Automatic system for uniaxial and triaxial tests

on rock cores including stress path and

permeability determination
ASTM D2664 | ASTM D2938 | ASTM D3148 | ASTM D5407 | EN 14580 | EN
1926 | ISRM | ASTM D7012

MAIN FEATURES
Advanced testing system suitable for extremely variable materials, from soft sandstone to
high-strength marbles
Determination of Elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio and strength characteristics of rock
specimens under uniaxial and triaxial conditions including permeability measurement
Automatic performance of triaxial tests with combined control of axial load and confining
pressure
Multiple failure stages triaxial test (stress path mode) carried out automatically, the
entire failure path is derived from a single specimen including post-peak softening phase
Suitable for prolonged tests
19 bit effective resolution
Also suitable for load, stress, displacement and strain-controlled testing on concrete, fibre-
reinforced and shotcrete specimens (with the relevant options and accessories)
Fully programmable test procedures including axial load and confining pressure levels and
combinations
Integrated data acquisition and results elaboration including failure envelope plotting
Extremely flexible system ideal for research purposes
Automatic system for uniaxial and triaxial tests on rock cores, including STRESS PATH and PERMEABILITY
determination

Layout of the automatic system for uniaxial and triaxial tests (with stress-path analysis) and permeability
determination

Hoek cell fitted with permeability end cups for permeability test
 Screenshot of a stress-path triaxial test on rock performed with the ADVANCED system (load vs. displacement
and cell pressure vs. time diagrams)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

CONTROLS Automatic system for uniaxial and triaxial tests on rock cores, including
STRESS PATH and PERMEABILITY DETERMINATION, is suitable for various materials, from soft
sandstone to high strength marbles.
In the triaxial mode, a water pressure gradient may be applied to the specimen for measuring permeability.
The test system comprehends:

ADVANTEST ROCK, servo-hydraulic control console for axial load application in conformity with the
relevant Standards. Includes a dedicated software for triaxial testing which also controls the SERCOMP ROCK
and automatically determines failure envelope and water permeability.
The ADVANTEST ROCK performs loading-unloading ramps and can also be used for
load/stress/displacement/strain controlled testing on concrete, fiber reinforced concrete, shotcrete, etc. (with the
suitable options and accessories)

SERCOMP ROCK. Servo-hydraulic control console for confining pressure control into the Hoek cell
(triaxial test only). It runs as a remotely controlled unit, fully operated by the Advantest Rock software.
Includes 4 additional channels for strain / displacement transducers.

HYDROMATIC STAND-ALONE is a general-purpose water pressure source and volume change controller. It
is driven by a stepper motor, which enables the unit to measure the volume change. The unit consists of a
hydraulic piston, driven by a ball-screw and gearbox, mounted on a ball-slide, and is managed under closed-loop
control.

ADVANCED SOFTWARE: ADVANTEST ROCK, SERCOMP ROCK and HYDROMATIC STAND-

ALONE are linked to a single PC for data acquisition and results elaboration.
The overall test information and readings are always available on the PC screen:
Axial load and sample strength
Hoek cell confining pressure
 Sample deformation measured by strain gauges and external displacement transducers
Water pore pressure and volume change of the rock sample
Plus any additional load/strain/displacement readings from external transducers that may be useful for research
purposes.

HIGH STIFFNESS COMPRESSION FRAME to be selected from the wide CONTROLS product range,
conforming to the size of the sample and the expected strength.
Due to the typical high strength and fragility of rocks we recommend high capacity test frame (4000kN or 5000kN
capacity).

HOEK CELL
Various models for different sample size are available: from EX type with dia. 21.46 mm up to HQ type for core
with dia. 63.5 mm.
Hoek cells can be fitted with optional end caps suitable for permeability test.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

ADVANTEST 9 ROCK
Hydraulic group
Max. working pressure: 700 bar
Max. oil delivery: 2 lpm at low pressure, 0.7 lpm at high pressure
4 hydraulic ports for connection of test frames
Flow control via servo-controlled proportional valve
Oil cooling system with forced ventilation
4 ON/OFF valves with electronic switch and remote software control

Hardware and on board software

Maximum effective resolution: 1/524,000 divisions

8 input channels:
o 4 for load sensors (load cells or pressure transducers)
o 4 for displacement transducers (potentiometric, LVDT amplified or analogical) and
for deformation transducers (clip gauge, strain gauge)
Electrical characteristics of the conditioners:
o VEXC: from 0.5 to 10 V DC selected via software
o Single/dual ended input
o Input signal from -2.5 to +2.5 V DC
o Zero and gain adjustable via software
o
Data acquisition synchronized on all channels
8 analogical outputs corresponding to each channel for possible use of an external data
acquisition system
Test execution with control of:
o Load/specific load
o Displacement
o Strain
Auto-diagnostic system including oil level and oil filter obstructed
320x240 pixel local display
Storage of multiple calibration curves for immediate connection of different sensors
Low frequency Dynamic tests: max. frequency 0.1 Hz (depending on the wave amplitude)

Physical specifications
Power rating 750 W
Voltage: 230V, 50Hz, 1ph or 230V, 60Hz, 1ph or 110V, 60Hz, 1ph
Dimensions (L x W x h) approx..: 470x410x1000 mm
 Weight approx.: 120 kg, excluding PC and printer

SERCOMP 7 ROCK
Max. working pressure: 700 bar
Max oil delivery: 0.7 l/min
Flow control via servo-controlled proportional valve
4 additional channels for strain / displacement transducers
Power rating: 750 W
Dimensions (L x W x h) approx..: 470x410x1000 mm
Weight approx.: 120 kg

HYDROMATIC STAND-ALONE
Max pressure: 1700 or 3500 kPa
Pressure resolution: 0.1 kPa
Volume capacity: 250 cc
Volume resolution: 0.001 cc
No air compressor required

PC and SOFTWARE
PC and printer of the latest generation
Remotely control the entire system. Display graphical and numerical data including multi-
plot mode, e.g. 3 different deformation curves with respect to a single time axis
Execute tests and sequences of steps/cycles programmable by the user
Print out test reports
Allow the real time modification of the test parameters during the test execution, including
active control channel
Language selection: English, French, Spanish, Italian, plus another language which can be
created by the user

ACCESSORIES

Please refer to the links to other products below for more technical and
commercial info about:

Compression frames
Pc cabinet
Hoek cell and sample extruder
Strain gauges for uniaxial and triaxial tests
Compression device for uniaxial tests
Hydromatic stand-alone

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Triaxial test is carried out automatically with multiple failure stages: from a single specimen it is
possible to plot the entire failure envelope, permeability analysis is determined at each stage.

Test procedure
Axial and horizontal stresses are increased hysotropically up to a defined level
Cell pressure is maintained constant and axial stress is increased
When the sample approximates maximum strength, cell pressure is automatically
increased up to a defined level
Cell pressure is again maintained constant and axial stress is increased
When the sample again approximates maximum strength, the cell pressure is further
increased
The above procedure is automatically repeated several times
 Maximum peak strength is reached and, in case of displacement control, the test is
continued (softening phase)
Cell pressure is reduced in steps and, for each step, the residual strength is measured
All the maximum peak loads are plotted against the corresponding values of the cell
pressure building the complete failure envelope.

At each stage, the permeability value is calculated by measuring the through-specimen water flow.
The water pressure gradient is generated by the Hydromatic Stand-alone unit which also measure
the volume change. The water pore pressure is read by a dedicated transducer.
Digital rock strength index apparatus 100 kN cap
ASTM D5731 | ISRM

MAIN FEATURES

100 kN capacity
Superior functionality and usability of the equipment, since the pump is separate from the
frame
Ergonomic digital read out unit with wide graphical display and 6 keys membrane
keyboard
Effective resolution: 18 bit (1/262'000 div.)
Load measurement accuracy: 1 %
Load resolution: 1 N
Supplied complete with traceable calibration certificate for load measurement accuracy
Set of lower and upper platen with spherical seat for compression tests on small
cylinders available as accessory

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The rock strength index apparatus consists of a high stability load frame 100 kN cap. with hydraulic loading ram
actuated by a hand pump. Loading frame and manual pump are independent resulting in a superior functionality
and usability of the equipment.
The unit is conforming to ASTM D5731 and ISRM suggested method and the wide testing area allows to test
both rock cylinders and irregular shaped samples.
It features an ergonomic digital readout unit with graphic display battery operated and membrane keyboard.
The compression load is measured by a in-built pressure transducer, assuring the best accuracy and resistance
to the failure shocks. A ruler is assembled on the frame allowing the direct measurement of the distance D
between the conical platens before and after the test.
The complete set is housed in an ergonomic carrying case with wheels.
Digital rock strength index apparatus 100 kN cap. model 45-D0550 complete with set of lower and upper platen
45-D0550/D5 (accessory)

Digital rock strength index apparatus 100 kN cap. model 45-D0550: detail of loading frame
 Digital rock strength index apparatus housed in the practical robust carrying case with wheels for easy
transportation

Set of lower and upper platen 52 mm dia. with spherical seat model 45-D0550/D5 for compression tests

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
 100 kn capacity
128 x 80 pixels graphic display with 6 keys membrane keyboard
In-built rechargeable lipo type battey
Effective resolution: 18 bit (1/262'000 div.)
Load measurement accuracy: 1 %
Load resolution: 1 n
Load measurement by pressure transducer
Lower crossbeam position measurement by in built meter
Piston travel: 100 mm
Distance between conical platens: 100 mm
Distance between compression platens (accessory 45-d0550/d5): 102 mm
Distance between columns: 108 mm
Dimensions and weight of frame / hydraulic jack:
o Dimensions (l x w x h): 200x200x418 mm
o Weight: 14 kg
Dimensions and weight of manual pump:
o Dimensions (l x w x h): 798x160x310 mm
o Weight: 8.3 kg
Dimensions and weight of carrying case:
o Dimensions (l x w x h): 447 x 265 x 558 mm
o Weight: 7.7 kg

ORDERING INFO

45-D0550
Digital rock strength index apparatus, 100 kN cap. conforming to ASTM D5731 and ISRM suggested method,
complete with:
Testing frame with high performances hydraulic jack and manual pump
Load measurement by pressure transducer (traceable calibration certificate included)
In built meter measuring the vertical clearance between the conical platens
Supplied with rigid ergonomic carrying case with wheels

Battery charger 110-230 V, 50-60 Hz, 1 ph. Power cable included

ACCESSORIES

Accessories
45-D0550/D5
Set of lower and upper platen 52 mm dia. with spherical seat

45-D0550/D6
Mounting tool suitable for the conical points fitted on point load machine 45-D0550

Spare parts
45-D1717
Clear safety goggles

45-D0550/A7
Set of hardened conical points

45-D0550/A9
Set of spare gaskets for the hydraulic cylinder fitted in the point load tester model 45-D0550
Compression test device for rock specimens
ISRM | ASTM D7012

MAIN FEATURES

Strictly compliant to ASTM D7012 Rock core specimens Test Methods

The Rock core shall have a diameter from 54.7 mm (NX type) to 63.5 mm (HQ type)
Heavy duty / high stiffness compression device
Max. load capacity: 1200 kN
High stiffness structure and the high performance steel making this device particularly
suitable for high strength rock specimen featuring brittle properties and explosive failure

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This compression jig is strictly compliant to ASTM D7012 Rock core specimens Test Methods, in particular the
spherical seat / compression plates / specimen diameters ratios fall within the prescriptions.
The Rock core should have a diameter from 54.7 mm (NX type) to 63.5 mm (HQ type).

It consists of a heavy duty twin-column frame, a spherically seated upper platen hold by calibrated springs and a
lower platen centred on the frame base. The high stiffness structure and the high performance steel of the
spherical seat make this device particularly suitable for high strength rock specimen featuring brittle properties
and explosive failure.
It shall be preferably fixed on the compression machine piston head by the threaded pin included in the supply
compatible with all CONTROLS compression frames / machines.

Compression device for rock specimens model 45-D9035

Compression device for rock core specimens model 45-D9035 with rock specimen NX type
Compression device for rock specimens model 45-D9035 mounted inside a CONTROLS compression machine
 Compression device for rock specimens model 45-D9035: detail of the spherical seat hold by springs

Compression device for rock specimens model 45-D9035: detail of the distance pieces included in the jig

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Max. loading capacity: 1,200 kN

 Platens dia.: 80 mm
Platens hardness: 58 HRC
Loading head stroke: 66 mm
Vertical clearance: 167 mm
Supplied with distance pieces to reduce the vertical clearance: 2 pcs. h 30 mm and 1 pc. h
22 mm
Overall dimensions: 249 mm dia. x 333 mm height
Weight: 30 kg

ORDERING INFO

45-D9035
Compression device for rock core specimens with dia. from 54.7 mm (NX) to 63.5 mm (HQ)
conforming to ASTM D7012:

upper spherical seat and compression platens dia. 80 mm with hardness 58 HRC
loading head stroke: 66 mm
vertical clearance: 167 mm
overall height: 333 mm.
supplied with distance pieces to reduce the vertical clearance: 2 pcs. h 30 mm and 1 pc. h
22 mm
max. loading capacity: 1,200 kN

CONTROLS GROUP
The company

http://www.controls-group.com