Gilson HM-353 - User Manual

To Next Page

(Continued on back.)

INTRODUCTION

The Dead-Weight Consolidation Load Frame is a compact table

top unit with 48tsf (4597kPa) capacity for application of loads in

stress-controlled consolidation testing of soil specimens. The

powder-coated aluminum load frame is simple and ecient to

use and the advanced design allows instantaneous loading with

minimal impact. Beam support rod and vertical support rods

are made from stainless steel. The leading table is made from

rugged anodized aluminum plate for corrosion resistance in harsh

laboratory environments. A counterbalanced beam assembly

allows 9:1, 10:1 or 11:1 beam ratios for wider selection of loads

with weight sets. Locating pins on the top platform precisely

center the Consolidometer for loading. The loading platform has

vertical x horizontal clearance of 5.25x6.38in (133x161mm) and

accepts Consolidometers for specimen sizes up to 3in (76.2mm).

Weight Set, Consolidometer (fixed or floating ring) and Dial

Indicator (mechanical or digital) or LVDT are required to perform

testing and are sold separately. Consolidometer includes loading

pad, cutting sample ring, top and bottom porous stones, acrylic

inundation ring and load-bearing ball.

Consolidation Load Frame Stand (Part no. HMA-89) and Calibration

Discs (optional accessories) are sold separately.

FEATURES

• Meets ASTM D2435, ASTM D4546 and AASHTO T 216 stan-

dards

• Stainless-steel vertical and beam support rods

• Corrosion-resistant powder-coated aluminum frame

• Counterbalanced beam assembly

• Instantaneous loading with minimal impact

HM-353

REQUIRED ACCESSORIES (Purchased Separately)

• Weight Set (refer to weight charts below)

• Consolidometer – xed or oating ring (refer to Consolidom-

eter chart below)

• Dial Indicator – mechanical (MA-333) or digital (MA-363) OR

• Displacement Transducer (HMA-738, HMA-729) with digital

readout box (HM-418 or HM-419)

Dead-Weight Consolidation Load Frame

HM-353

OPERATING MANUAL

Rev: 10/2020

PHONE: 800-444-1508 P.O. Box 200, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035-0200

740-548-7298 E-mail: customerservice@gilsonco.com Product Web Page: www.globalgilson.com

FAX: 800-255-5314

740-548-5314

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Gilson HM-353 and is the answer not in the manual?

Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Required Accessories (Purchased Separately)
Optional Accessories (Purchased Separately)
Usage Features
Operating Instructions
Maintenance Features
Unpacking & Setup

The Gilson HM-353 Dead-Weight Consolidation Load Frame is a compact, tabletop unit designed for stress-controlled consolidation testing of soil specimens. It has a capacity of 48tsf (4597kPa), making it suitable for a wide range of laboratory applications. The frame is constructed from powder-coated aluminum, ensuring durability and corrosion resistance in harsh laboratory environments.

Function Description:

The primary function of the HM-353 is to apply loads to soil specimens for consolidation testing. It utilizes a dead-weight system, allowing for instantaneous loading with minimal impact, which is crucial for accurate consolidation measurements. The counterbalanced beam assembly offers flexibility with 9:1, 10:1, or 11:1 beam ratios, enabling a wider selection of loads when used with various weight sets. Locating pins on the top platform ensure precise centering of the consolidometer for accurate load application. The loading platform provides a vertical x horizontal clearance of 5.25 x 6.38 inches (133 x 161 mm) and can accommodate consolidometers for specimen sizes up to 3 inches (76.2 mm).

Important Technical Specifications:

Capacity: 48tsf (4597kPa)
Load Frame Material: Powder-coated aluminum
Beam Support Rods: Stainless steel
Vertical Support Rods: Stainless steel
Loading Table Material: Anodized aluminum plate
Beam Ratios: 9:1, 10:1, 11:1 (counterbalanced)
Loading Platform Clearance (Vertical x Horizontal): 5.25 x 6.38 inches (133 x 161 mm)
Maximum Specimen Size: 3 inches (76.2 mm)
Compliance: Meets ASTM D2435, ASTM D4546, and AASHTO T 216 standards.

Required Accessories (Purchased Separately):

Weight Set: Available in Pound Weight Sets (HMA-727, HMA-732, HMA-729) or Kilogram Weight Sets (HMA-730, HMA-725, HMA-731). These sets provide various load increments for different testing requirements.
- Pound Weight Sets:
  - HMA-727 (54.5lb total mass, 545lbf at 10:1 beam ratio, 8tsf) includes 2 x 0.852lb, 1 x 1.704lb, 1 x 3.409lb, 1 x 6.818lb, 1 x 13.635lb, 1 x 27.270lb.
  - HMA-732 (109.1lb total mass, 1,091lbf at 10:1 beam ratio, 16tsf) includes 2 x 0.852lb, 1 x 1.704lb, 1 x 3.409lb, 1 x 6.818lb, 1 x 13.635lb, 3 x 27.270lb.
  - HMA-729 (218.2lb total mass, 2,182lbf at 10:1 beam ratio, 32tsf) includes 2 x 0.852lb, 1 x 1.704lb, 1 x 3.409lb, 1 x 6.818lb, 1 x 13.635lb, 7 x 27.270lb.
- Kilogram Weight Sets:
  - HMA-730 (32kg total mass, 320kg at 10:1 beam ratio) includes 4 x 1kg, 3 x 4kg, 2 x 8kg.
  - HMA-725 (64kg total mass, 640kg at 10:1 beam ratio) includes 4 x 1kg, 5 x 4kg, 5 x 8kg.
  - HMA-731 (88kg total mass, 880kg at 10:1 beam ratio) includes 4 x 1kg, 5 x 4kg, 8 x 8kg.
Consolidometer: Available in fixed ring or floating ring configurations for various specimen sizes. Each consolidometer includes a loading pad, cutting sample ring, top and bottom porous stones, an acrylic inundation ring, and a load-bearing ball.
- Fixed Ring Consolidometers: 50mm (HMA-83A), 2in (HMA-83B), 60mm (HMA-83C), 2.42in (HMA-83D), 2.5in (HMA-83E), 70mm (HMA-83F), 75mm (HMA-83G), 3in (HMA-83H).
- Floating Ring Consolidometers: 50mm (HMA-84A), 2in (HMA-84B), 2.42in (HMA-84D), 2.5in (HMA-84E), 70mm (HMA-84F).
Dial Indicator: Mechanical (MA-333) or Digital (MA-363).
Displacement Transducer: HMA-738 or HMA-729, with a digital readout box (HM-418 or HM-419).

Optional Accessories (Purchased Separately):

Consolidation Load Frame Stand (HMA-89): Provides a dedicated and stable platform for the load frame.
Calibration Discs: Used for calibrating the consolidometer.
Consolidation Data Acquisition Software (HMA-608): For automated data collection and analysis.

Usage Features:

Ease of Use: Simple and efficient design for quick setup and operation.
Instantaneous Loading: Advanced design minimizes impact during load application.
Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel rods and anodized aluminum plate ensure longevity in laboratory environments.
Counterbalanced Beam Assembly: Allows for precise balancing and selection of beam ratios (9:1, 10:1, 11:1) to accommodate various load requirements.
Precise Centering: Locating pins on the top platform ensure accurate positioning of the consolidometer.
Versatile Specimen Accommodation: Accepts consolidometers for specimen sizes up to 3 inches (76.2 mm).

Operating Instructions:

Safety First: Read all safety and operating instructions before use.
Consult Standards: Refer to ASTM D2435, ASTM D4546, or AASHTO T 216 for specific testing procedures.
Attach Weight Hanger: Secure the weight hanger to the unit and adjust with the connecting pin.
Mount Dial Indicator/LVDT: Fasten the Dial Indicator support rod to the back of the base, attach the holder to the rod, and then connect the Dial Indicator or LVDT.
Insert Counterbalance Weight: Insert the counterbalance weight with the threaded rod approximately 1 inch and tighten the jam nut.
Balance Lever: Adjust the counterweight to balance the lever with the top loading arm, then tighten the nut.
Position Consolidometer: Place the consolidometer (with sample) on the platform and turn the adjusting screw until it contacts the load pad.
Adjust Dial Indicator/LVDT: Set the Dial Indicator or LVDT to the desired reading.

Maintenance Features:

Durable Construction: Stainless steel and powder-coated aluminum components contribute to long-term durability and minimal maintenance requirements.
Easy Assembly/Disassembly: The unit is designed for straightforward unpacking and setup, including fastening to a sturdy table or the optional stand.
Component Accessibility: Individual components like the adjustable counterbalance weight, dial indicator support rod, and weight hanger are easily accessible for adjustment or replacement.

Unpacking & Setup:

Inspection: Inspect the HM-353 for any damage upon arrival and remove it from the pallet.
Verify Components: Ensure all included items are present: adjustable counterbalance weight with threaded rod and nuts (x2), dial indicator support rod, dial indicator adjusting bracket, weight hanger with connecting pin, load-holding screw with adjusting knob, and anchor bolts (x2), nuts (x4), and washers (x4).
Unpack Accessories: Unpack any separately ordered accessories, such as weight sets, consolidometers, and dial indicators/LVDTs with digital readout boxes.
Secure Load Frame: Fasten the load frame to a sturdy table using the included 3/8" diameter by 5" long anchor mounting bolts, ensuring sufficient clearance for the load-holding screw and weight hanger.
Optional Stand Assembly: If using the HMA-89 Load Frame Stand, attach the front and back legs to the load frame base using the provided 3/4"-16 x 1" hex head bolts and hex nuts. Remove the two screws from the back underside of the load frame base, attach the back leg using the longer screws from the stand, and bolt the front leg into the base using the remaining bolts and hex head bolts.

Gilson HM-353 Specifications

General

Brand	Gilson
Model	HM-353
Category	Test Equipment
Language	English

Related product manuals