amount, in millimetres, that you want the actuator to move
when you click the Actuator up button or Actuator down button (Items
4.15.1 & 4.15.3).
20.12.2012 68 31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN

The maximum value that may be entered is 5.000mm.
4.15.3 Actuator down button

Moves the actuator downwards by the amount entered in the Movement cell
(Item 4.15.2).
4.15.4 Increase cell pressure button

Increases the cell pressure by the amount entered in the Cell pressure
change cell (Item 4.15.5).
4.15.5 Cell pressure change cell

For entering the amount, in kPa, that you want the cell pressure to change by
when you click the Increase cell pressure button or the Decrease cell
pressure button (Items 4.15.4 & 4.15.6).
The maximum value that may be entered is 100kPa.
4.15.6 Decrease cell pressure button

Decreases the cell pressure by the amount entered in the Cell pressure
4.15.7 Increase back pressure button

Increases the back pressure by the amount entered in the Back pressure
4.15.8 Back pressure change cell

For entering the amount, in kPa, that you want the back pressure to change
by when you click the Increase back pressure button or the Decrease
back pressure button (Items 4.15.7 & 4.15.9).
The maximum value that may be entered is 100kPa.
4.15.9 Decrease back pressure button

Decreases the back pressure by the amount entered in the Back pressure
change cell.
NOTE:
 Any movement of the actuator or increase / decrease in pressure will be
immediately auctioned by the system after the buttons of Items Error!
Reference source not found. to Error! Reference source not found. are
clicked. Care must be taken to ensure that the specimen is not damaged
by the action.
4.15.10 Cell pressure line valve button

Not used in the current version of the software.
4.15.11 Back pressure line valve button

Opens or closes the solenoid valve on the back pressure line.
Green indicates that the valve is open;
Red indicates that the valve is closed.
4.15.12 Air pressure line valve button
31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN 69 20.12.2012

Opens or closes the air to the actuator.

Green indicates that the valve is open;
Red indicates that the valve is closed.
4.15.13 AVC flow mode button

Switches the flow setting of the volume change device between ‘Flow’ and
‘Bypass’.
Green indicates that the volume change device is set to ‘Bypass’ mode;
Red indicates that the device is set to ‘Flow’ mode.
4.15.14 AVC flow direction

Switches the flow direction of the volume change device between up and
down.
Green indicates that the direction is set to ‘Up’;
Red indicates that the direction is set to ‘Down’.
4.15.15 Tritech up button

Starts the compression frame moving upwards.
This action is equivalent to the ‘fast up’ mode on the front panel of the
Tritech.
The green light on indicates that the frame is moving up; click the button
again to stop the frame.
4.15.16 Tritech down button

Starts the compression frame moving downwards.
This action is equivalent to the ‘fast down’ mode on the front panel of the
Tritech.
The green light on indicates that the frame is moving down; click the button
again to stop the frame.

Display live readings for all the system’s transducers.

Closes the panel.
After closing the panel, the pressures and settings that have been set will be
maintained through to the start of the first stage of the test.
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4.16 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION PANEL

Contains functions for adding additional transducers, setting the language,
adjusting PID’s for the control channels, and setting limits for the transducers.
See Error! Reference source not found..
To open the panel, click the Config button (Item 4.4.16).
4.16.1 4.16.2 4.16.6 4.16.7 4.16.8 4.16.9
4.16.3 4.16.5 4.16.4 4.16.10 4.16.11

Fig 4-29
4.16.1 Additional transducer check boxes

For specifying which, if any, on-specimen transducers will be used on the
test specimen.
Tick the appropriate box to indicate that a transducer is being used. The
functions for this transducer will then be enabled throughout the software.
The positions of on-specimen 1, on-specimen 2 and radial belt transducers
on a specimen are shown in Error! Reference source not found..
4.16.2 Language control

For selecting the language to be used throughout the software.
Click the arrow to the right of the cell to select from English or Italian.
(French, Spanish and German are not yet available.)
After changing the language, the software must be restarted for the changes
to take effect.
31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN 71 20.12.2012

4.16.3 Log file path cell

For entering the location that you want the test data saved in.
Fig 4-30
4.16.4 Max graph points control

For selecting how many data points are displayed on the graphs of the test
stage panels.
Click the arrow to the right of the cell to select from 500, 1000, 2500 or 5000
data points. The recommended value is 5000.
4.16.5 Password cell

For entering the password that must be used to unlock the Calibration panel
(Item 4.14) for editing.
4.16.6 Static PID cells

For adjusting the PID values for the load, actuator, cell pressure and back
pressure controls for the static stages of a test.
Each control channel has a proportional, integral and differential value, which
can be independently varied, if necessary, in order to optimise the system
response for different testing requirements.
To adjust the values while a static stage is running, use the Tuning panel
(Item 4.17).
4.16.7 Dynamic PID cells

For adjusting the PID values for the load, actuator, cell pressure and back
pressure controls for the cyclic shear stages of a test.
response for different testing requirements.
To adjust the values while a cyclic shear stage is running, use the Tuning
panel (Item 4.17).
20.12.2012 72 31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN

4.16.8 Transducer limit cells

For entering the upper (max) and lower (min) limits for all the system’s
transducers.
4.16.9 Transducer limit controls

For selecting an action for the system to carry out if a transducer limit is
reached during the course of a test.
Click on the arrow to the right of the control to select from:
‘Do nothing’ if you want the system to ignore the limit and continue with the
test;
‘Display error’ if you want the system to display a warning error that tells you
a limit has been reached but continue with the test;
‘Stop stage’ if you want to the system to stop the stage when a limit is
reached (a warning is also displayed);
‘Stop air supply’ if you want the air to be shut-off when a limit is reached (the
system also displays a warning and stops the stage).
NOTE:
 Entering inappropriate values in the transducer limit cells or selecting ‘Do
nothing’ for the transducer limit controls may result in damage to your
triaxial system and may compromise the accuracy of your test data.
4.16.10 Don’t save and close button

Closes the panel without saving the changes.
4.16.11 Save and close button

Saves the changes and closes the panel.
31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN 73 20.12.2012

4.17 TUNING PANEL

Contains functions for adjusting the PIDs and monitoring the behaviour of the
control channels. See Fig 4-31.
To open the panel, click the Tuning button (Item 4.4.17).
4.17.1 Reading indicators

Displays maximum, minimum, amplitude and mean readings for the actuator
position (mm), load cell (N), cell pressure (kPa) and back pressure (kPa)
measured during a sample period. See Fig 4-32.
During a static stage or when the system is idle, the sample period is
whatever is selected for the X-axis max control (Item 4.17.10) (1 or 5
seconds). During a cyclic stage the data is sample period is one cycle.
To update the readings manually, click the Reset min/max button (Item
4.17.11).
4.17.2 Target indicators

Displays the target values for the active control channels.
During a static stage or when the system is idle, only the target mean is
shown. The target values are taken from the stage that is currently running
or, if the system is idle, the resting values of the system.
4.17.3
4.17.4 4.17.9 4.17.2 4.17.1
4.17.8 4.17.5 4.17.6 4.17.14 4.17.13 4.17.12 4.17.11

4.17.7
Fig 4-31
20.12.2012 74 31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN

4.17.3 PID cells

For adjusting the PID values of the active control channels.
response for different testing requirements. They should be used to tune the
system before a test to achieve the required waveshape (see Section 5.15).
The starting PID values are taken from the System configuration panel – if
the current stage is a static stage or the system is idle, the values are taken
from the Static PID cells (Item 4.16.6); if the current stage is a cyclic shear
stage, the values are taken from the Dynamic PID cells (Item 4.16.7). Any
changes that are made in this panel will also be saved to the PID cells in the
System configuration panel.
4.17.4 Tuning graph

Displays live transducer data for cell and back pressure, actuator or load.
Select which data are displayed on the graph by using the Graph selection
control (Item 4.17.5) and the Graph legend (4.17.6).
During a static stage or when the system is idle, the refresh rate of the graph
depends on what is selected for the X-axis max control (Item 4.17.10).
During a cyclic stage the data is updated after every cycle.
Fig 4-32

Controls which control channels are plotted on the graph.
4.17.6 Graph legend

4.17.7 Actuator position mode control

For selecting whether the actuator position readings are displayed as
absolute or relative.
This control is only unlocked during a cyclic stage.
31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN 75 20.12.2012

4.17.8 Y-axis control

Controls whether the y-axis is scaled automatically or manually.
scale’.
new one.
4.17.9 Cycle number indicator

Displays the cycle number of the cyclic stage that is currently running.
This indicator is only available during a cyclic stage.
4.17.10 X-axis max control

For selecting the sample period, in milliseconds, after which the data for the
graph and Reading indicators are refreshed.
Click the arrow to the right of the cell to select from 5000ms or 1000ms.
This control is only available during a static stage or when the system is idle.
4.17.11 Reset max/min value button

Refreshes the data in the Reading indicators (Item 4.17.1).
4.17.12 Actuator servo-valve settings

For adjusting the mid-position voltage of the actuator servo-valve.
The current mid-position, in volts, is displayed in the yellow indicator. To
adjust the position, enter or select a value, in volts, in the ‘ACT valve
balance’ cell and click the plus or minus button to apply the change. To
restore the value to the default setting, click the Reset button.
4.17.13 Amplitude controls

For automatically or manually adjusting the amplitude during cycles to correct
any error independently of the PIDs. See Fig 4-33.
These controls are only available during a cyclic stage.
4.17.13.1 4.17.13.5
4.17.13.2
4.17.13.6
4.17.13.4 4.17.13.3 4.17.13.7
Fig 4-33
4.17.13.1 Amplitude error indicator

Displays the percentage error between the target amplitude and reading
amplitude (Items 4.17.1 and 4.17.2).
The value is updated at the same rate as the Reading indicators.
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4.17.13.2 Manual mode button

Switches manual cycle adjustment on or off.
When the button is switched on, the green light in the button will be lit and
the Mean adjustment control and Amplitude adjustment control will be
unlocked, allowing the mean and amplitude of the cycle to be corrected
during a test.
This button will not be available if amplitude control is switched on (Item
4.17.13.4).
4.17.13.3 Mean adjustment control

For adjusting the mean of the cycles (see Fig 4-32) during a cyclic stage, if
the target is not being reached.
The start value will be taken from the cyclic parameters entered on the
Setup Cyclic Shear panel (Item 4.5.8).
This control is only available when manual mode is switched on (Item
4.17.13.2).
4.17.13.4 Amplitude adjustment control

For adjusting the amplitude of the cycles (see Fig 4-32) during a cyclic
stage, if the target is not being reached.
The start value will be taken from the cyclic parameters entered on the
Setup Cyclic Shear panel (Item 4.5.8).
This control is only available when manual mode is switched on (Item
4.17.13.2).
4.17.13.5 Amplitude control button

Switches automatic cycle adjustment on or off.
When the button is switched on, the green light in the button will be lit and
the cycle will be automatically adjusted to correct the amplitude error, if
necessary, independently of the PIDs.
This button will not be available if manual mode is switched on (Item
4.17.13.2).
4.17.13.6 Allowable error cell

For entering the maximum amplitude error that is acceptable during cycling.
If amplitude control is switched on and the value entered in this cell is
greater than the value shown in the Amplitude error indicator (Item
4.17.13.1), the automatic amplitude control function will adjust the span and
setpoint of the cycle until the error is reduced.
4.17.13.7 Cycle check interval cell

For entering the number of cycles after which the automatic amplitude
control function error will check to see if an amplitude correction is
necessary.

Closes the panel.
Any changes that you made will automatically be saved.
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4.18 LANGUAGE PANEL

For editing the text used in the software and entering your own, customised
language. See Error! Reference source not found..
Translations for all the text items in the software are already available in English
and Italian. (French, German and Spanish are listed as options but are not
available in the current version.)
To open the panel, click the Language button (Item 4.4.18).
4.18.1 4.18.2 4.18.3
4.18.4 4.18.5 Fig 4-34 4.18.6
4.18.1 Language control

For selecting a language to load into the Customise language column
(Item 4.18.6) so that it can be edited.
Click on the button to select a language. To enter your own language, select
‘My language’ from the list.
4.18.2 Apply button

Saves any changes that you make to the text in the Customise language
column (Item 4.18.6).
4.18.3 Exit button

Closes the panel.
4.18.4 Item number column

Displays the item number of each text entry.
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4.18.5 Actual language column

Displays the text for each item for the language that is currently being used
for the software.
Text in this column cannot be edited. The language of this column depends
on the language that is selected in the System configuration panel (Item
4.16).
4.18.6 Customise language column

For editing the text for each item.
Click a cell to delete the existing text and enter your own. Click the Apply
button (Item 4.18.2) to save the changes.
NOTE:
 Entering inaccurate text may cause misunderstandings when using the
software. If you change any of the existing languages or enter your own
language, it is your responsibilty to enter the correct wording.
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4.19 REVIEW PANEL

This panel is opened by clicking the Review button (Item 4.4.19) in the Main
panel. See Fig 4-35.
After it is opened, the panel works independently from the main program,
allowing you to load in and view data from a previous test while a live test is
running. It can also be used to view historical stages for the test that is currently
running.
4.19.2
4.19.1 4.19.3 4.19.4 4.19.5
4.19.8 4.19.7
4.19.6
Fig 4-35
4.19.1 Viewing options

For selecting what type of data you want to view in the Active panel area
(Item 4.19.3).
Click on the arrows to the left of the cell to select from:
‘Test setup’ to view information from the panels in the Test Setup panel that
contain all the test parameters for each stage;
‘Stage review’ to view test data and graphs from the stage panels;
‘Specimen Setup’ to view information from the Specimen Setup panel.
4.19.2 Stage list

For selecting which stage of the test will be displayed in the Active panel
area (Item 4.19.3).
The list contains all the stages of the test. Click on a stage in the list to
display data for that stage.
By default, if a test is running, the stages of this test will be displayed. A
different test can be loaded using the Load test button (Item 4.19.6).
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4.19.3 Active panel area

Displays the information that you have chosen to view from the Viewing
options (Item 4.19.1) and the Stage list (Item 4.19.2).
4.19.4 Sample number cell

For selecting the reading number that you want to view data for.
This cell is only displayed when a test stage is being viewed.
4.19.5 Saved sample indicator

Displays the number of readings that were logged during the stage.
This cell is only displayed when a test stage is being viewed.
The other items displayed in the Active panel area are the same as can be
found on the Test setup panel (Item 4.5), the Specimen setup panel (Item
4.6) and the test stage panels (Items 4.7 to 4.12).
4.19.6 Load test button

Opens a file dialog box to allow you to select a previous test data file to be
loaded into the panel.
4.19.7 Selected test indicator

Indicates the file path of the test that is currently being viewed.
4.19.8 Quit button

Closes the panel.
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The following Sections (5.0 to 5.17) are intended as a step-by-step user guide to help
you perform a cyclic triaxial test with the DYNATRIAX system. It is recommended that
before you start running real tests, you run a few dummy tests while following these
instructions in order to familiarise yourself with the system.
The software is very flexible and allows you to perform a test in many different ways –
the instructions given for each test stage may not cover all the possible options but
they should help you initially to understand how to use the software.
To perform a test, first follow Sections 5.0 and 5.2 which describe how to run the
software and set up a test. Then follow the instructions in the sections that describe
each of the stages that you have chosen for your test. For example, if you wanted to
do a test starting with an automatic saturation stage, then an automatic consolidation
stage, then a cyclic shear stage, followed by a manual monotonic shear stage, you
would follow Section 5.2 first, then 5.8, 5.9, 5.13, then 5.12, and finally 5.14 which
describes how to end a test.
To find out more information about any component of the software, refer to the
reference sections 4.1 to 4.12 which contain descriptions of all the screens and
functions within the software.
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5.0 USING THE SOFTWARE

5.1 RUNNING THE SOFTWARE
Before running the software, all the hardware components of the DYNATRIAX
system must be fully installed and switched on (refer to the DYNATRIAX
hardware manual).
1. Run the software by double clicking the Triax_main icon (Fig 5-1) on the desktop
of the DYNATRIAX computer.
Fig 5-1
The software will open showing the Main panel (Fig 5-2) and all the hardware
components will initialise. The system will take control, holding the current
actuator position and holding the cell and back pressures at 0kPa.
Fig 5-2
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5.2 SETTING UP A TEST
1. Enter a name for the test data file in the Test name cell on the Main panel and
click the New test button (see Fig 5-3).
The location that the test file will be saved in is shown in the Log directory
indicator. If you want to change the location, enter a new filepath in the Log file
path cell in the System configuration panel (see Item 4.16).
2. Add the stages that you want to perform during the test to the Stage list by
selecting a stage in the Stage type cell and then clicking the Add stage button.
The selected stage will be added to the bottom of the Stage list. If you make a
mistake, click the Remove stage button to delete the last stage from the list.
If you want to load a set of stages in from a test that saved previously (using the
Save template button), click the Load template button.
Stage list Stage type cell Add stage button
Test name cell New test button

Fig 5-3
Any of the test stages can either be performed manually, where you have full
control of the test, or automatically, where the system runs the stage without any
user intervention (except cyclic shear which is only manual). The test
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parameters for each different stage must be entered before the previous stage
ends (for the first stage, they must be entered before you start the test).
The parameters that you set up for each stage (whether automatic or manual)
can be changed at any time during the test before the stage has started. Once
the stage is live, the parameters will be locked.
Steps 3 to 14 describe which test parameters to enter for each different stage
type.
3. Open the Test Setup panel by clicking on the Test setup tab (see Fig 5-4) and
enter the stage parameters as follows:
o To set up a manual saturation stage, follow Step 4
o To set up a manual isotropic consolidation stage, follow Step 5
o To set up a manual stress path stage, follow Step 6
o To set up a manual K0 consolidation stage, follow Step 7
o To set up a manual monotonic shear stage, follow Step 8
o To set up a automatic saturation stage, follow Step 0
o To set up a automatic isotropic consolidation stage, follow Step 10
o To set up a automatic stress path stage, follow Step 11
o To set up a automatic K0 consolidation stage, follow Step 12
o To set up a automatic monotonic shear stage, follow Step 13
o To set up a cyclic shear stage, follow Step 14
The parameters will be saved automatically when you exit the individual panels.
Test Setup tab Auto stage check box Stage list
Data logging method control Logarithmic factor cells Linear time interval cell
Fig 5-4
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4. Enter parameters for the manual saturation stage(s) (if applicable) - click the
saturation stage that you want to edit in the Stage list to view the Setup
Saturation panel (Fig 5-4).
Enter only the following parameters on the panel:
o Auto stage check box – leave this box un-ticked
o Data logging method control – select a method from the options for logging
the saturation data
o Linear time interval cell – if you selected ‘Linear (time)’, enter the time
interval you want between logged readings, in seconds
o Logarithmic factor cells – if you selected ‘Logarithmic (time)’, enter
appropriate factors A and B to obtain your required logging rate
The other (unavailable) parameters are for an automatic stage and do not need
to be entered.
5. Enter parameters for the manual isotropic consolidation stage(s) (if applicable) -
click the isotropic consolidation stage that you want to edit in the Stage list to
view the Setup Consolidation Isotropic panel (Fig 5-5).
Auto stage check box Stage list
Initial stage time interval cell Logarithmic factor cells

Fig 5-5

o Initial stage time interval cell – enter the time interval you want between
logged readings, in seconds, for the initialization stage
The initialize stage is the stage before consolidation during which the
pressures are ramped to their target values.
o Logarithmic factor cells – enter appropriate factors A and B to obtain your
required logging rate for the consolidation stage
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to be entered.
6. Enter parameters for the manual stress path stage(s) (if applicable) - click the
stress path stage that you want to edit in the Stage list to view the Setup Stress
Path panel (Fig 5-6).
Stress path method control Auto stage check box Stage list
Data logging method control Termination / hold conditions Linear time interval cell
Linear strain interval cell
Fig 5-6

o Stress path method control – select from the options whether you want the
stress path to be stress or strain controlled and, if stress controlled, which type
of stresses you want to be used as the targets
o Termination / hold conditions – if required, tick the box next to the condition
that you want the stress path to stop at and enter a value
If you selected ‘Total vert. stress – strain control’ for the Stress path method
control, you must select a termination condition from the list or the system
will continue ramping until a system limit is reached.
If you selected one of the stress control options for the Stress path method,
the system will continue ramping until either the target stresses are met or
until one of the ticked termination conditions is met, whichever is reached
first.
If more than one condition is specified, the one that is reached first will
the stress path data
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interval you want between logged readings, in seconds
o Linear strain interval cell – if you selected ‘Linear (strain)’, enter the strain
interval you want between logged readings, in percent
to be entered.
7. Enter parameters for the manual K0 consolidation stage(s) (if applicable) - click
the K0 consolidation stage that you want to edit in the Stage list to view the
Setup K0 Consolidation panel (Fig 5-7).
Auto stage check box Termination / hold conditions Stage list
Data logging method control Diameter control setup cells Linear strain interval cell Linear time interval cell
Fig 5-7

o Auto stage check box – leave this box un-ticked;
o Termination / hold conditions – tick the box next to the condition that you
want the K0 to stop at and enter a value.
You must select a termination condition from the list or the K 0 will continue
until a system limit is reached.
o Diameter control setup cells – enter your required diameter change
tolerances and cell pressure responses (see Item 4.5.5.8);
the K0 consolidation data.
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o Diameter control – select whether you want the specimen diameter to be

controlled by measuring the change in volume and height (‘Disp/Vol’) or by
directly measuring the diameter with a radial belt.
‘Radial belt’ can only be selected if you have a radial on-specimen
transducer connected. If not, the control will be locked as ‘Disp/Vol’.
interval you want between logged readings, in seconds;
interval you want between logged readings, in percent.
to be entered.
8. Enter parameters for the manual monotonic shear stage(s) (if applicable) - click
the monotonic shear stage that you want to edit in the Stage list to view the
Setup Monotonic Shear panel (Error! Reference source not found.).
Failure criteria control Auto stage check box Termination strain cell Stage list
Data logging method control Displacement control Linear strain interval cell Linear time interval cell
Logarithmic factor cells
Fig 5-8

o Auto stage check box – leave this box un-ticked;
o Failure criteria control – select the criterion at which you want the shear
stage to be stopped..
If you select ‘Use Termination Strain only’, the shear stage will be stopped
when the value in the Termination strain cell is reached.
o Termination strain cell – enter the axial strain at which you want the shear
stage to be stopped;
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If the failure criterion that you selected is not reached during the stage, or
you selected ‘Use Termination Strain only’, the system will stop the shear
stage when the strain value entered here is reached.
o Displacement control – select whether you want the specimen to be sheared
using the actuator or the Tritech compression frame.
If you want to shear the specimen in extension, you must select ‘Actuator’.
the shear data.
required logging rate for the shear stage.
to be entered.
Enter parameters for the automatic saturation stage(s) (if applicable) - click the saturation
stage that you want to edit in the Stage list to view the Setup Saturation panel (
9. Fig 5-9).
Saturation method control Differential pressure cell Minimum back pressure cell
Cell pressure increment cell Auto stage check box Ramp time cell
Data logging method control Logarithmic factor cells Linear time interval cell Stage list
Fig 5-9

o Auto stage check box – tick this box.
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o Saturation method control – select ‘Cell pressure increment’ to saturate the

specimen by increments of cell pressure only, ‘Back pressure increment’ to
saturate by alternate increments of cell and back pressure, or ‘Cell + back
pressure ramp’ to saturate by a continuous ramp of cell and back pressure.
o Cell pressure increment cell – enter the amount that you want the cell
pressure to increase by for each cell pressure increment. If you selected ‘Cell
+ back pressure ramp’, this value will be the cell pressure that you want the
system to reach by the end of the ramp.
o Differential pressure cell – enter the difference that you want between the
cell pressure and the back pressure during a back pressure increment or a
ramp.
o Minimum back pressure cell – enter the back pressure that must be reached
by the end of the saturation.
o Ramp time cell – enter the time that you want the system to take to apply
each increment, or to apply the whole pressure ramp, if you selected ‘Cell +
back pressure ramp’.
the saturation data.
o Logarithmic factor cells – if you selected ‘Logarithmic (time)’, enter
appropriate factors A and B to obtain your required logging rate.
10. Enter parameters for the automatic isotropic consolidation stage(s) (if applicable)
- click the isotropic consolidation stage that you want to edit in the Stage list to
view the Setup Consolidation Isotropic panel (Fig 5-10).
Auto stage check box
Effective consolidation pressure cell Target ramp time cell Stage list
Back pressure check box Initial stage time interval cell Logarithmic factor cells
Fig 5-10
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o Effective consolidation pressure cell – enter the effective pressure that you
want the specimen to be consolidated to.
o Back pressure check box – tick this box if you want the system to use the
back pressure from the previous stage.
If you tick the box, the system will use the back pressure from the previous
stage. If you don’t tick the box, the system will round the current pore
pressure up to the nearest 10kPa and use this value for the back pressure.
o Target ramp time cell – enter the time that you want the system to take to
ramp to the target pressures (the initialization stage).
o Initial stage time interval cell – enter the time interval you want between
logged readings, in seconds, for the initialization stage;
The initialize stage is the stage before consolidation during which the
pressures are ramped to their target values.
required logging rate for the consolidation stage.
11. Enter parameters for the automatic stress path stage(s) (if applicable) - click the
stress path stage that you want to edit in the Stage list to view the Setup Stress
Path panel (Fig 5-11).
Stress path method control Auto stage check box Termination / hold conditions Stage list
Data logging method control Hold time cell Linear time interval cell
Drainage method control Linear strain interval cell
Fig 5-11

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o Stress path method control – select from the options whether you want the
stress path to be stress or strain controlled and, if stress controlled, which type
of stresses you want to be used as the targets.
o Drainage method control – select whether you want the stress path to be
o Hold time cell – if you want the system to hold the stresses once they are
reached at the end of the stress path ramp, enter the number of minutes that
you want the hold to last for before the system moves on to the next stage.
o Termination / hold conditions – if required, tick the box next to the condition
that you want the stress path to stop at and enter a value.
If you selected ‘Total vert. stress – strain control’ for the Stress path method
control, you must select a termination condition from the list or the system
will continue ramping until a system limit is reached.
If you selected one of the stress control options for the Stress path method,
the system will continue ramping until either the target stresses are met or
until one of the ticked termination conditions is met, whichever is reached
first.
the stress path data.
o Target abscissa cell – if you selected a stress control method, enter the
abscissa (x-axis) stress path point that you want to reach by the end of the
stress path ramp (see Fig 5-12).
o Target ordinate cell – if you selected a stress control method, enter the
ordinate (y-axis) stress path point that you want to reach by the end of the
stress path ramp.
o Ramp time cell – if you selected a stress control method , enter the time
period that you want the system to take to ramp to the target stresses.
Target abscissa cell Target ordinate cell
Ramp time cell
Fig 5-12
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o Rate of strain cell – if you selected the strain control method, enter the rate of
strain that you want the stress path to run at (see Fig 5-13).
o Loading method control – if you selected the strain control method, select
whether you want the stress path to be in compression or extension.
Rate of strain cell
Loading method control

Fig 5-13
12. Enter parameters for the automatic K0 consolidation stage(s) (if applicable) - click
the K0 consolidation stage that you want to edit in the Stage list to view the
Setup K0 Consolidation panel (Fig 5-14).
Rate of strain cell Auto stage check box Stage list
Loading method control Termination / hold conditions
Data logging method control Linear time interval cell Diameter control setup cells
Diameter control method Drainage method control Linear strain interval cell
Fig 5-14
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o Rate of strain cell – enter the rate of strain that you want the K0 to run at.
o Loading method control – select whether you want the K0 to run in
o Drainage method control – select whether you want the K0 to be drained or
undrained.
‘Undrained’ can only be selected if you have a radial on-specimen transducer
connected. If not, the control will be locked as ‘Drained’.
o Diameter control method – select whether you want the specimen diameter
to be controlled by measuring the change in volume and height (‘Disp/Vol’) or
by directly measuring the diameter with a radial belt.
‘Radial belt’ can only be selected if you have a radial on-specimen
transducer connected. If not, the control will be locked as ‘Disp/Vol’.
o Termination / hold conditions – tick the box next to the condition(s) that you
want the K0 to stop at and enter a value.
You must select a termination condition from the list or the K0 will continue
until a system limit is reached.
o Diameter control setup cells – enter your required diameter change
tolerances and cell pressure responses (see Item 4.5.5.8);
the K0 consolidation data.
13. Enter parameters for the automatic monotonic shear stage(s) (if applicable) -
click the monotonic shear stage that you want to edit in the Stage list to view the
Setup Monotonic Shear panel (Fig 5-15).
o Auto stage check box –tick this box
o Drainage method control – select whether you want the stage to be drained
or undrained.
o Loading method control – select whether you want the specimen to be
sheared in compression or extension.
o Rate of strain cell – enter the rate of strain that you want the specimen to be
sheared at.
o Failure criteria control – select the criterion at which you want the shear
stage to be stopped.
If you select ‘Use Termination Strain only’, the shear stage will be stopped
when the value in the Termination strain cell is reached.
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o Termination strain cell – enter the axial strain at which you want the shear
stage to be stopped;
If the failure criterion that you selected is not reached during the stage, or
you selected ‘Use Termination Strain only’, the system will stop the shear
stage when the strain value entered here is reached.
the shear data.
Loading method control Rate of strain cell Stage list
Drainage method control Auto stage check box Termination strain cell
Data logging method control Linear strain interval cell

Logarithmic factor cells Linear time interval cell
Fig 5-15

required logging rate for the shear stage.
14. Enter parameters for the cyclic shear stage(s) (if applicable) - click the cyclic
stage that you want to edit in the Stage list to view the Setup Cyclic Shear
panel (Fig 5-16).
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Stage list
Fig 5-16
Enter the following parameters on the panel (see Fig 5-17):

o Cyclic shear method – select the method that you want for the cyclic stage.
o Control mode – if you selected a ‘Non standard’ control mode, select whether
the cycling will be in displacement, load, stress or strain control.
o Drainage method control – select whether you want the cyclic stage to be
o Reference stress cell – if your specimen is cohesive, enter the reference
shear stress. If it is non-cohesive, enter the effective consolidation stress.
Control mode Cyclic shear method control Reference stress cell
Drainage method control Fig 5-17
o Waveshape control – if you selected a ‘Non standard’ control mode, select

the type of waveshape that you want for the cyclic loading (see Fig 5-18).
o User waveform cell – if you selected a ‘Non standard’ control mode, and you
want to use you own waveform, click the button with the open file on it to load
in your waveform file.
This function is only available if you have selected ‘User defined’ for the
Waveshape control.
o Test frequency cell – enter the frequency for the cyclic wave form.
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o Sample rate cell – if you selected ‘User defined’ for the Waveshape control,
enter the number of readings that you want to be logged per second. For all
other waveshapes, enter the number of readings that you want to be logged
per cycle.
o Axial amplitude cell – enter the amplitude for the axial cyclic loading.
o Radial amplitude cell – if you selected a ‘Non standard’ control mode, you
can enter an amplitude for a radial cyclic loading.
o Invert radial waveshape check box - if you selected a ‘Non standard’ control
mode, you can tick this box to apply the radial cycle 180º out of phase with the
axial cycle.
Waveshape control User waveform cell Sample rate cell
Axial amplitude cell Fig 5-18 Invert radial waveshape Radial amplitude
check box cell
o Poisson’s ratio cell – enter the Poisson’s ratio value you want the software to
use to calculate shear strain and shear modulus during the stage (see
o Fig 5-19).
o Axial strain reference control – select whether you want the software to use
external displacement data (‘External’) or actuator position data (‘Act Pos’) to
calculate axial strain during the stage.
o Maximum test cycles cell – enter the maximum number of cycles that you
want to be applied during the stage.
o Termination conditions – if required, tick the box next to the condition that
you want the cycling to stop at and enter a value.
If none of the conditions are reached, the cycling will stop when the number
of cycles reached the value entered in the Maximum test cycles cell.
Maximum test cycles cell Axial strain reference control
Termination conditions Graph data memory management
Fig 5-19
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15. Prepare the test specimen.

16. Click on the Specimen Setup tab to display the Specimen Setup panel (Fig
5-20) and enter the required information about the test specimen in the white
cells of the panel. If you want a drains correction and a membrane correction to
be applied to the deviator stress during stress path and monotonic shear stages,
tick the Drains correction check box and the Membrane correction check
box.
You must enter values in the ‘Specimen initial conditions’ area or the test will not
start. This is a fail-safe to ensure that these essential inputs are always filled in.
Specimen Setup tab Membrane correction check box Drains correction check box
Fig 5-20
17. Open the Manual control panel (Fig 5-23) by clicking the Manual control
button on the Main panel (see Fig 5-21).
Fig 5-21
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18. Ensure that the volume change device is set well within the minimum and
maximum limits that you specified in the Transducer limit cells in the System
Actuator controls
Fig 5-22 Close button
19. Mount the specimen in the triaxial cell.

If you need to view the live transducer readings while mounting the specimen,
they are displayed in the Manual control panel.
Zero buttons
Close button Fig 5-23
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20. With the cell body placed onto the cell base, hold the load cell up so it is not in
contact with the specimen and lock it in position with the piston locking bracket.
21. If you need to zero the load cell or the pressure transducers (or any on-specimen
transducers if you are using them), do it now by clicking the Real-time display
button (see Fig 5-21) and using the Zero buttons (see Fig 5-23). Close the
panel by clicking the Close button.
Actuator assembly
Ball joint collar
Load cell assembly
Piston locking bracket
Vacuum valve
Cell body
Fig 5-24
22. Unlock the piston locking bracket and gently lower the load cell until the two
sections of the vacuum top cap are in contact with each other.
23. Apply a vacuum to the top cap through the vacuum valve in the top of the cell
and then close the valve.
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24. Carefully lower the actuator assembly into contact with the load cell assembly
using the Actuator controls in the Manual control panel (see Fig 5-22). When
the ball joint is seated in the socket, secure the connection by screwing the ball
joint collar onto the load cell assembly (see Fig 5-24).
Ensure that load is not applied to the specimen during this operation by
monitoring the load cell reading in the Manual control panel.
25. Fill the triaxial cell:

o Connect the flow of water through the pressure distribution panel from the
header tank to the cell line
o Open the cell line valve on the triaxial cell and make sure the bleed valve on
the top of the cell is open
o When the cell is full, close the bleed valve on the cell
o Click the Close button on the Manual control panel
o Connect the flow of water through the pressure distribution panel from the
air/water cylinder to the cell line
26. Click the Start new test button on the Main panel (see Fig 5-25).
The software will show the panel for the first stage of the test.
Fig 5-25
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5.3 PERFORMING A MANUAL SATURATION STAGE
If Section 5.2 and the instructions for the previous stage (if applicable) of your
test have been followed and the current stage of the test is a saturation stage,
the Saturation panel should now be displayed.
1. Click the Start saturation button (see Fig 5-26).

The system will take a few seconds to initialise the panel.
If you want to apply increments of pressure proceed to Step 2. To apply a continuous

ramp of cell and back pressure, go to Step 7.
Fig 5-26
2. Apply a cell pressure increment:
o In the Cell pressure increment cell (see Fig 5-27), enter your required
increment (i.e. the amount that you want the cell pressure to increase by for
this pressure step).
o Click the Cell pressure increment button to apply the pressure.
Cell pressure increment cell
Cell pressure increment button Fig 5-27 Cell pressure target indicator
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The cell pressure that the system must reach after applying the increment will be
displayed in the Cell pressure target indicator.
The cell pressure will be increased by the required amount and when the
pressure is reached, logging will start.
Test data for the increment will be logged at the rate that you specified in the
Setup saturation panel and plotted on the Saturation graph (see Fig 5-29).
The data series can be changed using the Graph selection control.
o When you want to end the increment (i.e. when the pore pressure has reached
equilibrium), proceed to Step 3.
3. Apply the next increment – to apply a cell pressure increment, repeat Step 2. To
apply a back pressure increment, go to Step 4. To end the saturation stage, go
to Step 5.
4. Apply a back pressure increment:

o In the Back pressure differential cell (see Fig 5-28), enter your required
differential pressure (i.e. the difference you want between the cell pressure
and the back pressure)
o Click the Back pressure increment button to apply the pressure.
Back pressure differential cell
Back pressure increment button Fig 5-28 Back pressure target indicator
The back pressure that the system must reach after applying the increment will
be displayed in the Back pressure target indicator.
The back pressure will be increased by the required amount and when the
pressure is reached, logging will start.
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Test data for the increment will be logged at the rate that you specified in the
Setup saturation panel and plotted on the Saturation graph (see Fig 5-29).
The data series can be changed using the Graph selection control.
o When you want to end the increment (i.e. when the pore water pressure has
become equal to the back pressure and volume change is negligible), return to
Step 3.
5. To end the saturation stage, click the End saturation button.

Values for the specimen at the end of the stage will be calculated and displayed
on the End of stage values tab (see Fig 5-29).
6. Click the Exit saturation button to proceed to the next stage in the Stage list.
Exit saturation button End saturation button End of stage values tab
Graph selection control Fig 5-29 Saturation graph
The next step only is only applicable if you want to apply a cell and back pressure
ramp:
7. Apply a pressure ramp:

o In the Cell pressure increment cell (see Fig 5-30), enter the cell pressure
that you want the system to reach by the end of the saturation ramp.
o In the Back pressure differential cell, enter your required differential
pressure (i.e. the difference you want maintained between the cell pressure
and the back pressure during the course of the ramp).
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o In the Ramp time cell, enter the time, in seconds, that you want the ramp to
last for (i.e. how long you want the system to take to reach the target
pressures entered).
o Click the Cell and back pressure increment button to start the ramp.
The cell pressure will increase at a constant rate over the time period you
specified until the value in the Cell pressure target indicator is reached. The
back pressure will increase at the same rate to maintain the differential entered in
the Back pressure differential cell.
Test data for the ramp will be logged at the rate that you specified in the Setup
saturation panel and plotted on the Saturation graph (see Fig 5-29). The data
series can be changed using the Graph selection control.
Cell pressure increment cell Ramp time cell
Cell and back pressure increment button Cell pressure target indicator
Back pressure differential cell

Fig 5-30
o If you want to do another pressure ramp, repeat Step 7. If you want to end the
saturation stage, go to Step 5.
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5.4 PERFORMING A MANUAL CONSOLIDATION STAGE
test have been followed and the current stage of the test is an isotropic
consolidation stage, the Isotropic Consolidation panel should now be
displayed.
1. Enter the cell and back pressures that you want to use for the consolidation in
the Target cell pressure cell and the Target back pressure cell (see Fig 5-31).
2. In the Target ramp time cell, enter the number of seconds that you want the
system to reach the target pressures.
Target ramp time cell Target cell pressure cell Target back pressure cell
Initialize targets button Start consolidation button

Fig 5-31
3. Click the Initialize targets button.

With the back line valve closed, the cell and back pressures will increase or
decrease to meet the targets (if necessary) over the time period that you entered
in the Target ramp time cell. When the target pressures are reached, the Start
consolidation button will be enabled.
The initialize stage will be logged at the rate that you specified in the Setup
consolidation isotropic panel (Section 5.2, Step 5) and the data will be
displayed on the Consolidation graph (see Fig 5-32). The data series can be
changed using the Graph selection control.
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4. When the specimen is ready to consolidate (i.e. when the pore pressure has
reached equilibrium), click the Start consolidation button.
The back line valve will open and the pressure will be applied to the specimen.
Test data for the stage will be logged at the rate you specified in the Setup
consolidation isotropic panel (Section 5.2, Step 5) and plotted on the
Consolidation graph (see Fig 5-32).
End consolidation button End of stage values tab
Graph selection control Consolidation graph

Exit consolidation button Fig 5-32
5. When you are ready to end the consolidation stage, click the End consolidation
button.
The back line valve will close.
6. Click the Exit consolidation button to proceed to the next stage in the Stage
list.
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5.5 PERFORMING A MANUAL STRESS PATH STAGE
test have been followed and the current stage of the test is a stress path stage,
the Stress path panel should now be displayed.
1. Enter the stresses that you want to be applied to the specimen in the Target
abscissa cell and the Target ordinate cell. Enter the number of minutes that
you want the system to take to reach those stresses in the Ramp time cell. If
you selected ‘Total vert. stress – strain control’ for the Stress path control
method, these values are not required and so will not be visible – instead, you
need to enter the rate of strain that you want the system to ramp at, in percent
per hour (see Fig 5-33).
2. Select whether you want the stress path to be drained or undrained from the
Drainage method control.
Target abscissa cell Start stress path button Rate of strain cell
Target ordinate cell Ramp time cell Loading method control

Drainage method control
Fig 5-33 Fig 5-34
3. If you selected ‘Total vert. stress – strain control’ for the Stress path control
method, select whether you want the stress path to be in compression or
extension from the Loading method control (see Fig 5-34).
4. Click the Start stress path button.
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If you selected ‘Drained’ for the Drainage method control, the back line valve
will open.
If you selected a stress controlled method, the system will ramp to the targets
over the time period that you specified by controlling the movement of the
actuator and by increasing or decreasing the cell pressure, as necessary. The
cell pressure, back pressure and load required to achieve the target stress are
displayed in the Stress path summary (see Fig 5-35).
If the stress path is strain controlled, the system will ramp at the rate of strain that
you specified in Section 5.2, Step 6.
stress path panel (Section 5.2, Step 6) and plotted on the Stress path graph
(see Fig 5-35). The data series can be changed using the Graph selection
control.
The stress path will stop ramping automatically when the target stresses are
reached or when one of the termination conditions that you set in the Setup
Stress Path panel (Section 5.2, Step 6) is met, whichever is reached sooner.
The system will then hold the stresses until you end the stage.
Exit stress path button

End stress path button Stress path summary End of stage values tab
Graph selection control Stress path graph

Fig 5-35
5. To end the stress path stage, click the End stress path button.
6. Click the Exit stress path button to proceed to the next stage in the Stage list.
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5.6 PERFORMING A K0 CONSOLIDATION STAGE
test have been followed and the current stage of the test is a K 0 consolidation
stage, the K0 consolidation panel should now be displayed.
1. Enter your required rate of strain in the Rate of strain cell, in percent per hour
(see Fig 5-36).
Loading method control Rate of strain cell
Start K0 consolidation button Drainage method control

Fig 5-36
2. Select whether you want the K0 stage to be in compression or extension from the
Loading method control.
3. Select whether you want the K0 stage to be drained or undrained from the
The K0 stage can only be undrained if a radial on-specimen transducer is being
used to measure specimen diameter.
4. Click the Start K0 consolidation button.
will open.
The system will ramp at the rate of strain that you specified in the Setup K0
consolidation panel (Section 5.2, Step 7). The cell pressure will be increased
or decreased as necessary, in order to keep the specimen diameter constant.
The target cell pressure is displayed in the K0 summary. (see Fig 5-37).
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Test data for the stage will be logged at the rate you specified in the Setup K0
Consolidation panel (Section 5.2, Step 7) and plotted on the K0 graph (see Fig
5-37). The data series can be changed using the Graph selection control.
The K0 stage will stop automatically when one of the termination conditions that
you set in the Setup K0 consolidation panel (Section 5.2, Step 7) is met,
whichever one is reached first. The system will then hold the stresses until you
end the stage.
End K0 consolidation button

Exit K0 consolidation button End of stage values tab
Graph selection control Fig 5-37 K0 graph
5. To end the K0 stage, click the End K0 consolidation button.

6. Click the Exit K0 consolidation button to proceed to the next stage in the Stage
list.
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5.7 PERFORMING A MANUAL MONOTONIC SHEAR STAGE
test have been followed and the current stage of the test is a monotonic shear
stage, the Monotonic shear panel should now be displayed.
1. In the Rate of strain cell, enter the rate of strain that you want the specimen to
be sheared at, in percent per hour (see Fig 5-38).
Start shear button Rate of strain cell
Loading method control Drainage method control

Fig 5-38
2. Select whether you want the specimen to be sheared in compression or in

extension from the Loading method control.
3. Select whether you want the shear stage to be drained or undrained from the
4. Click the Start shear button.
Fig 5-39
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5. If you selected ‘Tritech’ for the Displacement control, you will see the message
shown in Fig 5-39 telling you to lock the piston.
Lock the piston by screwing the piston locking collar up until it is in contact with
the top beam of the Tritech frame (see Fig 5-40). When you have done this, click
the OK button on the message.
Piston locking collar
Fig 5-40
The Tritech compression frame or the actuator (depending on what you selected
for the Displacement control in Section 5.2, Step 8) will start moving at the rate
entered in the Rate of strain cell, in the direction selected from the Loading
method options. If you selected ‘Drained’ from the Drainage options, the back
line valve will open.
Exit shear button End shear button End of stage values tab
Fig 5-41 Shear graph

Graph selection control
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Monotonic shear panel (Section 5.2, Step 8) and plotted on the Shear graph
control.
The shear stage will stop automatically when one of the termination conditions
that you set in the Setup monotonic shear panel (Section 5.2, Step 8) is met,
whichever one is reached first.
6. If you want to end the stage before any of your selected failure criteria are
reached, click the End shear button.
Fig 5-42
7. If the specimen was sheared using the Tritech, you will see the message shown
in Fig 5-42 telling you to unlock the piston.
Run the Tritech down a little (using the ‘fast down’ button on the front panel) to
release the load until it is possible to unscrew the piston locking collar.
Unlock the piston by screwing the piston locking collar down until it is down as far
away from the top beam of the Tritech as it will go (see Fig 5-43). When you
have done this, click the OK button on the message.
Fig 5-43
8. Click the Exit shear button to proceed to the next stage in the Stage list.
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5.8 PERFORMING AN AUTOMATIC SATURATION STAGE
test have been followed and the current stage of the test is a saturation stage,
the Saturation panel should now be displayed (Fig 5-44) and the saturation
stage should have started.
If you selected ‘Cell pressure increment’ for the Saturation method control, the
software will apply increments (in accordance with the parameters that you
entered in the Setup Saturation panel) in the following way:
When the system is ready to apply a cell pressure increment, the value in the
Cell pressure target indicator will be updated to show the cell pressure that the
system is aiming to reach. The cell pressure will then increase steadily over the
time period that you entered in the Ramp time cell until the target pressure is
reached and then logging will start.
When the pore pressure has levelled off or starts to decrease, the system will
apply the next increment.
The system will continue applying increments until either the B value reaches
0.95 or a transducer limit is reached.
If you selected ‘Back pressure increment’ for the Saturation method control,
the software will apply increments, in accordance with the parameters that you
entered in the Setup Saturation panel, in the following way:
The system will start the saturation with a cell pressure increment and then apply
alternate increments of cell pressure and back pressure.
When the system is ready to apply a cell pressure increment, the value in the
Cell pressure target indicator will be updated to show the cell pressure that the
system is aiming to reach. The cell pressure will then increase steadily over the
time period that you entered in the Ramp time cell until the target pressure is
reached, and then logging will start.
When the pore pressure has levelled off or starts to decrease, the system will
apply a back pressure increment:
The values in the Cell pressure target indicator and the Back pressure target
indicator will be updated to show the cell pressure that the system is aiming to
reach and the back pressure that is needed to give the differential that you
entered in the Differential pressure cell. The cell and back pressures will then
increase steadily over the time period that you entered in the Ramp time cell
until the target pressures are reached, then the back line valve will open and
logging will start.
When the change in volume is constant and the pore pressure have levelled off,
the system will apply a cell pressure increment.
The system will continue applying alternate increments until either the B value
reaches 0.95 or a transducer limit is reached.
If you selected ‘Cell + back pressure ramp’ for the Saturation method control,
the software will ramp the cell and back pressures simultaneously and
continuously over the time period that you entered in the Ramp time cell until
the target pressures are reached.
When the change in volume is constant and the pore pressure have levelled off,
the system will end the saturation stage.
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If, at the end of the saturation, the pore pressure has not reached the value that
you entered in the Minimum back pressure cell, the system will continue to
apply increments until the pore pressure equals or exceeds that value.
Saturation panel (Section 5.2, Step 0) and plotted on the Saturation graph
control.
Next increment button End saturation button Cell pressure target indicator Back pressure target indicator
Graph selection control Fig 5-44 Saturation graph
1. If at any time during an increment you want to over-ride the system and end the
increment manually, click the Next Increment button and the system will then
apply the next increment.
2. If you want to over-ride the system and end the saturation stage manually, click
the End saturation button.
When the saturation stage has ended, the system will proceed automatically to
the next stage of your test.
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5.9 PERFORMING AN AUTOMATIC CONSOLIDATION STAGE
test have been followed and the current stage of the test is an isotropic
consolidation stage, the Isotropic consolidation panel should now be displayed
(Fig 5-45) and the system should be initializing the pressures for the
consolidation.
The system will initialise the cell and back pressures by increasing or decreasing
them (if necessary) from the values at the end of the previous stage to the values
that are needed to achieve the consolidation pressure that you entered for the
Effective consolidation pressure. If you ticked the Back pressure check box,
the system will use the back pressure from the previous stage and set the cell
pressure to equal the back pressure plus the effective consolidation pressure. If
you did not tick the Back pressure check box, the system will round the current
pore pressure up to the nearest 10kPa and use this value for the back pressure,
and set the cell pressure to equal the back pressure plus the effective
consolidation pressure.
Target back pressure cell
Target cell pressure cell Target ramp time cell
Graph selection control Consolidation graph

End consolidation button
Fig 5-45
The target pressures are indicated in the Target cell pressure cell and the
Target back pressure cell and the amount of time that the system will take to
reach them is shown in the Target ramp time cell.
The initialise stage will be logged at the rate you entered in the Setup isotropic
consolidation panel (Section 5.2, Step 10) and the data will be plotted on the
Consolidation graph. The data series can be changed using the Graph
selection control.
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When the specimen is ready to consolidate (i.e. when the pore pressure has
reached equilibrium), the back line valve will open to apply the back pressure to
the specimen and logging will start.
Isotropic consolidation panel (Section 5.2, Step 10) and plotted on the
Consolidation graph (see Fig 5-45).
The system will end the consolidation stage when there is no further significant
volume change and the pore pressure has levelled off.
If you want to over-ride the system and end the consolidation manually, click the
End consolidation button.
When the consolidation stage has ended, the system will proceed automatically
to the next stage of your test.
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5.10 PERFORMING AN AUTOMATIC STRESS PATH STAGE
test have been followed and the current stage of the test is a stress path stage,
the Stress path panel should now be displayed (Fig 5-46) and the system
should have started to apply the stress path ramp.
The system will ramp to the values displayed in the Target abscissa cell and
Target ordinate cell over the time period in the Ramp time cell. The ramp will
be acheived by controlling the direction and speed of the actuator movement and
by increasing or decreasing the cell pressure, as necessary. The cell pressure,
back pressure and load required to achieve the target stresses are dispayed in
the Stress path summary. If you selected ‘Total vert. Stress – strain control’ for
the Stress path method control, the system will ramp using the actuator at the
rate you entered in the Rate of strain cell.
will open at the start of the stage.
End stress path button

Target abscissa cell Target ordinate cell Stress path summary
Ramp time cell Graph selection control Fig 5-46 Stress path graph
stress path panel (Section 5.2, Step 11) and plotted on the Stress path graph
control.
The system will end the stress path stage when the target stresses are reached
or when one of the termination conditions that you set in the Setup stress path
panel is met, whichever is reached sooner. The system will hold the stresses
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that it has reached for the time period entered in the Hold time cell, then it will
end the stage.
If you want to over-ride the system and end the stage manually, before the
targets or the termination conditions are reached, or before the hold time period
is finished, click the End stress path button.
When the stress path stage has ended, the system will proceed automatically to
the next stage of your test.
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5.11 PERFORMING AN AUTOMATIC K0 CONSOLIDATION STAGE
test have been followed and the current stage of the test is a K 0 consolidation
stage, the K0 consolidation panel should now be displayed (Fig 5-47) and the
system should have started to apply the K0 ramp
End K0 consolidation button K0 summary
Graph selection control Fig 5-47 K0 graph
The system will ramp at the rate that you entered in the Rate of strain cell. The
cell pressure will be increased or decreased as necessary in order to keep the
specimen diameter constant. The target cell pressure and volume change are
displayed in the K0 summary.
Test data for the stage will be logged at the rate you specified in the Setup K0
consolidation panel (Section 5.2, Step 12) and plotted on the K0 graph (see Fig
5-47). The data series can be changed using the Graph selection control.
The system will end the K0 stage when one of the termination conditions that you
set in the Setup K0 consolidation panel is met, whichever one is reached first.
If you want to over-ride the system and end the stage manually, before a
termination condition is reached, click the End K0 consolidation button.
When the K0 stage has ended, the system will proceed automatically to the next
stage of your test.
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5.12 PERFORMING AN AUTOMATIC MONOTONIC SHEAR STAGE
test have been followed and the current stage of the test is a monotonic shear
stage, the Monotonic shear panel should now be displayed and the system
should have started shearing the specimen.
End shear button Rate of strain cell
Graph selection control Fig 5-48 Shear graph
NOTE:
 The specimen can only be sheared using the actuator in an automatic
monotonic shear stage. (This is because using the Tritech to shear the
sample requires user intervention at the start of the stage and so it cannot
be performed automatically.) The actuator has a maximum capacity of 5kN.
The actuator will move at the rate displayed in the Rate of strain cell, in the
direction appropriate for the selection made for the Loading method control. If
you selected ‘Drained’ for the Drainage method control, the back line valve will
open at the start of the stage.
monotonic shear panel (Section 5.2, Step 13) and plotted on the Shear graph
control.
The system will end the shear stage when the failure conditions that you
specified in the Setup monotonic shear panel are met.
If you want to over-ride the system and end the stage manually, before the failure
conditions are reached, click the End shear button.
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When the shear stage has ended, the system will proceed automatically to the
next stage of your test.
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5.13 PERFORMING A CYCLIC SHEAR STAGE
test have been followed and the current stage of the test is a cyclic shear stage,
the Cyclic shear panel should now be displayed.
1. In the Cycles to view cell, enter the number of cycles that you want to see on
the Cyclic shear graph.
2. Click the Start cyclic shear button.
Start cyclic shear button
Cycles to view cell

Fig 5-49
The system will start cycling the specimen according to the parameters that you
entered in Section 5.2, Step 14.
cyclic shear panel (Section 5.2, Step 14) and plotted on the Cyclic shear
graph (see Fig 5-50). The type of data for the graph (actual values, peak and
valley data or a hysteresis loop of the last cycle) can be selected using the
Graph data type control and the data series can be changed using the Graph
selection control.
The cycling will stop automatically when one of the termination conditions that
you set in the Setup cyclic shear panel (Section 5.2, Step 14) is met, or the
number of cycles reaches the value entered in the Maximum test cycles cell,
whichever one occurs first.
(The system must calculate the peak and valley data after each complete cycle
before it can determine whether termination conditions have been met.
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Therefore, when the system stops cycling, it will be after the final cycle is
complete.)
3. If you want to end the cycling before any of the termination conditions are
reached, click the End cyclic shear button.
NOTE:
 If you click the End cyclic shear button mid-cycle, the system will
complete the cycle before it stops.
Exit cyclic shear button End cyclic shear button End of stage values tab
Graph selection control Graph data type control

Fig 5-50 Cyclic shear graph
4. Click the Exit cyclic shear button to proceed to the next stage in the Stage list.
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5.14 ENDING A TEST
When the last stage in the Stage list has finished, the system will wait for you to
either add another stage or to end the test. To end the test when it has finished,
proceed as follows:
1. Check that the locking collar has been released and is not in contact with the top
beam of the Tritech compression frame (see Fig 5-51).
Piston locking collar
Fig 5-51
2. Click the Unload test button (see Fig 5-52).
Fig 5-52
The pressures will be reduced to zero and the actuator will return to the load zero
position. The Main panel will be displayed and control of the system will be
returned to you.
3. Empty the triaxial cell:

o Close the cell pressure tap on the triaxial cell and release the push fitting to
remove the cell line.
o Connect a waste line to the tap (with the other end in a container to collect the
water) and re-open the cell pressure tap.
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o Open the bleed valve on the top of the cell and let the water drain out of the
cell.
o When the cell is empty, release the push fitting to remove the waste line from
the cell tap and re-connect the cell pressure line to the cell.
If you need to end a test for any reason before it has finished, follow Steps 1 to 3
above but be aware of the following note.
NOTE:
 Clicking the Unload test button before a test has finished will cause the
test to be aborted. You will be unable to restart or recover the test after the
unload command has been confirmed.
Test data up to the unload point will be saved in the location specified in the
Main panel.
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5.15 SETTING CONTROL CHANNEL PERFORMANCE

A control channel is a measurement channel that provides feedback to the
software in order that a constant level of stress or strain can be applied. The
performance of the control channels can be managed by altering the PID
(proportional, integral and derivative) values to ensure stable static values and
good wave-shapes during cycling are achieved. During a cyclic stage, amplitude
control can be used to compensate for any errors.
These values can be adjusted using the Tuning panel. Three methods are
described in this section:
For tuning the system during a static stage or when the system is idle using the
PIDs, see Section 5.15.1;
For tuning the system during a cyclic stage using the PIDs, see Section 5.15.2;
For compensating for amplitude errors during a cyclic stage using amplitude
control, see Section 5.15.3.
5.15.1 Tuning a static control

The following steps show how to tune the actuator displacement control. The
same procedure can be used to tune the other control channels, such as cell
pressure, using the start PID values given in Table 5-1 below.
Actuator position Pressure

P start value 500 10
I start value 0 0
D start value 0 0
Adjustment 50 5
Max value 32000 256
Table 5-1
1. On the Main panel, click the Manual control button (see Fig 5-53) to open the
Manual control panel.
Fig 5-53
2. Make a note of the Actuator reading and enter 1.00 in the Movement cell (see
Fig 5-54).
3. Click the Actuator down button. If the actuator moves down in one smooth
action, with no ringing (vibrating/juddering) and the Actuator reading has
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increased by 1.00mm +/-0.02mm, proceed to the next step. If the actuator

seems unstable (there is ringing and/or the target displacement is not reached
and/or the target is not reached within 1-2 seconds) go to Step 5.
Actuator up button Movement cell
Actuator down button Fig 5-54

4. Make a note of the Actuator reading and then click the Actuator up button. If
the actuator moves up in one smooth action, with no ringing and the Actuator
reading has decreased by 1.00mm +/-0.02mm, the PIDs do not need changing
and the procedure is finished so you can close the panel. If the actuator seems
unstable, close the panel and proceed to the next step.
5. On the Main panel, click the Tuning button (see Fig 5-53) to open the Tuning
panel.
6. Change the values in the Actuator PID cells to P = 500, I = 0 and D = 0 (see Fig
5-55) and then click the Close button to close the panel.
Fig 5-55
7. Open the Manual control panel and make a note of the Actuator reading.
Click the Actuator up button and when the movement has finished, check the
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change in the Actuator reading. If the target movement was not achieved open
the Tuning panel and increase the Proportional Gain by 50. Repeat this step
until the target movement is achieved, in which case the tuning is complete and
you can close the panel, or until there is slight ringing, in which case continue to
the next step.
8. Open the Tuning panel and increase the Derivative Gain by 50. Close the
panel and then check the response using the Manual control panel. If the
actuator moves smoothly with no ringing, go to the next step. If there is still
ringing, repeat this step until it is eliminated.
9. Make a note of the Actuator reading in the Manual control panel. Click the
Actuator up button and when the movement has finished, check the change in
the Actuator reading. Close the panel. If the target 1.00mm movement was not
achieved, go to the next step. If it was achieved then the tuning is completed.
10. Open the Tuning panel and increase the Integral Gain by 50. Close the panel
and repeat Step 9. Repeat until the movement is 1.00mm +/-0.02mm. The
tuning is then complete.
5.15.2 Tuning a cyclic control

For the best results, this tuning procedure should be performed while running
a test on a spare specimen with similar properties to the ones you will be
testing, using the same parameters. When the cycling has started, you can
tune the active control channel using this procedure. The following steps
show how to tune the actuator displacement control but the same procedure
can be used to tune any of the control channels that are active during the
test, using the start PID values given in Table 5-1.
panel.
Fig 5-56
2. Change the values in the Actuator PID cells to P = 500, I = 0 and D = 0 (see Fig
5-55) and observe the behaviour of the control on the graph and in the Reading
indicators. If the cycle shape is poor and the Target amplitude is not being
achieved, increase the Proportional Gain in steps of 50 until the Reading
amplitude matches the Target amplitude, in which case the procedure is
finished and you can close the panel, or until there is slight ringing and/or
overshoot (see Fig 5-57), in which case go to step 3.
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Fig 5-57
3. Now increase the Derivative Gain in steps of 50 until the ringing has been
eliminated and the cycle is a good shape.
4. Check the target and reading amplitude values. If there is an unacceptable error,
increase the Integral Gain in steps of 50 until the Amplitude error is reduced to
an acceptable value.
5. The tuning is now complete. Click the Close button to close the Tuning panel.
An example of a well-tuned actuator control is shown in Fig 5-58Error!

Reference source not found.. You can see that the cycle plotted on the graph
is smooth, with a good, even shape, and the Reading amplitude and Target
amplitude are the same and the Amplitude error is <0.1%.
Fig 5-58
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5.15.3 Amplitude control

During a cyclic stage, it is possible that, even if the system has been
correctly tuned and the wave shape is good, the cycles may not be quite
meeting their targets. This section describes how to compensate for errors
between the target and reading amplitude or mean values (see Fig 5-59)
using the Amplitude controls on the Tuning panel.
Fig 5-59
panel. The percentage error between the Target Amplitude and Reading
Amplitude is shown in the Amplitude error cell (see Fig 5-61).
Fig 5-60
2. To reduce the error to an acceptable level using manual controls, see step 3. To
use the automatic control, see step 4.
3. Click the Manual mode button to turn on manual control (see Fig 5-61). The
Mean adjustment control and Amplitude adjustment control will display the
relevant values from the cyclic stage that is currently running. Use the arrows to
the left of the controls to adjust the values up or down as necessary to correct the
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error in amplitude and/or mean. When you have finished, click the Close button
to close the panel.
Mean
adjustment
control
Amplitude adjustment control

Fig 5-61
4. Enter the maximum error between the target amplitude and the reading
amplitude that is acceptable for your requirements in the Allowable error cell.
Select how frequently you want the error to be automatically checked and
corrected in the Cycle check interval cell. Click the Amplitude control button
to turn the function on and the software will then adjust the amplitude and mean
to keep the error below the allowable level. When you have finished, click the
Close button to close the panel.
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5.16 CALIBRATING A TRANSDUCER
Transducers cannot be calibrated while a test is running. To carry out a

calibration, you should have suitable reference equipment, preferably traceable,
with which to compare the readings of the transducer.
1. Click the Main tab to view the Main panel (Fig 5-62), and then click on the
Calibration button to open the Calibration panel (Fig 5-63).
Main tab
Fig 5-62
2. Click the Edit calibrations button and enter the password to unlock the panel.
The password is set in the System configuration panel.
Edit calibrations button
Calibration table Transducer selection control Transducer details
Fig 5-63 Verification button
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3. Select the type of transducer that you want to calibrate from the Transducer
selection control.
4. If necessary, change the values for the full scale and the number of decimal
places, and update the information in the Transducer details.
5. Click the New calibration button to clear the current data (see Fig 5-64).
6. Put the transducer into position for the first calibration point (usually zero), using
an appropriate piece of reference equipment.
New calibration button Delete calibration point button
Fit method control Add calibration point button

Fig 5-64
7. Click the Add calibration point button, and in the window that appears (Fig
5-65), enter the reading on the reference equipment (in engineering units). Click
the Apply button to accept the value and close the window.
Fig 5-65
8. The next window that appears shows the transducer reading in volts (Fig 5-66).
When the reading is steady, click the Read button to accept the value and close
the window.
Fig 5-66
The reference value will be entered in the ‘Ref.’ column of the Calibration table
and the transducer reading will be entered in the ‘Measured’ column.
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If you make a mistake, the point can be deleted by clicking the Delete
calibration point button (see Fig 5-64) and then repeated.
9. Move the transducer into position for the next calibration point.
10. Repeat Steps 7 to 9 for calibration points at suitable intervals across the whole
range of the transducer.
The minimum number of calibration points that you can do is two; the maximum
is ten, including zero.
11. Select a suitable fit method for the data using the Fit method control (see Fig
5-64).
The fitted data is displayed in the ‘Fitted data’ column of the Calibration table.
The following steps are optional, and describe how to carry out a verification. If you
don’t wish to verify the calibration, go straight to Step 18 to end the calibration.
12. Click the Verification button (see Fig 5-62) to open the Verification panel (Fig
5-67).
Verification data table Verification results table
Fig 5-67 Run verification button
13. Click the Run verification button to open a new panel (see Fig 5-68).
14. Put the transducer into position using the reference equipment, according to the
value indicated in the Reference output cell. When the transducer reading is
steady (it is displayed in the Transducer reading indicator), click the Apply
button.
15. Repeat Step 14 for all the subsequent points of the calibration.
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16. When Series 1 is completed, click the Save and exit button to save the data and
close the panel, or continue with another verification series.
A maximum of three verification series may be carried out.
The verification data will be entered into the Verification data table. The mean,
the error (RE) and the repeatability (RRE) are calculated for each point and
displayed in the Verification results table.
Transducer reading indicator Reference output cell
Fig 5-68
17. Click the Close button to return to the Calibration panel.

18. If you want to save the calibration to an external data file that can be loaded back
in at a later date, click the Export Transducer cal button (see Fig 5-63). The
data will be saved as a .cal file.
Saving the data in this way can be useful if your Dynatriax system has several
transducers of different capacities for the same channel (e.g. a set of load cells
with full scales of 5kN, 10kN and 25kN).
If you need to calibrate another transducer on the same channel, repeat the
procedures from Step 4 for the new transducer.
19. When you have finished calibrating all the transducers, if you want to save the
calibration data in a certificate format, click the Export calibration to Excel
button (see Fig 5-63). The data for all the currently loaded transducers will be
saved in an Excel file with one certificate worksheet for each transducer.
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If you have calibrated more than one transducer on the same channel, make
sure that the calibration for the transducer that is currently connected to the
system is loaded in before the next step. Use the Import Transducer cal button
to load in data that you saved in Step 18.
20. Click the Close button to close the Calibration panel.

You will be asked whether or not you want to save the changes that you have
made to the data.
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5.17 CLOSING THE SOFTWARE
If a test is running, the software cannot be closed. Wait until the test has finished
or end the test following the instructions in Section 5.14 before closing the
software.
1. Click the Main tab to open the Main panel and then click the Quit button (see Fig
5-69).
Main tab
Fig 5-69
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Notes:
31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN 141 20.12.2012

Notes:
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31-WF7005/7010/7015 Dynatriax: Manuale Di Istruzioni Instruction Manual

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31-WF7005/7010/7015 Dynatriax: Manuale Di Istruzioni Instruction Manual

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31-WF7005/7010/7015

1.0 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................1

31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN i 20.12.2012

4.5.3 Setup Saturation panel ................................................................................. 14

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4.8.11 Reading number ........................................................................................... 40

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4.11.4 Exit shear button ........................................................................................... 51

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4.14.2 Transducer selection control ......................................................................... 62

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4.16.11 Save and close button ............................................................................... 73

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5.17 Closing the software .................................................................................... 140

This Manual is published by CONTROLS.

This present in English is the original version. Printed in Italy.

31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN vii 20.12.2012

The DYNATRIAX software is a user-friendly and comprehensive program that

The flexible nature of the software enables a tailor-made test template to be

31-WF7005/7010/7015 Rev.3 EN 1 20.12.2012

1.1 ICONS APPEARING IN THE MANUAL

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1.2 MANUAL REVISION HISTORY

Revision / Date Change description Author

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3.0 INSTALLATION AND SETUP

1. Insert the CD provided into the CD-Rom drive of the PC.

The default installation directory is C:\Program Files\AdvancedCyclicTriax.

4. To create a shortcut to the DYNATRIAX program on the PC desktop, open the

The icon shown in Fig 3-2 will appear on the desktop.

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4.0 SOFTWARE COMPONENTS

Status bar Fig 4-1

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4.2 SYSTEM BUTTONS

4.2.1 Unload test button

4.2.2 Real-time display button

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4.3 STATUS BAR

4.3.2 4.3.4 4.3.6 4.3.8 4.3.9 4.3.10

4.3.1 4.3.3 4.3.5 4.3.7

4.3.1 Valve S1 indicator

4.3.2 Valve S2 indicator

4.3.3 Volume change flow direction indicator

4.3.4 Volume change flow mode indicator

4.3.5 Control indicator

4.3.6 Cell pressure indicator

4.3.7 Back pressure indicator

4.3.8 Stage type display

4.3.9 Stage conditions display

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4.3.10 Stage status display

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4.4 MAIN PANEL

4.4.1 Viewing the panel

4.4.2 4.4.7 4.4.11 4.4.12 4.4.8 4.4.9 4.4.10 4.4.19

4.4.2 Real time values

4.4.3 Stage type cell

4.4.4 Add stage button

4.4.5 Stage list

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