LabSimLabSimWindows 16-bit. Programmed interactive.
LabSim (v2.0 only) may be downloaded free or purchased on CD-ROM.
A computer simulation of the triaxial test, developed at Glasgow University by Kenny McColl & Stewart McSporran (programmers) and Trevor Davies (strand leader).
The principal objective and mode of use of LabSim is to provide students with the opportunity to carry out triaxial tests on-screen, when physical and personnel resources are insufficient to allow individual experimentation in the laboratory. The emphasis is on understanding soil behaviour and, only secondarily, training in test procedures.
A companion program (Configur) allows instructors to modify the LabSim simulation, to reflect their own requirements for technical content, soil types, quiz questions and learning styles.
The main screen of the LabSim simulation depicts a schematic of the triaxial cell, complete with cell pressure gauge, pore water pressure gauge, load cells, drainage ports, clock etc. During the consolidation phase, three plots are displayed (versus time): mean effective stress, pore water pressure and volume change. During the loading phase, the on-screen plots are: pore water pressure response, axial stress-strain response, stress paths, and volume change.
The plots can be inspected and precise data values recorded using the cursor. Soil properties, and soil states, are accessed by means of a dialog box.
In an undrained compression test, for example, the soil is consolidated by setting the cell pressure and opening the drainage port. For learning purposes, the consolidation process is normally pre-set to take some appreciable time (say 5 minutes, using Configur).
During each phase of the simulation, users may be required to answer questions (numerical and/or multiple choice) and their scores can be automatically recorded. For example, they might be required to calculate the undrained shear strength of the soil. For class use, randomisation of soil properties inhibits copying, while allowing constructive consultation between class members to take place.
LabSim has now been used by over 200 students, as part of their normally scheduled laboratory activities, in three Universities.
