Load Frames

Our Load Frames are versatile loading devices used to perform strength and displacement tests in geotechnical, soil mechanics, and asphalt laboratories. Models have a force capacity of either 10,000 or 20,000lbf (44.5& or 89kN) with 11.9x37.3in (302x947mm) WxH frame openings and 8in (203mm) platen diameter.

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Click the Load Frame Comparison Table above to enlarge, print, or download. The table indicates force capacity and strain rate for common geotechnical testing applications.

These basic loading devices are outfitted with specialized components and fixtures for the following test applications unconfined compressive strength of soils and soil-cement (Unconsolidated Undrained (UU), Consolidated Undrained (CU), Consolidated Drained (CD)), Marshall stability and flow, asphalt semi-circular bend, indirect tensile strength, and tack bond. 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 to different testing procedures or data acquisition requirements.

The controllers regulate strain rates to ±1% of the set point. Sturdy, 16-gauge powder-coated steel enclosures have to adjust nuts on the 1.25in (32mm) coarse-threaded rods to adjust the horizontal cross-head height quickly.

• 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 jackscrew, 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 as required for CBR/LBR, Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), Soil Cement, and Triaxial data collection. 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 and a higher 20,000lbf (89kN) capacity.
• 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 UCS, CBR, Soil Cement, and Triaxial testing.

Common testing applications, data collected, and applicable equipment used with Gilson’s Load Frames include:

• California Bearing Ratio (CBR), Limerock Bearing Ratio (LBR): Soil compaction and moisture susceptibility using data readout, load cell, displacement transducer, and penetration piston. An analog CBR component set is also available.
• Unconfined Compressive Strength: Compressive strength and the stress-strain relationship of cohesive, unconfined soil using analog unconfined compression component set or four-channel data readout, load cell, and displacement transducer.
• Compressive Strength of Molded Soil-Cement Cylinders: Unconfined compressive strength of molded soil-cement cylinders using data readout, load cell, and displacement transducer.
• Triaxial Compression Test on Cohesive Soils: Strength and the uncorrected stress-strain relationship of Unconsolidated Undrained (UU), Consolidated Undrained (CU), Consolidated Drained (CD), or unconfined soil using data readout, and load and displacement kit.

For more information on Soil Testing, here are our related blogs:

• Build the Optimal System for Your Geotechnical Applications with Load Frames
• Permeability of Soil Test: All You Need To Know
• Triaxial Shear Testing of Soils, Understanding Methods & Equipment
• California Bearing Ratio Test: CBR Values & Why They Matter