The soil of similar strength may show varying consolidation. Samples are a very carefully prepared and vertical settlement of the specimen in saturated or drained conditions carefully recorded when known load is applied. The standard outfit comprises of the following items. The loading unit, maximum capacity of 20kg/cm2. Having a loading yoke connected to a lever arm with a counterbalancing adjustment and having a lever ratio of 1:1 the whole assembly being mounted on a sturdy steel frame stand.
The loading unit is so designed that it can be used for consolidation cells of different diameters as well as different dia floating ring type consolidation cells. Fixed ring type Consolidometer (Oedometer) cell assembly for testing 60mm dia x 20mm thick specimen comprising: Fixed ring for specimens 60mm dia x 20mm thick with guide ring. Top and bottom porous stones for 60mm dia specimen. Perforated pressure pad, channeled base with water inlet and gasket Flanged water jacket, water reservoir with a plastic tube, and pinchcock. Set of weights to give a pressure of 10kg/cm.sq. On 60mm dia specimen, comprising: 7 nos. 0.05 kg/cm2, 5nos. 0.1 kg/cm2, 6nos. 0.5kg/cm2, and 5 nos. 1.0 kg/cm2.