Gilson HM-396, HM-396F Operating Manual

Gilson Load Frame

10,000lbf (44.5kN), 0.001—0.1mm/min

HM-396 and HM-396F

INTRODUCTION

The versatile HM-396 Load Frame can be utilized for multiple soil
tests. California Bearing Ratio (CBR), Unconned Compressive
Strength, Soil Cement, and Triaxial tests can all be performed
when tted with the required Component Set. This 10,000lbf
(44.5kN) capacity frame has a strain rate of 0.001 – 0.1 in/min
(0.0254 – 2.54 mm/min) controlled to +/- 1% of set point. Front
panel controls allow the operator to adjust the direction and
speed of the platen. The strain rate is set using the calibration
chart and the three-segment thumbwheel selector. Sliding
the cross-arm up or down the coarse-threaded 1.25in (32mm)
diameter rods and tightening the nuts makes adjustment for the
wide variety of testing components quick and easy.

OPERATING MANUAL

FEATURES

• Precision adjustable strain rate of 0.001—0.1in/min (0.0254—

2.54mm/min) allows for multiple testing options (calibration
chart included)

• Powerful 1/8hp DC drive motor

• Load capacity up to 10,000lbf (44kN)

• Durable 14-gauge steel cabinet and precision loading screw

with protective rubber boot

• Hardened steel 8in (203mm) diameter platen accepts a wide
variety of test xtures

• Heavy 1.25in (31.8mm) diameter vertical rods with coarse threads

• Front panel controls

• Upper and lower limit indicator lights

• Three-position control switch with built-in hesitation prevents

motor damage when reversing direction

• Corrosion-resistant components

UNPACKING & SET UP

1. Inspect your HM-396 for damage, remove it from the pallet.

2. Place the Load Frame on a sturdy, level surface such as a bench

top or HMA-94 Rolling Load Frame Cart.

HM-396

(Continued on back.)

Rev: 09/2019

PHONE: [phone] P.O. Box 200, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035-0200
740-548-7298 E-mail: [e-mail] Product Web Page: www.globalgilson.com

FAX: [phone]
740-548-5314

3. Connect to a properly grounded power supply with correct

voltage and amperage to output.

4. Adjust and level the crossarm to the appropriate height.

5. Install required Component Set and any accessories required

for testing.

CONTROLS

1. Main Power On/O: Includes an indicator light to show

when the power is on

2. Platen Direction: Three-position switch (up, down and o)

includes built-in hesitation to prevent motor damage when
reversing direction

3. Limit Lights: Indicates when upper and lower limits are at-

tained

4. Strain Rate: Three-segment thumbwheel selector (strain

rate calibration chart included)

5. Jog Button: Increases the speed of platen to the maximum

speed of the load frame jack screw (0.1in/min) when the
switch is pushed to the up position.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

COMPONENT SETS

California Bearing Ratio (CBR)

ASTM D1883; AASHTO T 193

HMA-684 6,000lbf load ring, dial indicator, piston
HMA-685 10,000lbf load ring, dial indicator, piston
HMA-685D 10,000lbf load cell, LVT, readout box, piston

Soil Cement

ASTM D1632, D1633

HMA-687 10,000lbf load ring, dial indicator, 4 in platen
HMA-687D

ASTM D2850, D4764; AASHTO T 296, T 297

HMA-686 1,000lbf load cell, dial indicator
HM-413 1,000lbf load cell, LVT, Readout box

10,000lbf load cell , LVT, Readout box, 4 in platen

Triaxial

WARNING!

Disconnect and lock out power supply when servicing the
unit or installing components.

1. Read all safety and operating instructions before operating

the unit.

2. Power the unit with the Main Power switch (indicator light

will show that the unit is on).

3. Based on the calibration chart (included), set the desired

strain rate for the test using the three-segment thumbwheel
selector.

4. Use the Platen Direction and High-Speed Jog switches to ad-

just the direction and speed of the platen for testing.

5. Center the Platen Direction switch to the o position when

the test is complete.

6. Refer to ASTM and/or AASHTO test methods for specic test

instructions.

Unconned Compressive Strength

ASTM D2166; AASHTO T 208

HMA-681 500lbf load ring, dial gauge, plastic discs
HMA-683 1000lbf load ring, dial gauge, plastic discs
HMA-683D 1,000lbf load cell, dial gauge, plastic discs

Accessories

HMA-94 Rolling Load Frame Cart