Triaxial Testing Equipment For Soil

Triaxial Testing Equipment

Triaxial testing measures a variety of mechanical characteristics within soils. By simulating stress conditions, a pressurized cell is able to determine the shear strength properties of a sample. To perform a test, an undisturbed specimen (usually 38mm to 100mm) is saturated, consolidated and then sheared. The results are seen to be fairly similar to real-life conditions, making the triaxial test one of the most versatile and widely performed geotechnical laboratory tests.

Humboldt Triaxial Testing Systems provide state-of-the-art systems specifically designed to control and monitor triaxial testing, such as:
• The unconsolidated undrained (UU) tests
• The consolidated undrained (CU) tests
• The unconfined compression (UC) tests
• The consolidated drained (CD) tests

These tests cover the following ASTM standards: ASTM D2850, ASTM D2166 and ASTM D4767.

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

Humboldt also provides a simple, multi-purpose load frame that can be used for triaxial testing. It is designed for those who want a high-quality load frame without built-in data acquisition capabilities or digital control accessories.

Pressure Control Panels
Distribution panels are also available in both automated and manual configurations. Used in conjunction with a triaxial pressure controller, Humboldt’s control panels provide an accurate and easy-to-operate solution for providing the controls necessary for distributing compressed air, water, de-aired water and vacuum within an air/water bladder-type triaxial testing system.

FlexPanels
We also offer our FlexPanels, which provide a simple and precise solution for controlling compressed air, water, de-aired water and vacuum without the need for air/water bladder interfaces to produce the pressures necessary for triaxial testing. FlexPanels utilize a set of three burettes to control cell, top cap and base pedestal pressures.

Complete triaxial sample prep and triaxial test consumable items are available here. These products can help in test setup, as well as keeping your triaxial testing program running without interruption.

Buy your equipment today or visit our geotechnical testing and engineering landing page for more in-depth information. Read our e-book on setting up your triaxial systems. If you have questions or need help selecting equipment, please call us at 1.800.544.7220 or use our Ask Humboldt form.