Soil-Water Characteristic Curve
GCTS offers two solutions for determining the soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC): the SWC-050 and SWC-150.
The SWC-050 is a cost-effective system that tests up to three samples simultaneously. It uses three cells connected to a single pressure application system, applying suctions up to 500 kPa. Each cell allows water to escape as suction increases, so gravimetric water content is measured by weighing the cell. Optional deformation sensors can measure axial deformation during tests. Measurements are automatically recorded via the GCTS DataCube Wireless Data Acquisition Box, which connects to Android or Apple devices via Bluetooth. The SWCC is plotted in the app, and data can be emailed in a spreadsheet format.
The Fredlund SWCC Device (SWC-150) is a versatile apparatus for measuring the SWCC under various stress states. It controls matric suctions from near zero to 1,500 kPa and applies one-dimensional loading to specimens up to 75 mm in diameter. Made of stainless steel, it includes plumbing for air diffusion measurement and interchangeable high air-entry-value ceramic stones. Dead weights or an optional pneumatic load frame loader apply normal stresses, enabling comprehensive SWCC data collection from a single soil specimen.
SWC-050
HIGHLIGHTS
- Perform three tests simultaneously with one shared pressure control system
- Applied suctions up to 500 kPa
- Measure vertical deformation during test
- Built of lightweight material to obtain gravimetric water content without removing the sample from the cell
- Auto-seal quick disconnect to easily remove pressure line while weighing device
- See-through acrylic cell wall
- Internal spring to maintain porous disc contact with specimen
- Includes 5-bar HAEV stone
SWC-150
HIGHLIGHTS
- Simulates vertical in-situ pressure state
- Tracks volume changes
- Tracks water content
- Applied suctions up to 1,500 kPa
- 75 mm maximum specimen diameter
- Both drying (de-adsorption) and wetting (adsorption) curves
- Dual pressure gauges and regulators for precise pressure control
- Stainless steel construction with hand-operated knobs for fast setup
- Pressure compensator on the loading ram
- Flushing ability and measurement of diffused air
- Optional hanging column for applying suctions below 5 kPa
- Optional heater for preventing vapor condensation inside the cell
- Optional null-type initial suction measurements on undisturbed specimens available
