AZA 0908 LATERAL PRESSURE ASSEMBLY 10KG / cm²

Description

AZA 0908 Lateral Pressure Assembly 10kg/cm²: Simulating In-Situ Soil Confinement by Azalab

The Azalab AZA 0908 Lateral Pressure Assembly 10kg/cm² is a vital component in a geotechnical laboratory, specifically designed to apply and maintain a constant, controlled lateral (confining) pressure on soil specimens during advanced tests like the Triaxial Compression Test. In real-world scenarios, soil elements underground are subjected to confining pressures from the surrounding soil mass. To accurately determine the shear strength, deformation characteristics, and other critical engineering properties of soils in a laboratory setting, it is imperative to replicate these in-situ stress conditions. The AZA 0908 assembly provides the necessary means to achieve this controlled confinement, ensuring that test results are representative and reliable for foundation design, slope stability analysis, and other geotechnical applications.

Understanding Lateral Pressure in Soil Mechanics

In geotechnical engineering, the behavior of soil is highly dependent on the confining pressure it experiences. A soil sample under zero confinement will behave differently than one under high confinement. The Triaxial Compression Test, for example, involves subjecting a cylindrical soil specimen to an all-around confining pressure (lateral pressure or cell pressure) while an axial load is applied until failure. The AZA 0908 Lateral Pressure Assembly 10kg/cm² facilitates the precise application of this confining pressure, which is typically hydraulic (water-based) or pneumatic (air-based) pressure applied within a sealed chamber.

The assembly is designed to provide a maximum lateral pressure of 10 kg/cm² (approximately 1000 kPa or 1 MPa). This range is suitable for a wide variety of routine soil tests, particularly for simulating conditions encountered at moderate depths in typical soil strata.

Working Principle of the AZA 0908 Lateral Pressure Assembly

The AZA 0908 Lateral Pressure Assembly 10kg/cm² operates on the principle of transmitting pressure to a fluid (typically water) within a sealed chamber, which in turn applies uniform confining pressure to the soil specimen.

1. Pressure Chamber: The core of the assembly is a robust pressure chamber (often a steel vessel). A triaxial cell containing the soil specimen is placed inside this chamber or connected to it.
2. Pressure Generation: Pressure is typically generated using a hand-operated foot pump or a motorized pressure pump. Air from the pump is introduced into the chamber, which then acts on a layer of water.
3. Pressure Transmission: The water fills the space around the triaxial cell within the chamber, transmitting the uniform lateral pressure to the rubber membrane encasing the soil specimen inside the triaxial cell.
4. Pressure Monitoring: A highly accurate pressure gauge (calibrated up to 10 kg/cm²) is fitted to the top cap or panel of the assembly, allowing the operator to continuously monitor and adjust the applied lateral pressure to the desired level.
5. Control Valves: Inlet and drain cocks/valves are integrated into the chamber to control the flow of air and water, allowing for precise pressure application, release, and de-airing.
6. Connecting Hoses: High-pressure connecting hoses ensure a secure and leak-free connection between the pump, the pressure assembly, and the triaxial cell.

The assembly is designed to maintain the set pressure relatively constant for the duration of routine tests, which typically last from 10 to 15 minutes, where minor fluctuations can be tolerated. For long-duration tests requiring absolute pressure stability, an advanced constant pressure system (e.g., a dead weight type or pneumatic controller) would be used in conjunction.

Key Features of the AZA 0908 Lateral Pressure Assembly 10kg/cm²

The Azalab AZA 0908 Lateral Pressure Assembly 10kg/cm² is built for reliability, accuracy, and ease of use in the laboratory:

• Pressure Chamber: A robust, leak-proof pressure chamber, often made of durable materials like mild steel, designed to withstand pressures up to 10 kg/cm².
• High-Quality Pressure Gauge: A calibrated Bourdon tube type pressure gauge (e.g., 15 cm dial diameter) with a range of 0-10 kg/cm² and a suitable least count (e.g., 0.1 kg/cm²) for accurate pressure readings.
• Control Valves: Integrated air inlet valve and water inlet/drain cock for precise control of pressure application and release.
• Foot Pump: A sturdy and efficient hand-operated foot pump is supplied to generate the required air pressure up to 10 kg/cm².
• Connecting Pressure Hose: High-pressure connecting hose(s) included for secure connections.
• Flanged Top Cap: The pressure chamber features a flanged top cap for easy sealing and connection of the gauge and valves.
• Versatile Application: Primarily used with triaxial cells for various triaxial shear strength tests (e.g., UU, CU, CD tests).
• Durable Construction: All components are manufactured from high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials to ensure longevity and consistent performance in a laboratory environment.
• Compact Design: Designed for convenient placement and use within a geotechnical laboratory setup.

Applications and Standards Compliance: The Azalab AZA 0908 Lateral Pressure Assembly 10kg/cm² is an indispensable accessory for a range of geotechnical tests, particularly:

• Triaxial Compression Tests: Essential for applying confining pressure during Unconsolidated-Undrained (UU), Consolidated-Undrained (CU), and Consolidated-Drained (CD) triaxial shear strength tests on soil specimens.
• Permeability Tests (under Confining Pressure): Can be used in setups where permeability needs to be determined under simulated in-situ stress conditions.
• Research & Development: For various studies involving soil behavior under confined conditions.

While the Lateral Pressure Assembly itself is a component of a larger test setup (like the Triaxial Test Apparatus), it is designed to facilitate compliance with relevant international standards that govern triaxial testing of soils:

• IS 2720 (Part 11):1993 (Reaffirmed 2018): Indian Standard Methods of Test for Soils – Determination of Shear Strength Parameters of a Soil by Triaxial Compression Test with Pore Pressure Measurement.
• IS 2720 (Part 12):1981 (Reaffirmed 2015): Indian Standard Methods of Test for Soils – Determination of Shear Strength Parameters of a Soil from Consolidated Undrained Triaxial Compression Test with Pore Pressure Measurement.
• ASTM D2850: Standard Test Method for Unconsolidated-Undrained Triaxial Compression Test on Cohesive Soils.
• ASTM D4767: Standard Test Method for Consolidated Undrained Triaxial Compression Test for Cohesive Soils.
• BS 1377-7:1990: Methods of test for soils for civil engineering purposes. Shear strength tests (Part 7: Shear strength using triaxial compression tests).

Azalab’s Commitment to Precision Soil Testing: Azalab is dedicated to providing high-quality, reliable geotechnical testing equipment that meets the stringent demands of modern soil mechanics laboratories in India. The AZA 0908 Lateral Pressure Assembly 10kg/cm² reflects our commitment to facilitating accurate simulation of in-situ conditions, which is crucial for obtaining meaningful and reliable test data. Our equipment is manufactured to rigorous quality standards and supported by comprehensive technical expertise, ensuring consistent performance and long-term durability.

Specifications:

• Model: AZA 0908
• Product Type: Lateral Pressure Assembly
• Application: Application of uniform confining (cell) pressure on soil specimens in triaxial cells.
• Maximum Pressure Capacity: 10 kg/cm² (approx. 1000 kPa or 1 MPa).
• Pressure Chamber: Robust steel construction, suitable for high-pressure operation.
• Pressure Gauge:
  • Type: Bourdon Tube type.
  • Range: 0-10 kg/cm².
  • Dial Diameter: Typically 15 cm.
  • Least Count: 0.1 kg/cm² (typical).
  • Calibration: Provided with calibration certificate.
• Pressure Generation: Hand-operated Foot Pump (supplied).
• Control Valves:
  • Air Inlet Valve.
  • Water Inlet/Drain Cock.
• Connecting Hoses: High-pressure flexible hoses for secure connections.
• Compatibility: Designed for use with standard triaxial cells (triaxial cell not included).
• Construction Material: Mild steel, corrosion-resistant finish.
• Dimensions (Approx.): Compact design for laboratory bench or floor use.
• Weight (Approx.): Moderate weight, typical for laboratory apparatus.
• Standards Compliance: Facilitates testing in accordance with IS 2720 (Part 11 & 12), ASTM D2850, ASTM D4767, BS 1377-7.
• Note: Also available in 20 kg/cm² capacity (AZA 0908-20).
• Country of Origin: Made in India.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):

• Q: What is the primary use of the AZA 0908 Lateral Pressure Assembly?
  • A: It is primarily used to apply a controlled lateral (confining) pressure on soil specimens during Triaxial Compression Tests, simulating in-situ conditions.
• Q: What is the maximum pressure this assembly can apply?
  • A: This specific model, AZA 0908, is designed for a maximum lateral pressure of 10 kg/cm² (approximately 1000 kPa).
• Q: How is the pressure generated in this assembly?
  • A: Pressure is typically generated using a hand-operated foot pump, which pushes air into the pressure chamber, which in turn acts on water to create uniform confining pressure.
• Q: Is a pressure gauge included with the assembly?
  • A: Yes, it comes fitted with a calibrated pressure gauge (0-10 kg/cm²) for monitoring the applied pressure.
• Q: Can this assembly be used for very long-duration tests requiring extremely constant pressure?
  • A: While suitable for routine tests (10-15 minutes), for very long-duration tests requiring absolute, unvarying pressure, it is recommended to use it in conjunction with a dedicated constant pressure system (e.g., dead weight type or pneumatic pressure controller).
• Q: Does this assembly include a triaxial cell?
  • A: No, the Lateral Pressure Assembly is an accessory to a triaxial test setup; the triaxial cell itself is usually a separate component.
• Q: What standards are relevant to tests performed with this assembly?
  • A: This assembly facilitates compliance with standards like IS 2720 (Part 11 & 12), ASTM D2850, ASTM D4767, and BS 1377-7, which govern triaxial testing.