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GDS have a unique system for testing large samples without the use of a triaxial cell. The unsaturated sample is prepared within a specially designed compaction mould, before effective stress is applied to the sample by means of a GDS vacuum controller, which can accurately apply negative pressure between atmospheric pressure (0kPa) and -75kPa, depending on the source vacuum pump being used. This allows the sample to be consolidated with negative pore pressure and confining pressure at atmospheric. 

Having fun at the GDS test facility today testing a customers sample prior to shipment. A 500mm diameter x 1000mm height aggregate sample (our largest sample to date) failing under load in our 250kN frame, with new effective stress application via internal vacuum rather than traditional triaxial cell and confining pressure.

In February 2019, GDS completed the installation of a Large Diameter Cyclic Triaxial Testing System at the University of South Carolina. The system was purchased to expand the laboratory capability to tests ballast samples with diameter of 150mm and 300mm.

In February, GDS completed the installation of their Large Diameter Cyclic Triaxial Testing System at BGC Engineering Inc (BGC) New Advanced Geotechnical Laboratory in Fredericton, Canada

Their state-of-the-art facility offers world class geotechnical testing of soil and rock for a variety of applications. Given that the current global pandemic has made visiting their new lab challenging, they have organised a virtual tour, follow the link in their article.

In this short video we demonstrate the hydraulically controlled cell lift on our 250kN load frame. The lifting mechanism allows users easy access to the sample without the need for an external lifting frame.

Overview of GDS' Range of Hydraulic Loading Frames (HLF). The frames have a hydraulic dynamic actuator mounted on the cross beam for axial stress/strain cyclic dynamic loading. The load frames are available in 100kN, 250kN and 1500kN loads.

GDS are excited to launch their new range of hydraulic load frames for soil & rock testing. The range is available from 100kN to 1.5MN, encompassing our latest design and technology.