Expansion Index Consolidometer

Expansion Index Consolidometer

The Expansion Index test is a simple way to predict potential of compacted soils using the Expansion Index Consolidometer. A soil specimen is compacted into a mold containing a 4 x 1in (101.6 x 25.4mm) ID x H stainless steel ring and the Expansion Index is calculated by comparing the current and previous year’s project values. After a confining load is applied, the specimen is immersed in water and volumetric swell is recorded for up to 24 hours. A high expansion index means you need to design structures and pavements for expansive soils.

The self-contained design does not require a separate consolidation loading device. After compaction the specimen is placed in the Consolidometer with a porous stone at each end and loaded with the stainless steel weight. For those interested in measuring the flowability of self-consolidating concrete, the V-Funnel Flowability Test for SCC is a recommended tool. After consolidating for 10 minutes the assembly is immersed in water to start the test. The loading weight and top porous stone are a combined weight of 12.6lb (5.7kg) which generates a total pressure of 1lbf/in2 (6.9kPa) on the sample.

Immersed parts are stainless steel or anodized aluminum for durability and corrosion resistance. Included are an anodized aluminum base and collar with stainless steel hold-down rods, dial indicator bracket, stainless steel specimen ring, loading weight and porous stones. A 5102 Dial Indicator - 0.5in Range x 0.0001in Divisions or 6820 Digital Displacement Indicator - 0.6 x 0.0001in (Range x Resolution) is required for the test (both sold separately). Additional Porous Stones, Stainless Steel Specimen Rings and Loading Weights are available for more efficient sample preparation. Meets ASTM D4829 and California UBC 29-2.

Dial indicator sold separately. A 0.5in range indicator like this dial or digital indictor is recommended.

Features:

• Simple, compact design

• Corrosion resistant, durable anodized aluminum and stainless steel construction

• Quick test results

Included Items:

• Expansion Index Consolidometer

• Anodized Aluminum Base and Collar

• Stainless Steel Specimen Ring

• Dial Indicator Bracket

• Loading Weight

• 50397012 Porous Stones

Product Dimensions

6 x 11in (152 x 279mm) Dia.xHMeets Test Methods: ASTM D 4829 California UBC 29-2. For detailed product information on Concrete Beam Molds, Lightweight, 6in x 6in x 22in, check out our Continuous-Load Concrete Beam Tester for 6in, 18in Three-Point.

The Karol-Warner 1971 Expansion Index Consolidometer is a reliable and fast way to predict the potential of compacted soils. Simple and compact design gives accurate and easy to use.

To test, a soil specimen is compacted into a mold that contains a 4 x 1in (101.6 x 25.4mm) stainless steel ring. After the confining load is applied the specimen is immersed in water and volumetric swell is recorded for up to 24 hours. The Expansion Index Consolidometer will identify expansive soils and tell you need to design for structures and pavements.

One of the great features of this product is the self-contained design, no separate consolidation loading device required. After compaction the specimen is placed in the Consolidometer with a porous stone at each end and loaded with the stainless steel weight. After 10 minutes of consolidation the test is started by immersing the assembly in water.

The Consolidometer is made of stainless steel and anodized aluminum for durability and corrosion resistance. Included is an anodized aluminum base and collar, stainless steel hold-down rods, dial indicator bracket, stainless steel specimen ring, loading weight and porous stones. But the dial indicator, 5102 Dial Indicator - 0.5in Range x 0.0001in Divisions or 6820 Digital Displacement Indicator - 0.6 x 0.0001in (Range x Resolution) is sold separately but recommended for the test.

The Expansion Index Consolidometer meets ASTM D4829 and California UBC 29-2 test methods. Additional Porous Stones, Stainless Steel Specimen Rings and Loading Weights are available for more efficient sample preparation.

Soil Testing

Soil testing is an important process to determine the properties and behavior of soil specimens especially for expansion tests and swelling potential. The Expansion Index Consolidometer is a self-contained unit to perform these tests on compacted soils to get information on the soil’s ability to swell when exposed to distilled water. This is a must have tool in geotechnical engineering to determine the maximum swell of soil specimens and predict potential problems in construction projects. By using stainless steel weight and stainless steel specimen ring the device gives accurate and reliable results.

Parts of the Device

The Expansion Index Consolidometer consists of several parts including anodized aluminum base, collar with stainless steel hold-down rods and stainless steel specimen ring. The device also includes air-dried porous stones which is a critical part of the process. A loading weight made of stainless steel is used to for pressure to the soil specimen and a digital dial indicator is required to record the height of the specimen and get the maximum swell. The unit is compact and self-contained making it easy to use and transport.

Device Construction and Materials

The Expansion Index Consolidometer is made of high quality materials including anodized aluminum and stainless steel. The anodized aluminum base and collar is a durable and corrosion resistant frame for the device, the stainless steel specimen ring and loading weight gives accurate and reliable results. The air-dried porous stones and distilled water adds to the device’s precision and accuracy. The device is robust and long lasting with compact and self-contained design making it easy to use and transport.

Applications

The Expansion Index Consolidometer has many applications in geotechnical engineering especially in design and construction of buildings, roads and other infrastructure projects. The device gives information on the swelling potential of compacted soils so engineers can predict and mitigate potential problems. The results of the test can be used to get the expansion index of the soil which can be compared to existing standards and guidelines. By interpreting, of the test engineers can make informed decisions on soil selection, design and construction so the project is safe and secure. This is a must have tool in soil to get accurate and reliable results to create effective and efficient solutions.