Load Frames

Gilson’s multi-purpose Load Frames are versatile and used for a wide range of laboratory soil tests such as Unconfined Compressive Strength, California Bearing Ratio (CBR), Limerock Bearing Ratio, Soil Cement, Flexible Wall Permeability and Triaxial testing when fitted with required component sets. The MS-86 Marshall Stability frame has a fixed strain rate for testing hot mix asphalt, while the adjustable strain rate of the MS-398 and HM-398 models provides flexibility for both soil and hot mix asphalt testing. The table below indicates the typical testing applications for which each model is designed.

Read More...

Click to enlarge or download the Load Frame Comparison Table which indicates force capacity and strain rate for common geotechnical testing applications.

The load frames in this series are designed to work with a variety of digital and analog sets and other ancillary products, ensuring each testing lab can create a test system that meets specific needs. A simple change of components easily adapts the unit for different testing application or data acquisition requirements.

Models have a force capacity of 10,000 or 20,000lbf (44.5 and 89kN) with 11.9x37.3in (302x947mm) WxH frame openings. Platen diameter is 8in (203mm). Units run on 1/8, 1/4 or 3/4hp DC motors and controllers regulate strain rates to ±1% of set point. Sturdy, 14-gauge powder-coated steel enclosures have adjusting nuts on the 1.25in (32mm) coarse-threaded rods to quickly adjust the horizontal cross-head height.

• Load Frame, 0.001—0.1in/min, 10,000lbf features a jog function that increases the speed of platen to the maximum speed of the load frame jack screw, allowing for faster set-up.
• Load Frame, 0.0001—0.3in/min, 10,000lbf has a micro-stepping drive controller that allows more precise control of loading rates.
• Load Frame, 0.00001—0.29999in/min, 10,000lbf features a greater strain rate allowing for testing of sensitive soils. Its jog function allows for increased platen speed and the micro-stepping drive controller precisely controls load rates.
• Load Frame, 0.00001—0.29999in/min, 20,000lbf features an enhanced strain rate sensitivity.
• Load Frame, 0.02-2.0in/min, 10,000lbf allows for the use of a wider range of test methods. Digital and analog components that attach to the Load Frame are available for Unconfined Compression, CBR, Soil Cement and Triaxial testing as well as several different asphalt tests.
• Marshall Stability Load Frame with 10,000lbf (44.5kN) capacity has a fixed loading rate of 2in (50.8mm) per minute as indicated for Marshall Testing of asphalt specimens.
• Load Frame, 0.02-2.0in/min, 10,000lbf for Hot-Mix Asphalt offers versatility and solid performance with hot-mix asphalt specimens in Marshall, Lottman, and other asphalt tests. It also performs laboratory soil tests such as CBR, unconfined compression, soil-cement and basic triaxial tests when fitted with the applicable component set.