SOFTWARE

Consolidation Analysis Tool

Consolidation Analysis Tool User Manual

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The Consolidation Analysis Tool (CAT) provides graphical analysis and interpretation of consolidation data acquired by GDSLab. The tool is designed to automatically generate construct lines on Casagrande (log-time) and Taylor (root-time) graphs and then calculate consolidation results parameters, depending on the chosen test type and standard. The construct lines can be manually adjusted to improve the accuracy of the calculations.

Supported standards and test types

The table below shows the list of specimen types and standards that are currently supported by the tool. For any queries, please contact support@gdsinstruments.com.

Launch the tool

During or after a consolidation stage, the tool can be launched from GDSLab by right-clicking on any graph and selecting Consolidation Analysis (Current Stage):

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The tool will then launch using the consolidation data collected by GDSLab in the current stage.

Alternatively, the tool can be launched manually from the following executable:

The tool will then prompt for a consolidation file, which can be found under the following directory:

It is also possible to load different data from the tool by selecting File → Open.

Calculations

The tool will auto-generate construct lines from the selected data depending on the specimen type and standard. The tool will then display the results in the panel below the graphs.

In the example below, data from an oedometer test and ASTM standard is loaded into the tool and construct lines are generated for both the Casagrande and Taylor methods.

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As shown in the image, the example data produces the following results:

• Casagrande method:

  • T50: 199.9 seconds

  • Cν: 9.516E-4 cm²/s

• Taylor method:

  • T90: 165 seconds

  • Cν: 4.999E-3 cm²/s

Manual adjustments

It is possible to manually adjust the construct lines to obtain more accurate results. To do so, click on any line and then either drag one of its extremities or drag the whole line.

To reset the lines to the original position, click on the Graph menu at the top and select Reset Linear Fit.

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It may be difficult to finely tune the construct lines position because of the size of the graph. The tool allows then to zoom on the graph by clicking on the looking glass icon on the top right, as shown in the image. Once zooming is enabled, drag an area on the graph to zoom on that location. Press the zoom button again to zoom further, otherwise double click on the graph to return to the original view.

When zooming is enabled, it is also possible to pan the graph by right-clicking and dragging, or by dragging the horizontal or vertical axis labels.

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Change standard

The test standard is provided automatically by GDSLab. However, it can be changed from inside the tool by selecting Data → Change Standard. Changing the standard will discard any manual adjustment of the construct lines.

Refresh data

If the consolidation phase is still ongoing whilst the tool is open, it is possible to refresh the consolidation data in order to acquire the latest data points recorded by GDSLab.

Manual refresh

At any point in time it is possible to refresh the data by selecting Data → Refresh Data → Manual Refresh. Any manual editing of the data will be lost. Manual adjustment of construct lines is lost unless the checkbox under Data → Refresh Data → Lock Linear Fits is selected.

Automatic refresh

The tool can be set to automatically refresh data by setting the checkbox in Data → Refresh Data → Automatically Refresh Data. The Refresh Interval (secs) textbox can be used to change the refresh frequency as desired.

When automatic refresh is enabled, a spinning arrow will appear and a box will indicate the last update time.

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As for manual refresh, any data editing will be lost and construct lines will reset to default unless Lock Linear Fits is set.

Editing the source data

After the source data is loaded into CAT, it can be manually edited to improve the calculations. To do so, click on Data → Edit Source Data.

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The data editing window will display the raw data contained in the consolidation data file. From the window, it is possible to edit or ignore data points.

The graph on the top left shows the raw data values selected. The graph on the bottom left of the window shows all the available data. Dragging the cursors placed at the ends of this graph will trim the data.

Data points are automatically set to be ignored if hidden from the top graph.

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Each raw data point can be manually edited by clicking on the cells. It is possible to exclude single data points from the analysis by clicking in the Ignored checkbox.

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After finishing editing the data, click OK to load the edited data into the tool.

Exporting results and data

Print results

A simple report is generated by clicking on File → Print and selecting the method. The report will contain the graph, construct lines and output values for the selected method.

Export data file

By selecting File → Export Consolidation File a new consolidation data file is generated from the data displayed in the tool. This data file will include any changes in the standard or manual changes in the data points.

Support

For any queries, please contact support@gdsinstruments.com and state which version of the tool you are using. The version number is shown at the top of the window or in the Help → About screen. In order to facilitate the support procedure, please provide the consolidation file (indicated at the bottom right corner of the tool) and the log file.

Log file

The log file can be opened by clicking on Help → Log File. This file can help the support team in case of issues.