Automated Loading System

The Vendor is required to provide automated loading system for include:
- System capacity and frame requirements: system must:
•    Have a minimum of 40,000 pounds (178kn) axial load capacity.
•    Accommodate standard geotechnical sample sizes (2.8–3.0 in diameter, 6 in height).
•    Have a rigid alignment to ensure uniform axial loading on cylindrical soil specimens.
•    Have a high‑stiffness, low‑deflection load frame designed for geotechnical testing.
- Actuator and drive system: system must:
•    Have a servo-controlled actuator or high-precision electromechanical drive.
•    Be capable of constant strain‑rate control from extremely low rates (e.g., 0.0001 in/min) to typical UC rates.
•    Have a closed-loop control of load or displacement.
•    Have a rate of strain that can be adjusted programmatically, and strength measurements can be recorded in psi.
- Sensors and measurement: system must:
•    Have high- accuracy load cell sized for 40,000-pound capacity.
•    Have high-resolution displacement transducer with at least 0.0001 in resolution.
•    Have digital data acquisition for load, displacement, and time as well as information on sensors, project, and sample information saved in data file.
•    Must have calibration records provided with system.
- Automation and control: system must:
•    Have fully automated test execution with minimal operator intervention.
•    Have automatic detection of failure, peak load, and post‑peak behavior.
•    Have ability to run tests unattended with automatic shutdown and data saving.
•    Have programmable test templates for UC and triaxial workflows.
- Software requirements: system must:
•    Have real‑time graphical display of stress–strain curves.
•    Have automated calculation of peak strength, strain at failure.
•    Have user‑defined test templates.
- Accessories to be included with system:
•    UCAC - unconfined compression accessories
•    4.0" stainless platen with ball seat and bearing
•    6.0" stainless platen with ball seat and bearing.