IPC UCTS HRM 1v2

IPC Global®
Universal Cyclic Tri-axial System

0002-2620 Technical Reference
Version: 1V2 Issue date: May 22, 2014
© IPC Global 2010
© IPC Global Universal Cyclic Tri-axial System
ABN 92 168 265 156 - Technical Reference
Document History
Table 1 – Document History
Date Revision Description of Revision Author
18/2/2011 1d0 Adaptation from F. Evans Notes C. Sinadinos
9/3/2011 1d1 Minor spelling corrections and screen shot update S. Brede
4/7/2012 1d2 Additional photos and section updates S. King
22/5/2014 1V2 Company Details Updated S. Brede
© Copyright
This document is protected by copyright and the information contained herein is confidential. The
document may not be copied and the information herein may not be disclosed except by written
permission of and in a manner permitted by the proprietors of IPC Global Pty Ltd.
2620-TRM 1V2 Page i

Created using IPC Tech Reference Template 1V1 Printed 22/05/2014
Table of Contents
Contents
1 INTRODUCTION. .......................................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Scope. ...........................................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Document Overview. ...................................................................................................................................1
1.3 Assumptions.................................................................................................................................................1
1.4 Recommendations. ......................................................................................................................................1
1.5 Referenced Documents. ..............................................................................................................................1
1.6 Document Location .....................................................................................................................................1
2 WARNINGS. ...............................................................................................................................................................2
3 THE CYCLIC TRIAXIAL SYSTEM COMPONENTS ............................................................................................3
3.1 0002-2620 UTM-9P Basic System Assembly ...............................................................................................3
3.2 0002-2056 IMACS data acquisition and controls system ..........................................................................3
3.3 0002-2084 Auxiliary air receiver..................................................................................................................3
3.4 Transducers ..................................................................................................................................................3
3.5 Water distribution panel .............................................................................................................................3
3.6 Air water interface........................................................................................................................................3
4 THE BASE SYSTEM .................................................................................................................................................4
4.1 Triaxial Load frame......................................................................................................................................4
4.2 Pneumatic actuator ......................................................................................................................................4
4.3 Integrated Multi-Axis Control System (IMACS) ........................................................................................4
4.4 Auxiliary Air Reservoir ................................................................................................................................4
5 TRIAXIAL CELL & ACCESSORIES .......................................................................................................................5
5.1 Triaxial Cell..................................................................................................................................................5
5.2 Transducers ..................................................................................................................................................5
6 THE PRESSURE SYSTEM ......................................................................................................................................6
6.1 Air water interface(s). ...................................................................................................................................6
6.2 Water distribution panel .............................................................................................................................6
7 CONNECTING ACTUATOR TO AIR SUPPLY.....................................................................................................7
8 CELL, BACK AND PORE PRESSURE TRANSDUCERS..................................................................................8
8.1 Location .......................................................................................................................................................8
8.2 Cell Port Allocations....................................................................................................................................8
9 LOAD AND DISPLACEMENT TRANSDUCERS .................................................................................................9
10 CONNECTING THE IMACS TO THE CELL AND FRAME...............................................................................10
11 TRIAXIAL CELL .......................................................................................................................................................11
12 FILLING THE DE-AIRED SYSTEM WITH WATER............................................................................................13
13 TO FILL THE AIR WATER INTERFACES...........................................................................................................13
14 VOLUME CHANGE / BACK PRESSURE ASSEMBLY ....................................................................................14
14.1 Filling and Bleeding of Volume Change / Back Pressure Assembly .......................................................14
15 SETTING UP FOR A TEST ....................................................................................................................................16
15.1 Platen selection ..........................................................................................................................................16
15.2 Filling the pore water lines and De-airing of Pore pressure transducer ...................................................16
16 SOFTWARE..............................................................................................................................................................18
16.1 Checking system control............................................................................................................................19
2620-TRM 1V2 Page ii

17 16 AIR SYSTEM .......................................................................................................................................................20

17.1 Adjusting System Pressure and switching on. ...........................................................................................20
18 RUNNING A TEST USING A DUMMY SAMPLE................................................................................................21
18.1 Test basics...................................................................................................................................................22
18.2 Saturation ...................................................................................................................................................23
18.3 Consolidation ............................................................................................................................................26
18.4 System Tuning ...........................................................................................................................................28
19 RUNNING A TEST ...................................................................................................................................................29
19.1 Initial System Checks.................................................................................................................................29
19.2 Checking for Leaks ....................................................................................................................................29
19.3 Air/Water Interface Bladder .....................................................................................................................29
19.4 Pore Ports ...................................................................................................................................................29
19.5 Volume Change Assembly.........................................................................................................................29
19.6 Prepare Porous Stones ...............................................................................................................................29
19.7 Zero Transducer Levels ..............................................................................................................................30
19.8 Sample Preparation....................................................................................................................................30
19.9 Cell Assembly .............................................................................................................................................30
19.10 Filling the Cell with Water ........................................................................................................................30
19.11 Final valve check. Water distribution panel .............................................................................................31
19.12 Select New and enter tests data and consolidation type ..........................................................................31
19.13 Ko Consolidation ......................................................................................................................................32
19.14 Stress Path ..................................................................................................................................................33
19.15 Monotonic Shear .......................................................................................................................................35
19.16 Cyclic Shear................................................................................................................................................36
20 MAINTENANCE. ......................................................................................................................................................39
20.1 Daily. ..........................................................................................................................................................39
20.2 Weekly ........................................................................................................................................................39
20.3 Monthly ......................................................................................................................................................39
20.4 Yearly. .........................................................................................................................................................39
APPENDIX A ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS.........................................................................................40
APPENDIX B TROUBLESHOOTING. ..................................................................................................................40
List of Figures
List of Tables
Table 1 – Document History...................................................................................................................... i
Table 2 Referenced Documents. ............................................................................................................... 1
Table 3 Acronyms and Abbreviations ..................................................................................................... 40
Table 4 Troubleshooting ......................................................................................................................... 40
2620-TRM 1V2 Page iii

1 INTRODUCTION.
1.1 Scope.
This document is the Hardware Reference for the IPC Global Universal Cyclic Tri-axial
System.
1.2 Document
Document Overview.
This document contains the necessary information for the person(s) operating the
Universal Cyclic Tri-axial System to successfully setup the hardware and in conjunction
with the IPC Global Software Manuals (referenced below) operate the machine.
1.3 Assumptions.
The operator should have an understanding of the potential hazards associated with the
IPC Global apparatus as mentioned in 2 below.
It is also assumed the operator has a general working knowledge of materials testing
methodologies as applied to this apparatus (not included in this document).
1.4 Recommendations.
It is recommended the user thoroughly familiarise themselves with the UTS012 test
software prior to using the system.
1.5 Referenced Documents.
Other documents referred to within this document.
Table 2 Referenced Documents.
Document No. Document Title
UTS Soft.pdf UTS General Software Reference
UTS012.pdf UTS012 Test Software referemce
1.6 Document Location

This document is created from:
R:\Source\Manuals\UTS\UTM-9P Cyclic Triaxial System\2620-UTC-HRM-1V2.docm

Where R:=Controlled\Engineering
2620-TRM 1V2 Page 1

2 WARNINGS.
WARNINGS.
IPC Global testing apparatus are powered by mains voltages from 110-240VAC
depending on the model. No covers or panels should be removed as live terminals may
! be exposed.
If any cover is removed whilst mains power is connected any exposed terminals should
be considered live regardless of the status of the power switch.
IPC Global apparatus also operate on pneumatic pressures up to1000kPa (150 psi) and
can crush a trapped body part.
Where a confining cell (e.g. Triaxial Cell) is part of the apparatus particular care must be
paid to checking the integrity of the cell walls as due to the confining pressures utilised
there is the risk of a damaged cell exploding. Any cracks or severe scratches should be
inspected and the affected piece replaced or repaired before continued use.
Care should be taken to ensure no body parts are placed within the reaction frame such
that the part might be pinched by movement of the actuator.
Where an environmental chamber is supplied with the apparatus appropriate protective

clothing (insulated gloves, dust coats, etc) should be worn to protect the operator from
sub zero (as low as -50°C) to very high (up to 160°C) temperatures.
2620-TRM 1V2 Page 2

3 THE CYCLIC TRIAXIAL SYSTEM COMPONENTS

The Cyclic Triaxial system components comprise of the following items:
3.1 0002-
0002-2620 UTM- UTM-9P Basic
Basic System Assembly
Actuator. The ±9kN double acting pneumatic actuator mounted to a load frame crosshead.
3.2 0002-
0002-2056 IMACS data acquisition and controls system
The Control and Acquisition System to interface between the System hardware and the
PC-based control program.
3.3 0002-
0002-2084 Auxiliary air receiver
The receiver contains a regulator for setting maximum pressure, a reservoir to smooth out
any variations in the air supply pressure, two moisture traps to prevent moisture entering
the servo valves, two pneumatic servo valves for confining and back pressure generation. It
supplies air for all pneumatic functions.
3.4 Transducers
ransducers
3.4.1 Submersible Load Cell
• Mounted in the Triaxial cell
A selection of submersible load cells is available ranging from ±5kN to ±25kN
These are connected to the actuator via a ball coupling to eliminate shaft misalignment
problems.
3.4.2 Actuator Displacement.
±25mm mounted in actuator
3.4.3 Volume change transducer
±100ml attached to the Volume change assembly.
3.4.4 Cell pressure transducer
Mounted on the Air/Water interface.
3.4.5 Back pressure transducer
Mounted on the Volume change assembly
3.4.6 Pore water pressure transducer
Connected to the Pore Drain connection of the cell via a quick-fit Tee-piece.
3.5 Water distribution panel
This panel controls all water flow into the cell, air/water interface, back and volume change
assembly (back supply).
3.6 Air water interface

interface
These provide the interface between the compressed air supply and the water in the pressure lines.
Two different interfaces are included in the system.
2620-TRM 1V2 Page 3

4 THE BASE
BASE SYSTEM
4.1 Triaxial Load frame.

frame.
The load frame is supplied with the pneumatic actuator fitted to its crosshead which can be
manually adjusted in height. The actuator piston passes through the crosshead and is fitted
with a special alignment adaptor that couples the load cell loading shaft to the Triaxial cell
shaft and provides axial and angular alignment of the two shafts.
An extension piece can be fitted to the front of the loading frame to allow sample
preparation and placement of the Triaxial cell to its base, then easily positioned under the
crosshead and attached to the coupling.
4.2 Pneumatic actuator

Mounted on the Triaxial load frame crosshead. The actuator includes a displacement
transducer mechanically coupled to the actuator shaft. The shaft connects to the Triaxial
cell ram which is fitted with a submersible load cell. Closely coupled to the actuator, is an
electrically controlled pneumatic servo valve. With feedback from the displacement and
load transducers the actuator can be controlled in force and displacement modes.
4.3 Integrated Multi-

Multi-Axis Control System (IMACS)
The Integrated Multi-Axis Control System (IMACS) is linked to a personal computer
through a standard USB communications link. All control, communication and
transducer cables terminate in connectors located on the front panel of the IMACS
The IMACS is typically configured with three axis control and 15 acquisition channels.
The IMACS controls the load, displacement (Axis1), confining (Axis2) and back (Axis3)
pressure. The air pressure is normally controllable over the range 0 - 1000kPa.
The standard system monitors the volume change and pore pressure but there is also
facility to attached 2 axial and 1 radial transducers onto the specimen along with a mid-
height pore pressure transducer.
The SOL OUT connector(s) supply a computer controlled 12 volt DC signal to the back
pressure and volume change re-charge solenoid valves during Triaxial tests.
The IMACS directly controls the servo valves to apply the requested loading rate,
waveform or pressure. The IMACS captures data from the transducers and transfers these,
via an RS232 serial or USB link, to the PC for processing, display and storage.
4.4 Auxiliary Air Reservoir

The air receiver maintains a ready supply of pressurised air close to the operating system. It
houses the water trap, mist separator and the servo valves for controlling cell and back
pressure
2620-TRM 1V2 Page 4

5 TRIAXIAL CELL & ACCESSORIES

ACCESSORIES
5.1 Triaxial Cell
The clear acrylic chamber has a working pressure of 150 psi (1,000 kPa) and is tested to 250 psi
(1,700 kPa). The design features a solid base, which provides an extremely stable test platform
making it faster and easier to centre the cell on the load frame — reducing setup times. Easy access
to the test chamber is provided by utilizing a one-piece, chamber unit that is quickly removed
through the removal of three easy-turn knobs. The cell has five no-volume-change valves aligned
on one side for maximum convenience. Two valves handle top drainage, two valves handle bottom
drainage, and one valve handles filling and drainage, as well as providing confining pressure to the
cell. The removable base pedestal accommodates the various sample diameters. The cell top and
base are precision machined from 6061 T6 anodised aluminium. A hardened stainless steel Teflon
impregnated piston runs inside a two linear bearing and utilizes low friction U-Cap seals.
The accessories include a vacuum top cap that gives a rigid connection between the sample and
the submersible load cell. The other accessories include base pedestal(s), membranes, O rings,
membrane and O ring stretchers, porous discs and two part split mould.
A former is required for constructing no-cohesive samples on the Triaxial base pedestal.
5.2 Transducers
5.2.1 Submersible load cell.

A submersible load cell is not essential but highly recommended as part of the cyclic
system. It only measures the load applied to the sample and is unaffected by confining
pressure changes
5.2.2 Volume change apparatus.
Placed in the back pressure line close to the Triaxial cell, the apparatus has two
solenoid valves (back pressure and re-charge) and back pressure transducer. It also
doubles as an air/water interface for the back pressure.
5.2.3 Displacement Transducer.
This is built into the actuator and has a measurement range of 50mm
5.2.4 Pore water pressure transducer.
Comes complete with de-airing block and connections to fit onto the Triaxial cell
5.2.5 Back and cell pressure transducers.
These are used to measure and control back and cell pressure.
2620-TRM 1V2 Page 5

6 THE PRESSURE SYSTEM

6.1 Air water interface(s).
interface(s).
These provide the interface between the compressed air supply and the water in the
pressure lines. Two different interfaces are included in the system.
6.1.1 The Air/Water interface
For Confining pressure application. This interface is simply a bladder to prevent water
from entering the Confining Pressure Control Servo.
6.1.2 The Volume change Assembly.
This interface as well as preventing water from entering the Back Pressure Control Servo
has additional valves to control Back pressure supply and recharge. It also contains a
transducer to measure the volume of water that is fed to the Back Pressure Port of the cell.
6.2 Water distribution panel
panel
Receives de-aired water to be directed to the cell and back pressure air water interfaces and
the Triaxial cell. The panel has been designed to accommodate various systems that may or
may not have Automatic recharge or other functions incorporated in the system hardware
The Water Panel connections for this system are as follows.
De-Aired
Water In
Confining
Supply
To To To To Back To Pore
Air/Water Confining Recharge Pressure Pressure
Interface Cell Port 3 Supply on Supply. Supply
Volume Cell Cell
Change Port 1 Port 2
2620-TRM 1V2 Page 6

7 CONNECTING ACTUATOR TO AIR SUPPLY

SUPPLY
The actuator and auxiliary air receiver are connected by a 12mm diameter tube which is
connected by quick release couplings
From
Compressed
Air Source
2620-TRM 1V2 Page 7

8 CELL, BACK AND PORE PRESSURE TRANSDUCERS

8.1 Location
The Backpressure Transducer is located on the Volume Change Assembly, the Confining
Pressure Transducer is located on the Air/Water Interface assembly and the Pore Pressure
Transducer on the Pore Drain port on a tee-piece (2nd from the right of the cell base).
When positioning the Triaxial cell on the load frame pedestal keep the five valves to the
front as this makes it easier when putting the cell base into the Triaxial load frame.
8.2 Cell Port Allocations
The five ports across the cell base are configured Left to Right as follows.
Connection Connects to
Back Pressure The back pressure line connects to the back of the volume change
transducer
Pore Pressure Connects to the Pore Supply port of the Water Panel
Confining Pressure Connects to the Confining Cell Port of the Water Panel
Pore Drain Connects to the Pore Pressure Transducer and Specimen Vacuum
Generator
Back Drain Connects to a drain bucket.
2620-TRM 1V2 Page 8

9 LOAD AND DISPLACEMENT

DISPLACEMENT TRANSDUCERS
The submersible load cell is

supplied fitted into the
Triaxial cell.
The displacement transducer is fitted

to the actuator shaft and is an integral
part of the actuator assembly.
2620-TRM 1V2 Page 9

10 CONNECTING THE IMACS TO THE CELL AND FRAME

FRAME
The IMACS front panel contains two I/O modules shown below.
The left most is a Dual Axis module containing Axis 1 & 2.
The module to its right is a Control Acquisition Module containing Axis 3 and Group 1
inputs.
The modules have markings to show how each axis’ connections are grouped.
Connections to the Cell and other components from the I/O modules are shown in the
table below.
The IMACS must be switch off before connecting or disconnecting any cables. Failure
to do so may result in uncontrolled actuator or pressure fluctuations that can cause
injury or damage to the equipment or specimens.
Axis 1
Ctrl A Actuator displacement
Ctrl B Load cell
Ctrl C & D Spare acquisition channel
Servo Output Displacement servo valve
Axis 2
Ctrl A Confining pressure
Ctrl B Pore pressure
Ctrl C Mid Height pore pressure
(if fitted)
Ctrl D Spare channel
Servo output Confining pressure servo valve
X Recharge Solenoid Valve
Axis 3
Ctrl A Back pressure
Ctrl B Volume Change
Ctrl C&D Spare channels
Servo output Back pressure servo valve
Group 1
A External LVDT (if fitted)
B,C&D On-Specimens (if fitted)
X Back pressure Solenoid Valve
Axis 1 Axis 2 Axis 3 Group 1
2620-TRM 1V2 Page 10

11 TRIAXIAL CELL
The pictures below details the main components of the cell assembly.
Not shown are the two pore supply and drain connections and the bottom vacuum platen.
These are essentially a mirror image of the top vacuum platen and back supply and drain
connections.
Ram coupling
Air bleed
Triaxial cell
Valve for vacuum top cap
Load cell
Top half of suction top
Back Supply
Back Drain
Back Supply valve Back Drain valve

Pore Drain valve
Pore Supply Confining supply valve

Connects to the
vacuum connection
on cell top
Back pressure drainage

Suction top cap lead

12 FILLING THE DE-

DE-AIRED SYSTEM WITH WATER
WATER
Now you should have all the transducer cables, air and water tubing connected. The next
step is to fill the system with water.
First set up the vacuum pump following the instructions in the manual.
On the valve panel the only valves that should be open are the vacuum and water supply.
Now water is entering the de-aired water tank while the vacuum is being applied. Fill the
tank to about two thirds full then close the water supply valve. Leave the vacuum running
for about fifteen minutes to de-air the water.
When the water is de-aired close the water supply valve. Close the vacuum valve and turn
off the vacuum pump.
Check that all valves on all panels are in the closed position.
13 TO FILL THE AIR WATER

WATER INTERFACES
Open the vacuum release valve and the de-aired water supply valve. This will allow water to
flow from the de-aired water tank to the water distribution panel.
Water from de-aired water tank

Cell Pressure
Open valves on the water
distribution panel to allow water to
enter the air water interface. Open
the bleed valve on the air water
interface and water will fill the
chamber. When water escapes
from the bleed valve shake the
interface to remove any trapped air
under the top plate. Close the air
bleed valve and close the valve on
the distribution panel.

14 VOLUME CHANGE / BACK PRESSURE ASSEMBLY

ASSEMBLY
The Volume Change / Back Pressure apparatus has an operating capacity of approximately
200ml with a linear displacement transducer converting the linear movement of the piston
into an analogue output which the IMACS and UTS software interprets as millilitres.
There are two solenoid valves attached to the Volume Change Assembly. The left most
Valve is the Recharge Valve and the rightmost is the Back Pressure Valve. There is also a
manual supply port (located after the recharge solenoid) and drain tap (located on top of
the device) for initial filling and removal of air from the water side of the volume change /
back pressure assembly.
Recharge From Water Panel

Volume Change
Solenoid Back Supply
Transducer Back Pressure
Solenoid
From Water Panel

Recharge Supply
To Cell Back
Pressure Port
Back Pressure
To Back Pressure Transducer
Servo Valve
14.1 Filling and Bleeding of Volume Change / Back Pressure Assembly

This process requires the UTS012 application software to be running with the transducer
levels screen active. Ensure both the back pressure solenoid and recharge solenoid are
closed. When closed the red LED indicators will be off.

With the de-aired water supply open and all valves on the water distribution panel closed.
Open the air bleed tap on top of the assembly and ensure the drain hose is placed in a
bucket or container to capture the extracted water.
Open the Back Supply valve on the Water Distribution Panel to allow water to enter the
volume change / back pressure chamber. The water will enter on the left hand side as you
look at the assembly.
When a continuous stream of water flows out and no air bubble are visible then close the
tap.
Open the air supply, activate the Virtual Pendant, select Axis 3 and apply 5kPa back
pressure.
To complete the bleeding the UTS012 software must be started, a Levels screen opened
and the OPEN toolbar button clicked so the back pressure solenoid operates (see section
15). Remove the tubing at the cell Back Pressure port and hold over a suitable container to
capture any water.
Reconnect when the tube is full of water.
On the PC click CLOSE to shut off the Back Pressure Supply to the Cell.
At the end of the operation the bar protruding from the side of the assembly should be
near the bottom of its stroke. This allows the maximum amount of water to be initially
available for Back Pressure Supply to the specimen.
After removing the air, it is advisable to leave the apparatus overnight, or for at least eight
hours, with an internal pressure of approximately 700 kPa. This will allow any remaining
trapped air to be absorbed into the solution. After this period, the apparatus should be
carefully flushed out using new de-aired water, and thus displacing the aerated water. It
may be necessary to repeat this procedure once more, if any signs of air pockets occur
during the first two days of operation.

15 SETTING UP FOR A TEST

Prior to setting up for a new test make sure the base of the loading frame, Triaxial cell base
and loading platens are clean and free from any dirt, clay or sand particles.
15.1 Platen selection
If a different Platen size is required then remove the existing platen using the Triaxial cell
base onto the extension shelf and attach all supply and drain hoses to
15.2 Filling the pore water lines and De- De-airing of Pore pressure transducer
Place the Triaxial cell base onto the extension shelf and attach all supply and drain hoses to
their respective ports.
On the 2 way Water Distribution Panel open the following taps.
• De-Aired water supply
• Specimen supply
• Pore water supply
Connect the pore water de-airing block to the pore drain port and open the following taps.
• Cell base confining cell supply/drain

• Cell base pore drain
• Pore pressure de-airing block
Partially open the pore pressure water supply tap (as shown above) to allow water to flow
up through the left hole of the base platen. Water will slowly move across the top of the
platen and flow into the right hole and down the pore drain line. The confining cell
supply/drain line is opened to allow water to drain out and to prevent any overflow onto
the work bench.

Keeping an eye on the drain line and de-airing block, air bubbles should be seen pushing
through.
Once a steady stream of water is evident then close the black ball tap on the right side of
the de-airing block and open the screw tap on the side.
Rotate the de-airing block so that the pore pressure transducer is facing downwards and
remove any air trapped in the transducer cavity.
Once complete close the screw tap and the pore water pressure supply tap on the base of
the tri-axial cell.

16 SOFTWARE
Install the software as described in the software manual.
The communication with the IMACS should be USB, This can be setup via the File-
System Setup main menu item. Once communications has been established the
transducers need to be allocated (as shown in Section 10) and the provided calibration files
will need to be loaded and save into a template file.
Secondly the Hardware options need to be configured. This can be done via the Options –
Hardware Options main menu item.
Once the software has been configured for the system click the New button followed by
clicking on the Levels button to activate the transducer levels screen.
If you have all transducers and cables correctly positioned you should see all the transducer
signals in colour on the levels screen.

Click on new test and click on the virtual pendant
You can see that the virtual pendant has an active and disabled appearance. The disabled
appears when a test is running to prevent accidental changes made during the test.
16.1 Checking system control

16.1.1 Actuator Control
With AXIS 1 selected. Clicking on the up or down buttons will make the actuator move up
or down. Clicking the FAST button will cause this button to be yellow and will move the
actuator up and down at a faster pace.
16.1.2 Confining and Back Pressure

Caution: - to prevent accidental damage to the air/water interface it is essential that the
confining system is bled and the confining pressure input valve on the cell base is closed.
Failure to do this will cause the air/water bladder to overinflate and rupture.
For the cell and back pressure make sure that the valves on the triaxial cell are closed.
When we check the cell and back pressure system we will pressurise up to the valves.
Click to AXIS 2 cell pressure and by activation the up and down buttons to raise the lower
the cell pressure.
Repeat this for the back pressure AXIS 3
You are now ready to run a test. Before running a test on a real sample it is advisable to
familiar yourselves with the operation oft the software and the performance off the system.
This will allow you to conduct many tests without having to prepare anew sample every
time.

17 AIR SYSTEM
Note:- Before applying Air pressure to the system the IMACS should be switched ON.
Failure to do this can result in uncontrolled actuator movement or pressure being applied
to the system.
17.1 Adjusting
Adjusting System Pressure and switching on.
With all the valves on the auxiliary air receiver and the controls valves closed start up the
compressor and open the valve to the auxiliary air receiver. Adjust the input regulator until
the desired working pressure is indicated on the regulator pressure gauge. This should be
up to 800kPa depending on your test requirements. A pressure of 750 – 800kPa should be
available.

18 RUNNING A TEST USING A DUMMY SAMPLE

We can run a test using a dummy sample while keeping the valves to the Triaxial cell
closed. This will allow us to run many test to become familiar with the software.
Set up the dummy sample in the same way as with a real sample on the Triaxial cell
pedestal
Base of load cell
Suction plate
Suction ring
Top Cap
O ring
Membrane
Dummy sample
O ring
Base Pedestal
Assemble the triaxial cell as normal as if the sample was set up on the pedestal .
This is the time when the load frame may need to be adjusted to the corrected usable
height.
When the triaxial cell is in position the actuator ram can be lowered using the virtual
pendant.
The picture below shows the arrangement between the actuator piston and the triaxial cell
ram

The alignment between the actuator ram and the triaxial cell ram is critical to the ability to
produce good waveshapes applied to the sample.
Because of the difficulty of maintaining perfect angular alignment between the actuator
and cell shafts a ball coupling is included
18.1 Test basics.

By utilising vacuum attached platens the sample is able to have bi-polar waveshapes applied
thus removing the need to apply a large seating load to the specimen.
• Open the virtual pendant and levels screen
• On the Levels screen zero the load channel (Offsets\Set zero offset\A1B:Axial Force)
• Move the actuator down until you just touch the sample. As contact is made you will
see the load change on the levels screen.
• Set control to Force Control (Control\Set Jog Input\A1B:Axial Force)
• Move the curser to the load bar on the levels screen, right click and zero the load cell.
Check that the valves are open so that the cell pressure and back pressure can be applied
up to the closed valves on the triaxial cell.
Select New test and enter test conditions.

Click on start and you will see the drop down box. The consolidation is greyed out because
you have to saturate before consolidation. Click on saturation to move to the saturation set
up page. You will be prompted to save the
data, select a file name and save
18.2 Saturation
This is the saturation page where you can select methods of saturation. Select manual
pressure increments.

Enter the pressures to be applied to the specimen during saturation

Differential pressure is the difference between the cell pressure and the back pressure.
Pressure increment is the increase of cell pressure and back pressure at each stage.
Increment timer is the time the system achieves this pressure increment.
18.2.1 Initial conditions.

This is where the initial pressure and load conditions are entered. If there is a seating load
on the sample this should be entered. When an unbound sample has been set up there will
be a cell pressure of up to 20kPa this should be entered into the cell pressure box. This is
very important when setting up a non cohesive sample. When you initialise the system
before starting the saturation stage the system will initialise to the values in the initial
condition box. If these values are set to zero the system will set pressure to zero and the
small confining pressure which is supporting the specimen will be lost and the specimen
could fail before the test is started.
When the initialise button is selected the following screen will come up
All the boxes will now be filled with live readings.

After a few seconds for the system to initialise the pressures the increment button will
become live. Click this button and the first increment; the cell pressure will start.
Wait until the pore water pressure has stabilised and the click the increment button and
then the back pressure increment on the drop down. When the back pressure has achieved

the required value click the open button. This will open the back pressure solenoid valve
and allow water to enter the sample, the volume change will be seen on the live graph
when the volume change has become stable close the valve, select increment and cell
pressure. The cell pressure will increase to the next required value and the pore pressure
coefficient B will be displaced. Repeat this procedure until the required B value is
achieved.
This procedure follows the saturation stage in BS1377 part 8. A copy of this will explain
the saturation in detail.
Because the pressure is only being applied up to the valve on the triaxial cell the saturation
can be repeated as many times as required.
18.2.2 Automatic Pressure Increment Saturation Mode
The automatic pressure increments method can only be performed on a real sample
because it requires the values of pore water and volume change transducers to activate
changes from one stage to next.
18.2.3 Continuous Saturation Mode

This can be used; in this stage the target back pressure is entered with differential and a
target time to reach this value. This can be set to a couple of minutes but with a real
sample it would be set to several hundred minutes
18.2.4 B value checker.

In this box you enter a value to increase the cell pressure so the B value can be calculated.
When the required back pressure is reached the “B value check” button can be clicked, the
cell pressure will increase by 50kPa and the B value displayed. If the required B value has
not been reached the stage can be repeated with the final pressure values entered as the
initial values.

Continuous saturation data page
18.3 Consolidation

A drop down box shows the options available for consolidation. Select Isotropic and enter
a cell pressure and time to reach that pressure.
Note: For K0 consolidation modes additional transducers are required.
18.3.1 Starting Consolidation.

Click Start then select Consolidation from the sub-menu list. Enter consolidation setup
parameters, then select the Initialize button to apply the target confining cell pressure over
the time interval that has been selected.
Once the target confining cell pressure has been reached and has stabilised then press the
Start button to begin the consolidation stage.

After consolidation select the Cyclic shear setup parameters tab and the following page will
appear.
Enter data as shown and click the Start button followed by the Cyclic Shear sub-menu item
and the system will perform the cyclic stage as described in the set up page.
18.4 System Tuning

The system has been tuned and calibrated in the factory. But this is an opportunity to play
with the tuning for waveshapes
By adjusting the Proportional and Integral gains the measured load can be adjusted to
equal the requested load and a correct wave shape obtained.
Tests can be done using the dummy sample to cover all the variations offered in the
software before starting tests for real

19 RUNNING A TEST
19.1 Initial System Checks

Before running a test for the first time checks should be made to ensure the system is ready
for testing.
19.2 Checking for Leaks

The system should be pressurised to check for leaks.
Special attention should be paid to:
The vacuum line between top cap and triaxial cell top.
The back pressure line between sample and volume change
Pore water pressure transducer
19.3 Air/Water Interface Bladder

Make sure that the air water interface bladder is almost flat. There are two reasons for this.
To ensure that there is sufficient water in the interface to allow for cell expansion.
If the bladders become stretched a differential pressure can be generated across the bladder
due to elastic inertia of the rubber.
19.4 Pore Ports

Check that the pore water ports are de-aired. Fill a wash bottle with de-aired water and
pour it into the ports on the pedestal open each valve in turn and let water run out then
close the valve. The two pore water lines should now be filled with water.
19.5 Volume Change Assembly

From the levels screen open the back pressure solenoid valve. Set the volume change to
measure volume change and from the de-aired water supply allow water to flow through
the back pressure system. When the back pressure line through to the top cap is filled with
water you can position the volume change ready for the test usually near the bottom. Close
the de-aired water supply. Place the top cap in a small bowl of de-aired water to prevent air
entering the system.
19.6 Prepare Porous Stones

Place the porous stone in a bowl of water and boil for ten minutes to de-air the porous
stones, leave to cool in the water.

19.7 Zero Transducer Levels

With the levels screen open zero the pressure transducers.
Open the cell pressure valve on the triaxial cell and the two bottom valves on the pressure
indicating panel this will apply atmospheric pressure to the cell pressure transducer. Zero
the cell pressure by moving the curser over the cell pressure bar on the levels screen and
right click. Set zero and close the valves
Repeat this for the back pressure transducer with the volume change set to volume change.
Open the pore water pressure valve and set the pore water pressure to zero
19.8 Sample Preparation.

Prepare and set up sample in your normal manner.
The following BS standards are good references for this
For sample preparation BS1377 part 1
For setting up sample BS1377 part 8
19.9 Cell Assembly

Place the triaxial cell top onto the base. Use the ram clamp to support the ram so that
when the cell top is place the ram does not make contact with the sample. Tighten the cell
top clamping screws
Move the ram down towards the sample until it just touches the rubber suction ring.
Clamp in this position Zero the load cell reading by right clicking and set zero
Bring the actuator down to make contact with the triaxial cell ram and clamp together with
the knurled nut. The actuator should be at about mid travel or just above. On the Levels
screen right click on the actuator Displacement bar and set zero offset.
Free the triaxial ram clamp and slowly bring the actuator down using the virtual pendant
to make contact with the sample. Keeping the reading at zero using the virtual pendant
When contact is made, apply a vacuum to the top cap. This is done by opening the air
supply to the platen vacuum generator.
19.10 Filling the Cell with Water
Fill the triaxial cell with water, when water escapes from the air bleed close the cell valve to
stop water entering. Do not closed the bleed valve first as this will trap the supply pressure
in the triaxial cell.

The system and sample are ready to test.
19.11 Final valve check. Water distribution panel
Closed
Open
All valves in air lines should be open

Cell pressure valve on the triaxial cell open
Back pressure valve on the triaxial cell open but the solenoid valve closed
Pore pressure valve to the triaxial cell open
Volume change set to volume change.
19.12 Select New and enter tests data and consolidation type
Click start and select Saturation

Select the saturation method you wish to use.

19.12.1 Manual Pressure Increments
For the first tests on a new material use the manual pressure increments. It provides better
control of the saturation process. This method is described in BS1377 Pt 8
19.12.2 Automatic Pressure Increments
Follows the same method as above and then moves to the next pressure increment on
feedback from the pore water pressure transducer.
19.12.3 Automatic Saturation
If you know the stress levels that saturation occurs and the time taken this method is less
time consuming.
When saturation is complete close window and click start and select Consolidation
One of these consolidation methods would have
been selected in the initial set up page
19.12.4 Isotropic
Enter target cell pressure and time to reach target
cell pressure as shown
19.12.5 Anisotropic
The anisotropic consolidation stage allows for up
to five stages to be performed too reach the final
consolidation stress.
Enter the number of stages required and the final

stress conditions for each stage
Enter hold time to allow stress in the sample to
equalise.
19.13 Ko Consolidation

19.13.1 Radial Control Method

Enter rate of stress increase and test termination
value in radial stress and axial strain
19.13.2 Axial control method

Enter rate of strain in %/min. and test
termination limits deviator stress, axial stress and
axial strain.
Radial stress adjustment is in four bands a small

diameter change has a small radial pressure
change. If the diameter change is faster the radial
stress increase is larger. The values shown have
been chosen from test experience
The last two Ko conditions are for effective stress

and follow the same procedure as before but in
terms of effectives stress
After consolidation has been completed select the

next stage that you required
If the next stage is stress path click stress path

19.14 Stress Path
the drop down box will give you six options for
stress path tests.
Click the option requied and enter test control

data. The stage be repeated so tht the final
stress condition is not achieved in one stage
19.14.1 Stress Path Types

The following shows examples of the different stress path types with test data entered
Stress path graphs.

19.15 Monotonic Shear

If constant rate of strain shear is selected
You can choose from three options
The BS and ASTM follow the relevant

standards
The non-standard gives a few options for
the test. Examples are shown below

Test page for monotonic shear
19.16 Cyclic Shear
This cyclic shear stage offers many cyclic options

ASTM tests and non-standard tests

19.16.1 Selection of Control modes
19.16.2 Selection of wave shapes
The Playback function will be covered later.

When the test has been completed. Click unload and the stresses will reduce to zero.

20 MAINTENANCE.
20.1 Daily.
Daily.
20.1.1 Frame.
The frame and surrounding area should be cleaned of specimen residue and fluid spills at
the end of each day
20.1.2 IMACS.
If the IMACS has had fluid spilled on it immediately switch off and disconnect the power
lead from the wall outlet. If necessary unscrew each module and withdraw and using low
pressure compressed air blow away any moisture evident on the circuit boards.
The Power Supply Module (rightmost position) should have the side covers removed and
any moisture should be blown off with low pressure air. Leave the modules in a warm, dry
area to dry out before re-fitting.
20.1.3 Cell.
Check the cell acrylic for any signs of damage (scratches or crazing). Any scratches should
be removed using a very mild abrasive (e.g. Brasso) on a rag rubbed over the area. Do Not
use solvents to clean the acrylic as the surface will craze. Use only soapy water to clean the
acrylic.
Check all o-rings for wear and damage. Replace as necessary
20.1.4 Air Reservoir.
Check the moisture traps for signs of moisture and empty of any fluid trapped. If fluid is
evident the compressed air supply should be checked for moisture as well.
20.2 Weekly
The weekly checks consist of the daily checks listed above plus checking the reaction frame
for leaks and evidence of corrosion on plated metal surfaces. Wipe corroded areas with a
rag sprayed with WD-40 or equivalent water dispersant.
20.3 Monthly
Monthly checks are the same as weekly.
20.4 Yearly.
Yearly checks are the same as monthly.
20.4.1

APPENDIX A Acronyms and Abbreviations

Table 3 Acronyms and Abbreviations
Acronym Definition
CDAS Control and Data General term for IPC Global Control systems
Acquisition System.
IMACS Integrated Multi Axis Second Generation IPC Global CDAS.
Control System.
PID Proportional, Integral and Parameters used to optimise the response of a feedback
Derivative Gain. controlled servo system.
USB Universal Serial Bus. PC to peripheral communication system.
UTS Universal Testing Software. Generic name for IPC Global testing software for IMACS
based systems.
UTM Universal Testing Machine. Generic name for IPC Global testing machines.
APPENDIX B Troubleshooting.
Table 4 Troubleshooting
Symptom Possible Cause Fix
No control Power switched Off Switch On IMACS Power switch(es).
IMACS fuse(s) blown Replace fuse(s)
PC Communications errors File\System setup\Comms\re-open cdas port
Air Supply OFF Switch on Air supply
For more troubleshooting assistance please contact your IPC Global Agent or
IPC Global Technical Support Directly
Email techsupport@ipcglobal.com.au
Phone: +613 9800 2200
- END -


IPC UCTS HRM 1v2

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IPC Global®

Universal Cyclic Tri-axial System

2620-TRM 1V2 Page i

2620-TRM 1V2 Page ii

17 16 AIR SYSTEM .......................................................................................................................................................20

2620-TRM 1V2 Page iii

1.6 Document Location

R:\Source\Manuals\UTS\UTM-9P Cyclic Triaxial System\2620-UTC-HRM-1V2.docm

2620-TRM 1V2 Page 1

Where an environmental chamber is supplied with the apparatus appropriate protective

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3 THE CYCLIC TRIAXIAL SYSTEM COMPONENTS

3.6 Air water interface

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4.1 Triaxial Load frame.

4.2 Pneumatic actuator

4.3 Integrated Multi-

4.4 Auxiliary Air Reservoir

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5 TRIAXIAL CELL & ACCESSORIES

5.2.1 Submersible load cell.

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6 THE PRESSURE SYSTEM

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7 CONNECTING ACTUATOR TO AIR SUPPLY

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8 CELL, BACK AND PORE PRESSURE TRANSDUCERS

8.2 Cell Port Allocations

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9 LOAD AND DISPLACEMENT

The submersible load cell is

The displacement transducer is fitted

2620-TRM 1V2 Page 9

10 CONNECTING THE IMACS TO THE CELL AND FRAME

Axis 1 Axis 2 Axis 3 Group 1

2620-TRM 1V2 Page 10

Valve for vacuum top cap

Back Supply valve Back Drain valve

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Back pressure drainage

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12 FILLING THE DE-

13 TO FILL THE AIR WATER

Water from de-aired water tank

2620-TRM 1V2 Page 13

14 VOLUME CHANGE / BACK PRESSURE ASSEMBLY

Recharge From Water Panel

From Water Panel

14.1 Filling and Bleeding of Volume Change / Back Pressure Assembly

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15 SETTING UP FOR A TEST

• Cell base confining cell supply/drain

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2620-TRM 1V2 Page 18

Click on new test and click on the virtual pendant

16.1 Checking system control

16.1.2 Confining and Back Pressure

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18 RUNNING A TEST USING A DUMMY SAMPLE

Base of load cell