Automated Consolidation System

[geomane]

I am considering purchasing the Humboldt ConMatic IPC Automated Consolidation System. The link for the product is below:

https://www.humboldtmfg.com/conmatic-ipc-automated-consolidation-system.html

Does anyone on here have experience with this system, or a similar system? I have a project starting very soon that is going to require anywhere between 25 to 50 consolidation tests. So, I figured I could knock them out much quicker with a fully automated system.

It is a 42 mile gas main replacements project that will be utilizing trenchless technology. We are performing the geotechnical drilling and lab testing. The required lab testing for this project is pretty ridiculous. They have requested triaxial testing (CU, UU), consolidation testing, permeability testing, unit weight, grainsize analysis, Atterberg, unconfined compression, and moisture content on every boring. We have a lump sum contract. The area we are drilling is in the coastal plains, so we likely will not be able to perform some of this testing due to the sandy soils; however, we will still be payed for it. We are not providing any geotechnical engineering recommendations, only the drilling and testing.

Thanks for any help.

-James

 

[oldestguy]

I trust the contract is clear that you do these tests at the direction of someone and you do not select the samples to be obtained or tested . I'd run the contract by your attorney also. Should something go wrong on the installation job or later when in operation, you surely want to be clear of any responsibility for the direction you get with the testing. I'd also get approval for all methods you use before you start. This arrangement of a separate group doing testing and not from a complete service geotechnical firm seems questionable.

 

[geomane]

That is correct. I will speak with the engineer who requested these tests before we begin drilling so we know at what depths they would like the samples obtained.

We typically perform the engineering on our projects; however, this one is a little different. Nothing we haven't done in the past though.

 

[Ron]

So, I figured I could knock them out much quicker with a fully automated system.

Consolidation is time dependent....so is the test. Don't try to rush it....your results will suffer.

Humboldts info states:

The ConMatic IPC, Automated Consolidation System supports the following standards: ASTM D2435, ASTM D4546, AASHTO T216, BS 1377:5

Please note that it says "supports the following standards"..... it doesn't say that the system MEETS those standards. Check it out!!

 

[geomane]

Good point Ron. I am going to speak with the sales rep from Humboldt tomorrow.