DescriptionThe NL5044X/001 is a table‑top single‑gang consolidation frame used
to determine the long‑term consolidation characteristics of clays
and other compressible soils under loads imposed by foundations and
above‑ground structures. Settlement may occur even when the applied
pressure is within the safe bearing capacity of the soil. The
apparatus uses lever‑arm loading and can apply pressures up to 81
tons per square foot (approx. 8,800 kPa) on 50mm diameter
specimens. It is suitable for predicting foundation settlement
under buildings, dams, bridges, and similar structures. Test StandardsThe apparatus complies with the following international standards: - BS1377(British Standard methods of test for soils)
- ASTM D2435(Standard test methods for one‑dimensional consolidation properties
of soils)
- ASTM D3877(Test methods for expansion, shrinkage, and consolidation
characteristics of soils)
- ASTM D4546(One‑dimensional consolidation and expansion of soils)
Specification| Item | Parameter | | Specimen diameter | 2 inches (50 mm) | | Maximum loading pressure | 81 ton/sq.ft (8,800 kPa) via 11:1 lever ratio | | Lever ratio | 11:1 (fixed) | | Frame material | Cast aluminum + plated steel (rust‑resistant, durable) | | Design | Compact table‑top | | Consolidation cell | Stainless steel cell (includes upper/lower porous discs, cutting
ring), 2‑inch diameter | | Dial gauge range / resolution | 12.7 mm travel, 0.001 mm subdivision | | Weight set | 50kg slotted steel weights (0.25kg×2, 0.5kg×1, 1kg×2, 2kg×1, 5kg×1,
10kg×4) | | Packing dimensions | 110×45×65 cm | | Gross weight | Approx. 75 kg (including 50kg weights) |
Detail- Loading mechanism: Rigid loading frame with integral beam support jack to avoid
shock to the sample during load application.
- Lever ratio: Fixed 11:1 lever ratio, maximum stress up to 8.8 MPa.
- Consolidation cell: Front‑loading oedometer conforming to ASTM/BS standards.
- Measuring instruments: Standard mechanical dial gauge; optional vertical displacement
dial gauge (10mm travel, accuracy 0.01mm).
- Optional accessories: Porous stones (Φ50mm×5mm), cutting ring, top cap, filter paper.
- Packing: Exterior plywood case.
Application- Laboratory determination of consolidation settlement
characteristics of clayey soils
- Prediction of long‑term settlement of foundations for buildings,
dams, bridges, etc.
- High‑pressure compressibility studies of soils
- Teaching and research in geotechnical laboratories following
international standards
Advantages- Extremely high loading capacity: Maximum pressure up to 8,800 kPa (11:1 lever ratio) – ideal for
deep stiff soils or high‑pressure consolidation research.
- Rigid construction: Ensures accuracy, repeatability, and reliability of test results.
- Shock protection: Integral beam support jack eliminates sample disturbance during
loading.
- Rust‑resistant & durable: Cast aluminum and plated steel for long‑term laboratory use.
- Compact table‑top design: Saves lab space.
- Cost‑effective: Single‑gang design suitable for low‑volume or high‑pressure
specialized tests at a lower cost than multi‑gang models.
What To Choose| Requirement | Recommendation | | Single‑sample high‑pressure consolidation (>5MPa) | 11:1 lever ratio, max. pressure 8.8MPa – far above conventional
equipment | | ASTM/BS compliant research | Clearly meets standards; data internationally accepted | | Limited lab space | Table‑top design, small packing size (110×45×65cm) | | Traditional manual reading | Standard mechanical dial gauge – simple and reliable | | Need for consumable spares | Optional porous stones, cutting ring, filter paper available | | Long‑term loading stability | Rigid frame + anti‑shock mechanism – suitable for extended
consolidation/creep tests |
Process Flow- Specimen preparation: Cut a Φ50mm specimen using a cutting ring and place it into the
consolidation cell (with upper/lower porous stones).
- Install the cell: Position the consolidation cell in the front‑loading frame and
secure it.
- Install measuring device: Mount the dial gauge or displacement transducer and adjust to
initial reading.
- Apply load: Using the 11:1 lever ratio, apply weights stepwise according to
the test schedule.
- Record settlement: Take dial gauge readings at specified time intervals under each
load increment until stabilization.
- Data processing: Plot time‑settlement curves and calculate consolidation
coefficient, compression index, pre‑consolidation pressure, etc.
- Report generation: Produce test reports for engineering design or research analysis.
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