Soil > Consolidation Testing

S-450 Terraload. Note: Consolidometers and digital readout shown above are additional.
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S-450 Terraload Consolidation Device

On this oedometer, load is applied by compressed air via a piston coupled to a rolling diaphragm. This unique design virtually eliminates friction over the maximum 1 in (2.5 cm) of piston travel. Precision air regulators provide the needed accuracy and stability at low and high loads. Ball valves are used to allow for instant application of loads.

The Model S-450 is housed in a high impact case with an anodized cross beam, supports and platen.

The Terraload is supplied as a basic machine without the dial gauge, digital readout with transducer and the consolidometer shown in the picture.

Advantages of the Terraload Consolidation Device:

	Requires less space in the lab than a dead weight device.
	Has a lesser chance of being bumped compared to the lever type.
	Easier to operate when it comes to adding loads to the sample. Operators tend to prefer turning a valve rather than carefully adding a weight by hand. The weight on the dead weight device can be added too fast or too slow and affect results. The weight works fine, but takes some operator experience.
	Small footprint : 1.5 ft²
	Light weight: 20 lb (no need for heavy support frames)
	No danger for heavy weights impacting the sample
	Load is applied precisely with a pressure sensor and read accurately with a digital readout
	Load stays normal through entire test
	Easy to change samples sizes
	Ideal to do expansion index tests

Note: The Terraload requires a source of compressed air. This is an additional expense. There is also a chance that the power will fail, thus a chance of "loosing the sample" which is why a back-up system for compressed air is needed. The lever-type S-449 Dead Weight Consolidation Load Frame requires no external source of air, and is independent of electrical power or air compressor failures.

S-450	Terraload Consolidation Device

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Related items:
> S-449 Dead Weight Consolidation Load Frame
> Floating Ring Consolidometer
> Fixed ring Consolidometer