The swell/consolidation initial data entry window covers basic information about the test and the sample tested. This window is displayed by clicking on the Sample Info. navigation tab, or by selecting Window > Sample and Test Info..
Background Sample and Test Information
The top portion of the window is devoted to background information on the sample and the test -- the material description, classification, who ran the test, remarks on the test procedure, etc. Some of these items may be automatically filled in by other data reduction modules: For example, if you've licensed LabSuite or CLSuite the sample's USCS classification is automatically calculated if you've entered sieve and Atterberg testing data. Leave these fields blank; after you've completed data entry for the lab tests, the missing information will be automatically filled in.
Also note that because CONS supports a number of different report formats, the information requested on the top portion of the Sample Info. window may vary according to which report format is selected; e.g., some formats may include a place for listing the sample's USCS classification, while others may omit this information.
- You can select from the program's different report forms with the Report form toolbar at the top of the report preview window (Window > Reports).
- Regarding the Tested by and Checked by fields: If you fill in either of these fields, the information that you enter will be shown below the border of the test's chart report. If you do not fill in one of these fields, the corresponding "Tested By"/"Checked By" text may either a) be removed from the bottom of the chart chart report, or b) still be included, with an empty space for a signature, depending upon the Drop "Tested by" from reports if a name is not entered and Drop "Checked by" from reports if a name is not entered configuration selections.
Regarding the Material description field: CONS normally uses the material description that you entered into the Material Description field on the Data Manager window (that's the window with the numbered sample cards where you entered the sample's number, depth, etc.). However, if you're entering boring log data, the material description at the depth where you took your lab. test sample may only be something like:grades to slightly silty
with the full stratigraphy description entered at some depth above the lab. test sample. If this is the case, you can either override the default description or click on the link that reads Click here to select from a list of material descriptions: this drops down a box listing all of the material descriptions entered into the current source folder. Double-click on one of the descriptions to select it.
Initial sample measurements
Natural moisture
The natural moisture content is used to calculate the sample's unit weight, which is in turn used in void ratio calculations. If void ratio results are not required, or if you elect to determine the final moisture content of the sample, you can skip entering natural moisture content data.
Height
Diameter
These fields are the height and diameter of the sample used to calculate the soil's unit weight.
Weight
This is the weight (technically, the mass) of the unit weight sample at in situ moisture content.
Specific gravity
The specific gravity value is optional, but the software will not be able to calculate void ratio results without it.
Test parameters
Deflection table
If you have a table of loading frame deflections at various pressures, you can enter your table using the program's deflection table editor, then select your deflection table by ID from the Deflection table box. As you continue on to enter loads, the software will use your chosen deflection table to adjust the readings you enter based upon the deflection for the load that you've given in the loading table.
Deflection tables are optional: if you haven't entered a table appropriate for the test, select -- no deflection table --.
Overburden pressure
This is an optional parameter used to indicate the pressure exerted by the overburden material on the sample. If entered, the pressure is used by the program in recompression index calculations. Leave the field blank if a value is not available.
As-tested height
As-tested diameter
This are the height and diameter of the trimmed sample in the consolidometer, ready for the application of the initial loading pressure.
Check this box if a porous stone was used on both faces of the test sample.
Dial values increase with compression
Check this box if your dial gauge increases in value as your sample is compressed. Conversely, leave this box unchecked if your dial readings decrease as the sample is compressed.
Post-test moisture contents
Wet wt.+tare (gm.), Dry wt.+tare (gm.), Tare (gm.) and Tare ID
The post-test wet and dry sample weights are optional results that can be entered as a double-check of the program's calculated dry sample weight (which is derived from the calculated unit weight and the mold volume).
Use final solids weight instead of estimated initial weight
If the unit weight (as calculated from the natural moisture content) appears incorrect, the program can be forced to utilize the post-test dry weight in place of the calculated unit weight by checking this box.
Reporting options
Chart report includes
A full chart report can feature either:
- A single page showing compression curve data along with an optional table of Cv results or a chart of Cv vs. log10(pressure).
- The compression curve data page plus pages showing time-rate charts for any loading increments for which you've entered valid time-rate data.
- Time-rate pages only (i.e., no compression curve page).
Use the Chart report includes option to pick which pages are generated for the current test.
If you took time-rate data for your test you can include the time-rate readings and and optional chart of reading vs. log10(time) or √time on the data summary report:
- Selecting the Tabulated time-rate readings option adds a table of time-rate data for each loading increment to the data summary.
- The Cv chart and tabulated time-rate readings option adds a time-rate chart to each loading increment's time-rate readings table (if enough readings have been entered to allow the program to produce the chart).
- No time-rate information produces a summary only final deformations for each increment.