Hydraulic Consolidation Cell for Unsaturated Samples

The Hydrocon SWCC consolidation apparatus is used to determine the magnitude and rate of settlement and pressure of unsaturated soil specimens. Because of the low permeability of some materials, performing a drying and wetting stage can take several weeks. This type of stone allows water to pass through but not air so that the soil matrix potential can be controlled at various values: 1,5 and 15 bar. During a test it is possible to load the soil specimen in such a way that the overburden pressure in the field is recreated, whilst measuring the chamber and pore water pressure using a pressure transducer and the vertical settlement using a linear strain transducer. The Hydrocon SWCC cell is a flexible soil testing apparatus capable of applying uniaxial pressures of up to 3500 kPa to a 100 mm diameter specimen. Its base is fitted with a High Air Entry Stone (HAES) which enables a soil/water characteristic suction curve to be obtained.

The complete test configuration includes: Hydrocon cell (SWCC) , Water and air pressure system, Water de-airing system and electronic measuring system with Geodata log data acquisition system.

As the Hydrocon SWCC is a confined consolidation system, it is possible to measure both pore and back pressure during testing and to make accurate permeability measurements.

For a complete test configuration (pressure system, pore pressure, displacement transducer, volume change and other accessories) see the related products and ask for the cooperation of our specialist.

Main Features:

Specific for unsaturated soil sample

Suitable for 100 mm sample 

Suitable for compacted clay

Hydraulic loading

No weights required

Possibility to measure both pore and back pressure during testing 

4 lines pressures (axial load, upper and two lower drainage for air and water)

Compact design, occupies less space than conventional oedometers

Two testing mode with automatic data acquisition.

Additional High Air Entry Stone (1,5, 15 Bar) available as option.

Technical Specifications:

Manufactured from anodized light alloy, complete with 4 valves and vent, top loading porous disk, compensator ring, 3 bar High Air Entry Stone sealed on aluminium ring.

Maximum working pressure: 3500 kPa

For 100 mm dia. soil samples

Overall dimensions (dxh): 260x450 mm

Weight: 10 kg.