World leaders in the manufacture of laboratory systems for soil & rock
GDSLAB Control and Data Acquisition
Software
GDSLAB is our control and data acquisition software for
geotechnical laboratory applications. The main advantage
of GDSLAB is that as well as the ability to control all existing
GDS hardware, other manufacturers’ hardware can also be
controlled. Whether performing Triaxial, CBR, Direct Shear
box, Simple Shear, Hollow Cylinder or simple Consolidation
Logging tests, GDSLAB remains intuitive, flexible, easy to use
and fully featured for even the most complex or advanced tests.
Commercial or research testing is possible within the broad
choice of modules available. GDSLAB can be integrated with
your existing or new laboratory equipment.
Key Features: Benefits to the user:
Only the test modules required need to be purchased. In this way, those customers performing
Flexibility in the way the software is purchased just the simpler tests have the opportunity to reduce their software costs. Additional modules can
be remotely added at any time in the future.
Multiple stations can be connected to the same Allows for tests on individual stations to be independently performed with the advantage that
PC hardware can be shared between stations (sharing channels of a datalogger for example).
Triaxial, Oedometer, Consolidation, Shear, Hollow cylinder, static or dynamic, GDSLAB provides
test modules for all of these tests. Having the same familiar user interface for all tests means
One software solution for your test control
that the user will find the software familiar whether running a multi-stage oedometer test, or a
complex multi stage dynamic simple shear test on a cyclic shear machine.
Compatible with every GDS product since 1979 Complete confidence in the GDS ethos that your equipment will never go out of date.
It is often possible to create a fully automated system using existing equipment in the laboratory
Compatible with key hardware from other
and minimal new hardware. E-mail details of your existing equipment to the sales team to start
manufacturers (loggers, load frames etc)
the discussion.
GDSLAB enables the user to setup multiple test stages, either before commencing testing or at
any point during testing. Test stages can be paused, stopped or resumed at any point in time.
Batching of multiple tests
Test stages can also be set to stop automatically on a number of user defined criteria e.g. max
deviator stress during a shearing stage.
Data is saved to a data file in ASCII format at a user specified time interval. This time interval
ASCII data file for easy data recovery and
can be on a linear, square root or log scale. Both the raw data and all the calculated data can
processing
be saved to the ASCII datafile.
All measured and calculated data can be displayed graphically in real-time on up to three
graphs. The user can choose what data to display on the graph axes before and during a
Change graph axes and live test data viewed ‘on
test and can change these at any time to suit the user. GDSLAB measures the values of all
the fly’
transducers connected to the system constantly and uses these values to calculate all relevant
stresses, strains and displacements. Live data displayed may be configured by the user.
GDSLAB has a unique ‘hardware display’ window that can be viewed at any time. This window
Intuitive graphical hardware configuration and displays all of the hardware connected to the PC, how it is connected, it’s current status and
transducer setup current readings. This is essential a graphical display of the hardware and allows for simple
diagnostics and checking of the hardware connected, as well as calibration of each device.
Required PC Specification:
Windows 7 SP1 or higher (We strongly recommend that
Windows is fully up to date and running the latest Service
Pack/Version available). Recommended PC Specification:
Operating System: 2GHz processor, 4GB Ram, 64Bit Operating System and
USB connectivity. Note: GDS software can run on lower spec
PC’s however; performance and processing of data may be
affected.
2GHz / 4GB Ram
PC Spec Hardware: Note: Free serial ports /USB ports as required for individual hardware
connection.
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World leaders in the manufacture of laboratory systems for soil & rock
How do you use it?
GDSLAB is a modular program that is initially purchased as a Kernel, or ‘core’ program. This kernel is the initial framework
for GDSLAB, and includes data acquisition capability for all devices that GDSLAB has a driver for (all GDS hardware
plus a number from other manufacturers). It is enabled by use of a USB key which resides in the PC.
Optional test modules are then purchased as ‘Add-ins’ to bring to the software the ability to control the hardware for
particular tests. Test modules integrate fully into GDSLAB to form a single combined program adding further functionality
to the Kernel. Each Test Module is purchased according to the type of test you will be performing therefore only the
desired test modules need to be purchased thus keeping the cost to a minimum. Additional test modules may be added
to the package at any time in the future when required, by simply updating the USB kernel key, which can easily be done
remotely.
Categories of tests are shown below (Triaxial testing, Oedeometer logging, Consolidation, Shear testing, Hollow
Cylinder). A full list of the test modules currently available can be found on the following pages of this datasheet.
Start with our core
GDSLAB Kernel...
... add in the modules for
your specific task:
Triaxial Testing
Oedometer Logging
Consolidation
Shear Testing
Hollow Cylinder
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World leaders in the manufacture of laboratory systems for soil & rock
Triaxial Testing Software Modules
Available Triaxial Testing modules are as follows:
• Data Acquisition, Logging and Retrieval:
Provided free of charge with every GDSLAB kernel. Provides all data related functions but not test control.
• Saturation & Consolidation Procedures:
Cell and back pressure control for saturation, (stepped or ramp), consolidation and B-check tests.
• Standard Triaxial Testing:
Constant rate of strain control for unconsolidated undrained (UU), consolidated undrained (CU) and consolidated
drained (CD) shearing tests.
• Stress Path Controlled Tests:
Independent linear control of p, q or s, t stress space with unlimited number of linked paths.
• Advanced Loading (User Defined Test Sequences):
Independent user control over the axial (load, stress or strain), radial and back pressure axes with control options
of constant value, ramp or quasi-static sinusoidal cyclic applied separately to each axis.
• K-zero Controlled Consolidation/Swelling:
Maintains zero diameter change (K0 conditions) by two methods, either from a direct reading of the specimen
diameter or using specimen volume change calculations.
• Triaxial Permeability Evaluation:
Controls either a constant head permeability test, or a constant flow permeability test with controlled hydraulic
gradient control.
• Unsaturated Tests using Axis Translation - 4D Stress/Strain Path:
Independent control of the axial axis (load, stress or strain), radial stress, pore water pressure and pore air
pressure for complete flexibility of control for unsaturated triaxial tests.
• Dynamic Triaxial Tests
High speed dynamic cyclic triaxial testing with high speed data acquisition. Test control
of dynamic axial load or axial displacement, with static cell and back pressure control. Dynamic control of axial
stress and/or radial stress is available dependant on hardware.
Oedometer Logging Module
Uses a datalogger and displacement transducers to take settlement readings from hanging weight oedometer frames.
• Hanging Weight System (Oedometer Logging):
This module allows a user to measure and log results from the hanging weight testing system according to user
specified sequence events such as linear, square-root, log.
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World leaders in the manufacture of laboratory systems for soil & rock
Consolidation Software Module
GDS manufacture the Rowe and Barden consolidation cell (hydraulically actuated normal load), and a Constant Rate of
Strain (CRS) type cell which is loaded via a load frame. Our flexible software is compatible with both systems.
• Standard Consolidation:
This test module allows the user to perform; B-check, saturation, constant stress, traditional stepped loading test,
constant rate of strain and constant rate of loading tests. Versions of our consolidation cells are available that allow
unsaturated tests to be performed using the axis translation technique.
Shear Testing Software Modules
At GDS Instruments we lead the market with our range of direct shear and direct simple shear testing systems. Our
software has been developed to allow our customers to fully utilise their devices with a range of tests.
• Shear Testing (Standard):
Generally used with direct shear or ring shear devices. Provides acquisition only or control where hardware
permits for linear or linear cyclic reversal of a shear box or a ring shear machine. Ideal for upgrading manually
logged equipment.
• Shear Testing (A Drained):
Independent control over the axial axis (load, stress or strain) and shear axis (load, stress or strain) with constant,
ramp or quasi-static sinusoidal cyclic control on either axis. Unsaturated tests may be performed using the axis
translation technique.
• Dynamic Shear Testing:
High speed dynamic cyclic simple shear testing with high speed acquisition. Test control of dynamic axial and
shear axes under load or displacement. Allows modulus, damping and liquefaction studies to be carried out.
Hollow Cylinder Software Modules
The GDS Hollow Cylinder Apparatus (HCA) allows a hollow cylindrical soil specimen to be simultaneously subjected to
axial loading and twisting (torque).
• HCA Generalised Stress Path
Provides independent linear control of p, q, b and alpha under stress or strain control. This module provides the
fundamental HCA stress path control functions that test specifications demand, with unlimited number of linked
paths.
• Advanced HCA Loading Procedures:
Allows quasi-static independent control of the five axes; Axial (load, stress, strain, deformation), Rotational (torque,
rotation), Outer Cell pressure (kPa), Inner Cell pressure (kPa) and Back pressure (kPa) using either constant, ramp
or slow speed sinusoidal control.
• Dynamic HCA Loading:
High speed dynamic cyclic testing with high speed data acquisition. Test control of dynamic axial load or
displacement, and dynamic control of torque or rotation. Optional dynamic control of inner and outer cell pressures
depending on system specification.
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World leaders in the manufacture of laboratory systems for soil & rock
Test Display
The test display focuses around a window which displays live graphs and live test data. Both the graphs plotted and live
test data may be selected and changed ‘live’ during the test. Additional windows may then be positioned to give further
test information. In the example below, a number of additional windows are shown (see Figure 1).
Fig 1. Test in progress windows
• Test Plan Window. This shows which test stage is running, and allows additional tests to be added to the test plan
at any time.
• Real time graphs (shown in green). When running a cyclic test with fast data acquisition, scrolling windowed graphs
show each parameter to ensure the real-time live data for each parameter can be clearly seen, rather than looking
at data from the start of the test as shown in the Test Plan Window.
• Details of the current test stage such that the user input details may be reviewed.
• The hardware display may be visible such that the hardware status can be seen at a glance.
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World leaders in the manufacture of laboratory systems for soil & rock
Hardware Display – an intuitive user interface for system set up, checking and calibration
By clicking on any of the devices within the hardware/object display, information about the device will appear in a new
window. Depending on the hardware arrangement, this may simply be an information box, a box where communications
(comms) settings must be entered (e.g. RS232 or IEEE parameters), or detailed information about the device setup.
Clicking on the “EYE” icon (the eye represents a transducer, or any device that can be read) will bring up the transducer
details for that particular device. Specific transducer details are then entered in the ‘advanced’ tab such as Transducer
Full Scale, Decimal Places and Transducer Upper Limit. The ‘calibration’ tab is then used where either the transducer
sensitivity is entered, or a full calibration is performed.
Fig 2. Hardware display window
Upgrade path for hardware from other manufacturers Why buy GDSLAB?
GDSLAB requires a hardware device driver for each • Well developed GDSLAB software provides a
piece of hardware being configured within the system. consistent interface across all of your geotechnical
Hardware device drivers are available free of charge for laboratory testing
all hardware already supported by GDSLAB, and are • You are able to choose particular test modules for your
installed on the users PC by default when GDSLAB is testing requirements or your International Standard
installed. requirements
• GDS is now supporting a single piece of software
Hardware drivers are constantly being added as hardware (GDSLAB) for all laboratory products. This means that
is developed by GDS and other manufacturers. For an the testing quality will be dependent on the hardware
up to date list of the hardware currently supported by attached, not the software
GDSLAB, or if you wish to have your device included on • ‘Future proof’ software as new test modules are added
a GDSLAB drive in the future, do not hesitate to contact and device drivers are created when new hardware is
GDS on [email protected]. produced by OEM’s
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Why Buy GDS?
GDS have supplied equipment to over 86% of the world’s top 50 Universities:
GDS have supplied equipment to over 86% of the world’s top 50 Universities who
specialise in Civil & Structural Engineering, according to the “QS World University
Ranking 2020” report.
GDS also work with many commercial laboratories including BGC Canada, Fugro, GEO,
Geolabs, Geoteko, Golder Associates, Inpijn Blokpoel, Klohn Crippen, MEG Consulting,
Multiconsult, Statens Vegvesen, NGI, Ramboll, Russell Geotechnical Innovations Ltd,
SA Geolabs, SGS, Wiertsema and Partners to name a few.
Would you recommend GDS equipment to your colleague, friend
or associate?
100% of our customers answered “YES”
Results from our post-delivery survey asked customers for feedback on their
delivery, installation (if applicable), supporting documentation, apparatus and overall
satisfaction with GDS. The survey ran for two years.
Made in the UK:
All GDS products are designed, manufactured and assembled in the UK at our offices
in Hook. All products are quality assured before they are dispatched.
GDS are an ISO9001:2015 accredited company. The scope of this certificate applies to
the approved quality administration systems relating to the “Manufacture of Laboratory
and Field Testing Equipment”.
Extended Warranties:
All GDS apparatus are covered by a 12 month manufacturers warranty. In addition to
the standard warranty, GDS offer comprehensive extended warranties for 12, 24 and 36
months, for peace of mind against any repairs in the future. The extended warranties can
be purchased at any time during the first 12 months of ownership.
GDS Training & Installation:
All installations & training are carried out by qualified engineers. A GDS engineer is
assigned to each order throughout the sales process. They will quality assure the
apparatus prior to shipping, if installation has been purchased, install the apparatus on
the customers site & provide the training.
Technical Support:
GDS understand the need for ongoing after sales support, so much so that they have
their own dedicated customer support centre. Alongside their support centre GDS use a
variety of additional support methods including remote PC support, product helpsheets,
video tutorials, email and telephone support.
GDS Instruments ● Tel: +44 (0) 1256 382450 ● e: [email protected] ● Web: www.gdsinstruments.com
