0, Stress path tests

Retaining walls Shallow foundations

(active) σ’ constant
σ’ constant σ’ increase
σ’ decrease

LOAD COMPRESSION
UNLOAD COMPRESSION
Retaining walls (passive)
K0 LOADING σ’ constant
σ’ increase
UNLOAD EXTENSION LOAD
EXTENSION

Excavations p’=(σ’ + 2σ’ )/

σ’ constant
σ’ decrease

SOIL MECHANICS TESTING MADE EASY

Automatic triaxial tests system

Advanced technologies for powerful triaxial tests
Standards ASTM D2850 | ASTM D4767 | ASTM D7181 | BS 1377:6 | BS 1377:7 | BS 1377: 8
 — AUTOMATIC TRIAXIAL TESTS SYSTEM

AUTOTRIAX 2 is an advanced triaxial testing system that can automatically perform up to six whole
and independent tests concurrently, without any human intervention.
This new versatile and expandable testing system can perform many different triaxial and other
tests in accordance with international Standards.

Highly efficient and repeatable Reliable and accurate

The fully automatic Autotriax 2 can complete In full automatic mode, the standardized
the whole test, from saturation to failure, in test procedures minimizes inconsistencies
full automatic mode without any interruption stemming for operator variables and other
saving time, minimizing operator involvement unpredictable external factors.
and ensuring accuracy.

Expandable and space saving High capacity

The modular design allows over 100 system High performance Tritech frame with load
configurations, saving space and enabling you compression capacity up to 100 kN and speed
to expand your system seamlessly, without range from 0.00001 to 99.99999 mm/min.
any interruption.

Flexible and versatile High-speed PC control system

Autotriax 2 performs triaxial tests as well as The closed-loop feedback control system
many other tests both in manual or automatic continuously monitors the components status
mode. All you need to do is connect the correct so that, at each stage of the test, it can adapt to
software extension upgrade and add the any change in the pre-set parameters.
right components.

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Fully automatic triaxial system

Reliable and robust load frame

Accurate load cell up to 100 kN capacity
you can select the optimum model
to measure vertical force in compression and
for your needs from our wide range
extension paths.* Select from a range of
of Tritech frames.
external or submersible load cell to suit the
type of test you need to perform.

Vertical displacement transducer up

to 100 mm of travel to measure vertical
displacement in compression and
extension paths.*

High performing multisize triaxial cells

Pressure transducers, for measuring
the new banded reinforced cells are
cell pressure, back pressure and pore
suitable for performing tests on different
pressure during triaxial test.*
sample size and under high pressure
(up to 3,500 kPa).

Solenoid valves
for on/off pressure flow

User-friendly graphical interface with Compact Control Unit for data New design pressure system
real-time display of all transducers acquisition plus control unit connected Hydromatic pressure/volume controllers
and calculated data for all live tests to a PC via a LAN network allows you with open/close automatic valves can
allows you to select graphical plots of to expand your system to perform reach up to 3,500 kPa and have a volume
measured and calculated data. additional tests. capacity of 250 cc.

* Supplied with traceable calibration certificate on request.

Technical Specifications

Maximum no. of simultaneous tests: 6 Specimen range: 38, 50, 70, 100, 150 mm diameter

Maximum no. of channels: 96 Water working pressure: 1,700 or 3,500 kPa

(in the most extended configuration)
Pressure resolution: 0.1 kPa
Load capacity: 50 kN and 100 kN
Maximum capacity of pressure / volume controller: 250 cc
Speed range:
Volume resolution: 0.001 cc
from 0.00001 mm/min to 99.99999 mm/min
Effective resolution: 131,000 points

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 — AUTOMATIC TRIAXIAL TESTS SYSTEM

Triaxial tests and many others

You can gradually expand the Autotriax 2 configurations to control further tests by adding
the necessary components. This can easily be done on-site by configuring our user-friendly
and Plug-and-Play software. The closed-loop feedback control system continuously monitors
the components status so that, at each stage of the test, it can adapt to any change
in the pre-set parameters.
Over 100 configurations are available enabling your system to perform many triaxial and
geotechnical tests, each using its dedicated software package and corresponding accessories.

DEDICATED SOFTWARE PACKAGES

For the application

of stress path stages

OTHER TESTS
Stress Path test
module software
For the For the
performance of performance
California Bearing of K0 loading
Ratio test stages
CBR test module K0 test module
software software
For the
For the performance
determination of unsaturated
Effective/ total stress tests with the
of compressive
shear strength (CU/CD/UU) axis translation
Unconfined test base test software Unsaturated method
module software test module software
For the
For the performance
performance of of constant
consolidation tests rate of flow
with constant rate and constant
of strain hydraulic
CRS test module Permeability test gradient stages
software module software

Up to six independent
systems with different
configurations can
be controlled by
the same PC.

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Triaxial test configuration

Effective/total stress tests

TEST TYPES
It is possible to perform Effective stress test, in which the soil is first Total stress test, in which whithout
standard triaxial tests: saturated, consolidated and then taken to failure: waiting for saturation, consolidation is not
performed until failure is reached:
CU (Consolidated CD (Consolidated UU (Unconsolidated
Undrained) test: Drained) test: Undrained) test:
Deviator stress is applied Deviator stress is the failure is reached in
by keeping cell pressure applied by keeping cell undrained conditions,
constant, without allowing pressure constant and by without waiting for
further drainage. allowing drainage. The the consolidation of
rate of loading must be the soil specimen.
slow enough to ensure
no excess pore water
pressure develops.

Tritech load frame

Vertical displacement transducer

External/submersible
load cell

Banded triaxial cell – specimen size

from 38 to 150 mm dia

Autotriax 2 Base test Software

Solenoid valve for
Effective stress/total stress
on/off pressure flow
(UU, CD, CU)

Pressure transducers for closed loop

control of cell and back pressure via
Hydromatic pressure/volume controller

Master Control Unit

Four data-acquisition and active- Automatic Pressure and Volume
control channels for vertical load, Controller for cell pressure, back
displacement, cell and back pressure pressure and volume control

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 — AUTOMATIC TRIAXIAL TESTS SYSTEM

Triaxial test configuration

K0, Stress Path tests

KO and Stress Path triaxial tests allow you to replicate the changes in stresses
experienced in-situ during natural events, excavations and constructions.
Triaxial test configuration – k0, Stress path tests
Schematic of Stress Path and K0 possible tests and their relative main applications

q=(σ’ + σ’ )
Retaining walls Shallow foundations
(active) σ’ constant
σ’ constant σ’ increase
σ’ decrease

LOAD COMPRESSION
UNLOAD COMPRESSION
Retaining walls (passive)
K0 LOADING σ’ constant
σ’ increase
UNLOAD EXTENSION LOAD
EXTENSION

Excavations p’=(σ’ + 2σ’ )/3

σ’ constant
σ’ decrease

Additional accessories required

for this configuration:
•• Submersible load cell
•• Vacuum top cap for triaxial tension
•• K0 test module software
•• Stress Path test module software

Submersible load cell up to 50 kN of load

Autotriax 2 module software
Vacuum top cap for load extension
for K0 test and Stress Path tests

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Triaxial test configuration

Permeability tests
This test allows laboratory measurement of the hydraulic conductivity (coefficient of permeability)
of water saturated porous materials.

Schematic of typical permeability applications

Real life applications:

•• Earth dams
•• Saturated embankments
Seepage waterflow •• Landfills

Upper drainage Additional accessories required

Cell pressure
for this configuration:
Pore pressure
Lower drainage •• Pressure extension control unit
•• Hydromatic single pressure line
•• Permeability test module software

Autotriax 2 module software

for permeability tests

Automatic Pressure and Volume

Controller single pressure line

Single pressure
extension control unit
for permeability tests

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 — AUTOMATIC TRIAXIAL TESTS SYSTEM

Triaxial test configuration

Unsaturated triaxial tests

xial test configuration

Unsaturated triaxial tests are performed to simulate the behavior of soil in unsaturated
conditions by adopting the axis translation method with High Air Entry Stone (HAES).
Schematic of typical unsaturated applications

Slip surface
Real life applications:
•• Embankments
•• Unsaturated slopes
Ground waterlevel

Additional accessories required

Inner cell
for this configuration:
External cell •• Double-wall triaxial cell
•• Air pressure extension unit
•• Automatic volume change device
High Air Entry Stone •• Servoflow air pressure controller
Cell pressure Air pressure •• Unsaturated test module software
Back pressure
Pore pressure

Volume change
measurement

Double wall triaxial cell, with

High Air Entry stone (HAES)
from 1 bar to 15 bar of pressure.
Autotriax 2 module software
for unsaturated tests Specimen dimensions
50, 70, 100 mm dia.

Air pressure
extension
control unit for
unsaturated tests

Volume change device, used to

measure the volume change of the
Servoflow air unsaturated soil sample with the
pressure controller double wall triaxial test.

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Other test configurations

CRS test configuration Standards ASTM D4186

Constant Rate of Strain test (CRS) is performed to determine

the one-dimensional consolidation properties of saturated
cohesive soils using axial strain-controlled conditions,
when the soil specimen is restrained laterally and drained
axially to one surface. It quickly allows you to determine the
consolidation properties of soils with continuous monitoring of
base pore pressures, vertical stress and vertical displacement.

CRS cell
Additional accessories required
•• Continuous monitoring
for this configuration:
of test parameters (axial
•• CRS cell, among the two
load, pore pressure and
possible types listed below
axial compression)
•• Base plate
•• Sample dimension
•• CRS test module software
63.5 x 25.4 mm
•• Max. working pressure
3,500 kPa
•• Relatively short time to
perform consolidation test

CRS cells

26-WF0360/AS 26-WF0360/AD
CRS cell compatible with Existing banded triaxial
submersible load cell cell with CRS adaptor
compatible with
submersible load cell

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 — AUTOMATIC TRIAXIAL TESTS SYSTEM

Other test configurations

Unconfined test configuration Standards ASTM D2166 | EN 17892:7

The Unconfined test measures the unconfined

compressive strength of cohesive soils
using axial strain-controlled conditions.
The soil is subjected to a constant rate of
compressive strain during which, axial force
and axial deformation are measured.

Unconfined test
Quick and easy method to
determine the undrained
Additional accessories
compressive strength of
required for this
cohesive soils
configuration:
•• Upper and lower platens Specimen dimensions:
•• Transducer bracket 38 to 100 mm dia.
•• External load cell
External load cell is required
•• Unconfined test
module software

Other test configurations

CBR test configuration Standards EN 13286-47 | ASTM D1883 | AASHTO T193

The California Bearing Ratio test (CBR) is a

penetration test for evaluating the bearing
capacity of subgrade natural or compacted
soil for design of flexible pavement.
Additional accessories required
for this configuration:
•• CBR Penetration piston
•• CBR mold
•• External load cell 50 kN
•• CBR test module software

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Ordering information
Load frame: Tritech Pressure and Volume Controller
Number of Max Pressure
Model Model
pressure lines kPa
Triaxial load frame 50 kN 28-WF4005
29-WF43SA 1,700
One
Triaxial load frame 100 kN 28-WF4010
29-WF45SA 3,500
Hydromatic
29-WF43DA 1,700
Two
Data aquisition and control unit 29-WF45DA 3,500

Control unit Model

Master unit 29-WFD1A2

Load cells
Triple pressure extension unit 29-WFD0A3
Type Model Capacity
Pressure extension unit 29-WFD0A1

Air pressure extension unit for 28-WF0375/T 50 kN

29-WFD0A1/UNS External load cells
unsaturated tests
28-WF0376/T 100 kN

Submersible 28-WF6356* 25 kN
load cells
Control and processing software 28-WF6357* 50 kN

Test Software package

* Compatible with models 28-WF4070, 28-WF4100, 28-WF4150, 28-WF4170, 28-WF4171

Effective stress (CU / CD / UU) 29-WFD1A2/SW1

Stress Path test module 29-WFD1A2/SW2

Displacement transducers
K0 test module 29-WFD1A2/SW3
Model Travel capacity
Unsaturated test module 29-WFD1A2/SW4

Permeability test module 29-WFD1A2/SW5 28-WF6208 25 mm

CRS test 29-WFD1A2/SW6 28-WF6209 50 mm

Unconfined test 29-WFD1A2/SW7

CBR test 29-WFD1A2/SW8 Pressure transducers

Triaxial Excel ® Template
29-WFD1A2/TM Model Maximum pressure
for data processing

28-WF6301/A 2,000 kPa

28-WF6302/A 3,500 kPa

Triaxial cells: banded triaxial cells
(Double wall triaxial cells for unsaturated tests are available).
Model Stress path

Banded Tx cell up to 50 mm 28-WF4050* —

Banded Tx cell up to 70 mm 28-WF4070* 
Banded Tx cell up to 100 mm 28-WF4100* 
Banded Tx cell up to 150 mm 28-WF4150* 
*Triaxial sample accessories are available for each model

For a complete test configuration, visit our website or contact our dedicated team of
experienced geotechnical engineers on [email protected].

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Automatic Computerized Oedometer System Advanced Automatic Direct/Residual Shear Testing Machine

Wykeham Farrance Customer Care

At Wykeham Farrance, we are proud of our products.
As a valued customer of Wykeham Farrance, you will receive continuous, expert
support and advice for your instrument. Furthermore, we offer full installation
and training in the correct operation of your soil testing equipment.

For support from our expert Customer Care Team, contact your local Wykeham
Farrance distributor or email [email protected].

Visit our website for more information www.controls-group.com/wf.

Contact Us
us
www.controls-group.com/ipcglobal
www.controls-group.com/wf

Wykeham Farrance
E [email protected]  www.controls-group.com/wf

Italy (HEAD OFFICE) Australia France

www.controlsitalia.it www.controls-group.com www.controls.fr
Controls Group
Iraq Mexico Poland
T +39 02 92184 1
www.controlsmiddleeast.com www.controls.com.mx www.controls.pl
F +39 02 92103 333
E [email protected] Spain UK USA
www.controls-group.com www.controls.es www.controlstesting.co.uk www.controls-usa.com

© 2018 Wykeham Farrance— The designs and specifications of any Wykeham Farrance products may be subject to change without notice. AUTOTRIAX 2 – 09.2018