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SPECIFICATIONS FOR A FULLY AUTOMATED, COMPUTER CONTROLLED RESILIENT MODULUS, TRIAXIAL AND UNCONFINED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH (RMTUC) TESTING SYSTEM ON SOILS AND AGGREGATE MATERIALS

1. GENERAL SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT AND OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Equipment must consist of a fully operational and functional system (including all necessary sample preparation and testing components) meeting the following requirements:

1.1 One (1) new and complete computer controlled, fully automated Resilient Modulus, Triaxial and Unconfined Compressive Strength Soil Testing System, ready for immediate operation with all hardware and software components (i.e. load frame, control and data acquisition software, and related computer interface hardware and manuals, editing and reporting software and manuals, sensors, connection cabling, etc.). The apparatus and software must be configured such that, at a minimum, it is capable of testing undisturbed and disturbed compacted samples of subgrade soils, and untreated base/subbase compacted to various diameters not to exceed 6.0 in. (152 mm), and with a height to diameter ratio of at least 2-2.5:1 including the following standard sizes:

a. Standard "thin wall type" (2.875 in [71 mm] diameter), height to diameter ratio of 2V:1H to 2.5V:1H specimen.

b. Standard recompacted sample (4.00 in [100 mm] diameter), height to diameter ratio of 2V:1H to 2.5V:1H, specimen.

c. Standard recompacted sample (6.00 in [152 mm] diameter) height to diameter ratio of 2V:1H to 2.5V:1H, specimen.

1.2 Confining pressure application, to be done automatically through an electro-pneumatic system, according to default, preset or operator defined pressures and pressure application rates and durations for Resilient Modulus testing.

At the operator’s option, the confining pressure must either be applied automatically according to preset standard or standard default settings in compliance with the Triaxial test methods listed in Section 2.1.1 of this document, or according to operator defined pressures and application rates and durations. Confining pressure must be fully controlled and maintained by system hardware and software.

1.3 Include comprehensive manuals for Resilient Modulus, Triaxial and Unconfined Compressive Strength editing and reporting software, equipment operation and maintenance. Manuals must thoroughly describe the capabilities, function, set-up, calibration and control of all equipment and software, including troubleshooting and maintenance of all systems (equipment and software).

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1.4 Software is to be coded onto a separate computer, not into the testing system. Software must provide the functionality as described in paragraph No. 1. Software must be compatible with Windows 7 Enterprise (64 bit) and Windows 10 Enterprise (64 bit) operating systems.

1.5 All sensors and instrumentation required to perform, monitor and acquire data for the test methods specified in Section 2.1.1 of this document.

1.6 Related data acquisition equipment, computer interfaces, and connection cabling.

1.7 Any and all equipment necessary for preparing each sample for all test methods specified in Section 2.1.1 of this document (at a minimum for 71 mm, 100 mm and 152 mm diameter samples) for testing.

1.8 The system must be configured in both hardware and software such that it meets the rigid AASHTO T-307, RD02-034 and LTPP Protocol P46 specifications for precision on loading through all stages of the test without requiring manual adjustment during the test.

1.9 As illustrated in Figure 1 below, this test protocol requires the load to be applied and removed in 0.1 sec according to a haversine shape, followed by a 0.9 second rest period.

Fig 1. Haversine LTPP Protocol on loading

1.10 The system must shear a sample keeping a constant rate of strain using a high precision electro-mechanical controller. Vertical cyclic loading must be done through a high precision electro-mechanical load actuator.

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1.11 On-site training, installation, documentation, and comprehensive minimum one year (after date of system acceptance – installation, set-up and calibration complete, training complete, and all systems demonstrated to be in full properly working order) hardware and software systems parts and repair warranties are to be included as part of this package. Refer to these sections in this document for further description.

1.12 One (1) computer running Windows 7 Enterprise (64 Bit) operating system that automatically controls and acquires data for all test methods listed in Section 2.1.1 of this document, as well as perform a l l data reduction and reporting operations. Data must be stored in a format that is operator editable in the event of run-time test problems that result in invalid data.

2. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

The computer processor, monitor and computer peripherals (i.e. pointing devices, keyboard, display, printers, uninterruptable power supplies must be supplied by the successful bidder. The successful bidder must provide appropriate data acquisition (D/A) cards/devices and software.

Data acquisition must have a minimum 16 bits of resolution with dedicated channels for each sensor. Multiplexers are not permitted.

Any necessary I/O cards to accept or transmit information from/to data acquisition systems, signal processors, control devices, etc. must be included as must all relevant sensors, controllers, load frames, related attachments and fittings, wiring, tubing, valves, and related computer software to control test function, acquire data, perform test calculations (with the exception of those requiring significant engineering judgment), and output data and graphical displays both to the screen and printed output.

The computer processor must be provided by the successful bidder, and must run under Windows 7 Enterprise (64 Bit) and Windows 10 Enterprise (64 bit) operating systems. Hardware and software must be compatible with this environment.

2.1 Equipment Requirements

2.1.1 Equipment for the testing system must be consistent with standard sizes and methodologies used in performing standard AASHTO and ASTM test methods, including:

a. "Determining the Resilient Modulus of Soils and Aggregate Materials", AASHTO Designation: T 307-99(2012) and SHRP Protocol P46.

b. “Standard Test Method for Consolidated Undrained Triaxial Compression Test for Cohesive Soils”, ASTM Designation D4767-11.

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c. “Standard Test Method for Consolidated Drained Triaxial Compression Test for Cohesive Soils”, ASTM Designation D7181-11.

d. “Standard Method of Test for Unconsolidated, Undrained Compressive Strength of Cohesive Soils in Triaxial Compression”, AASHTO Designation T 296-10

e. Standard Test Method for Unconfined Compressive Strength of Cohesive Soil”, AASHTO Designation T 208-15.

2.1.2 The system must operate on standard 120V or 220V 60 Hz power.

2.1.3 The system must be appropriately rugged to withstand a standard laboratory testing environment with a projected service life of 10 to 15 years.

2.1.4 The system must be designed to operate at a standard room temperature environment of 10⁰C to 32⁰C (50⁰F to 90⁰F). The equipment must be able to withstand temperatures of -12⁰C to 49⁰C (10⁰F to 120⁰F) for shipping and storage.

2.1.5 The system must use shielded electrical cables to reduce signal noise and interference that may otherwise result in undesirable effects.

2.1.6 The unit must come equipped with all standard equipment pertinent to the test methods listed in Section 2.1.1 of this document including, but not limited to, test cells, platens, gaskets, locking screws, fittings, valves, tubing, sensors, membranes and "O" type rings, and sensor mounting assemblies.

2.1.7 The system must include all standard equipment required to prepare test specimens for the test methods listed in Section 2.1.1 of these specifications, and of the size and dimensions as indicated in Section 1 of these specifications.

2.1.8 A compressor must be provided having a minimum rated operating pressure, not maximum or peak pressure, meeting the required operating pressure for all tests methods in Section 2.1.1 of these specifications, along with all necessary tools, fittings and equipment to connect to the air compressor to the test system.

2.1.9 The electro-mechanical load actuator must include the following:

a. One (1) Automated load frame with the following technical specifications:

10,000 lbf (45 kN) load capacity 500 lbf (2.22 kN), 2000 lbf (8.90 kN) and 5000 lbf (22.2 kN) external load

cells. Other load cell capacities up to 10,000 lbf (4.45 kN) must be easily interchangeable.

Embedded controller Dedicated channels with signal conditioning and power supplies built-in.

Sufficient dedicated channels must be provided to run all tests indicated in these specifications.

Built-in Data Acquisition and Control

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Front panel LCD and Keypad for manual controls Variable Speed range to run all tests indicated in these specifications to the

requirements of the individual test methods indicated. Accommodates test cell up to a max. Diameter of 6.00 in. (152 mm) Platen travel = min distance required to perform all tests in Section 2.1.1 Upper and lower limit switches to prevent ram over travel Built-in software safety shut-off when sensors max out Uprights with quick release/removal for easy and fast movement of cross

head Remote network access, monitoring, and control Sensors set-up and configuration via software Integrated control and data acquisition board

b. Electro-mechanical linear actuator that applies load pulses meeting the

requirements of all indicated test methods in Section 2.1.1 of this document.

c. Electro-Pneumatic Cell Pressure Controller including mounting bracket, fittings, mist separator filter and particle separator filter, and built-in pressure sensor with digital display for the Resilient Modulus test.

d. Automatic pressure and vacuum controllers (for cell, pore and back pressures, etc.), including all necessary equipment and accessories. Integral pressure sensors with digital displays meeting the requirements for all triaxial test methods listed in Section 2.1.1 of this document. All pressures must be fully controlled by system software.

e. Automatic volume change measurement, monitoring and recording device for all the triaxial test methods listed in Section 2.1.1. (Volume change must not be determined manually.)

2.2 Test Control Requirements

2.2.1 The hardware and software components must allow full operation and control of the testing system, including permitting fully automated operation of the equipment, permitting alternate manual inputs and control of all loads, load rates and frequencies, strain rates, and measurement sampling and recording frequencies of all measurement and monitoring instruments/sensors, and provided real time numeric and graphical monitoring of all system functions, loadings and load rates, and monitoring instruments/sensors.

The hardware and software must provide both fully automated and operator defined modes of observation, recording and transfer all of test parameters and data, and instrument/sensor recordings. The test apparatus must be configured to be both computer controlled, and operate as a standalone unit with manual controls on the front panels of the load frame with keypads and LCDs. The load frame must be able to have loads applied and removed, at the rates, magnitudes and shapes required, by the

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computer control system. Loading rates must have the option of being specified and controlled by the computer, or via manual override. The computer interface must allow the operator to adjust calibration factors and the rate of data acquisition.

The equipment must include an internal automated controller, but permit manual override and direction to the internal controller from the external computer interface. The external computer interface must acquire real time operational data and transfer all data and load/strain curves for the completed tests directly from the equipment’s internal controller.

The apparatus must have necessary control functions to allow the operator to manipulate the location of the load platen for functions such as resetting the apparatus for a new test.

2.2.2 Vertical forces/displacements must be applied with high precision electro-mechanical load actuators for the tests specified in Section 2.1.1 of this document at appropriate rates and within specified tolerances, consistent with those indicated in the relevant AASTHO/ASTM specifications. Vertical displacements must be able to be applied at strain rates ranging from 0.3%/min to 1.0 %/min (as slow as 0.000001 in/min [0.00003 mm/min] and at least 0.6in/min [15 mm/min], though the maximum may exceed this value) for the Resilient Modulus test. Vertical displacements must be able to be applied at axial strain rates ranging from 0.5%/min to 2%/min for Unconfined Compressive Strength tests. Pneumatic, hydraulic loading systems or other systems for the application of vertical loads, other than indicated in these specifications, are not permitted.

Vertical loads and displacements must be monitored by appropriate sensors that transmit the information to the data acquisition system for use in engineering calculations and real time display and recording of load, displacement, and applied stresses/strains.

2.2.3 Test control parameters (applied loads and/or displacement rates and end of test criteria) must be adjustable during the testing sequence. The test control software must allow the test to be aborted at any time without the loss of existing data. Sensors must be included to detect an overload or ‘out-of-range’ condition and system controls must terminate the test if such conditions occur in order to protect the test system.

2.2.4 Readings, in operator defined or selected units, must be displayed in real time from test sensors to monitor the test and computer control system.

2.2.5 Sensor readings must be able to be electronically "zeroed" in the test control program.

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2.3 Tolerance Requirements

2.3.1 Vertical displacements must be able to be determined to a minimum precision of .0001 in (.0025 mm) for the Resilient Modulus System. The Resilient Modulus System measuring device(s) for axial deformation must have a minimum range of:

Specimen Diameter Range(mm) (mm) (inch)

71 1 0.04100 2.5 0.1152 6 0.236

The requirements in the above table for range are approximately linear when plotted versus specimen cross-sectional area. Requirements for the measuring devices for axial deformation used with other specimen diameters must be approximated linearly.

The Vertical displacements must be able to be determined to the minimum range and precision requirements in the Triaxial and Unconfined Compressive Strength test methods specified in Section 2.1.1 of this document.

2.3.2 Vertical loading must be maintained for the duration of appropriate testing periods (at each increment). The following capacities and accuracies are required for the axial load-measuring devices for the Resilient Modulus Test:

Specimen Diameter Max Load Capacity Required Accuracy(mm) (kN) (N)

71 2.2 4.5100 8.0 10.0152 22.24 22.24

The above requirements for load capacity and accuracy are approximately linear when plotted versus specimen cross-sectional area. Requirements for load cells used with other specimen diameters must be approximated linearly. The accuracies are to be over the range of the applied load.

The Vertical loading capacities and accuracies for the axial load-measuring devices must meet the requirements of the Triaxial and Unconfined Compressive Strength test methods specified in Section 2.1.1 of this document.

2.3.4 Time must be recorded to the nearest second or less.

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2.4 Data Acquisition Sensors

2.4.1 Applied vertical loads must be continuously monitored and must be measured with self-contained electronic load cells or similar high precision measuring systems which read loads directly. Instrumentation for measuring and monitoring load must perform at the loads and within the accuracies as indicated in the table in Section 2.3.2 of these specifications. Calibrated proving rings or mechanical spring systems coupled with digital dial gauges or LVDTs or similar systems are not acceptable.

2.4.2 Displacements must be measured externally with 2 linear variable displacement transducers (LVDTs) for the Resilient Modulus test. The transducers must be spring-loaded, and must meet the following minimum specifications:

a. Linearity: 0.25 % of full scaleb. Repeatability: 1 % of full scalec. Minimum Sensitivity: 2 mv/v (AC) or 5 mv/v (DC)

The LVDT’s must also meet the requirements of the Triaxial and Unconfined Compressive Strength test methods specified in Section 2.1.1 of this document.

2.4.3 Cell pressure must be measured by a pressure transducer with a minimum range of 0 psi to 70 psi (0 kPa to 483 kPa) and accurate to 0.1 psi (0.7 kPa) for the Resilient Modulus test.

All pressures (Cell, Pore, Back, etc.) must be measured by pressure transducers meeting the requirements of the triaxial test methods specified in Section 2.1.1 of this document

2.5 Calibration

2.5.1 Applicable calibration information must be provided with all sensors including instructions for use, and calibration factors as well as any additional instructions relating to their inclusion in the data acquisition system.

2.5.2 Computer software must be configured to perform relevant corrections for the system (i.e. no post-processing must be required).

2.5.3 Sensors and data acquisition equipment must be of appropriate quality, construction, and durability to maintain their precision such that calibration of the apparatus be required no more frequently than on an annual basis (assuming daily equipment use and with all manufacturer indicated maintenance and system checks performed as required).

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2.5.4 The successful bidder must provide all equipment necessary to verify all system measuring components are in proper calibration. At a minimum, the equipment must include a separate calibrated load cell to check and calibrate the system load cell, and a micrometer with compatible resolution or a set of specifically machined gauge blocks to check the accuracy of the LVDTs.

2.5.5 The successful bidder must provide an acceptable lubricant and cleaner for the LVDTs so as to be able to keep the LVDT shafts clean of dirt and debris, and moving freely.

2.5.6 The system must have an internal process for calibrating sensors and must be able to perform a linear regression analysis and graph results to determine appropriate offset and calibration constant values.

2.6 Data Input

2.6.1 Data and operating parameters relevant to the tests (i.e. sensor reading intervals, test specimen dimensions, etc.) must have the option to follow preset standard default settings or be manually specified by the operator. The system must be configured to permit manual override of data and operating parameters to be entered into the computer via the standard keyboard/numeric keypad interface.

2.6.2 The computer control program must provide a method for correcting input errors (i.e. use of delete, backspace, etc.). The control program must be of such a design where an error in the input process does not require the test to be aborted and re-started from the beginning.

2.7 Computer Environment (Hardware)

2.7.1 See Annex 1 (attached)

2.8 Computer Program Environment (Software)

2.8.1 Computer test control, data input, and reporting software must be applications that operate on a standard personal computer with Windows 7 Enterprise (64 Bit) and Windows 10 Enterprise (64 bit) operating systems. The system software must be able to function properly with McAfee Agent, McAfee SiteAdvisor Enterprise and McAfee VirusScan Enterprise + Antispyware Enterprise running in the background. The system software needs to fully function with a standard Windows 7 Enterprise (64 bit) user account.

2.8.2 The software must be either developed for or fully compatible with Windows 7 Enterprise (64 Bit) and Windows 10 Enterprise (64 bit) operating systems. If the software is affected by Windows 7 Enterprise and Windows 10 Enterprise

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operating system updates, the successful bidder is responsible for providing test system software updates to maintain system compatibility and proper system operation.

2.8.3 The software user interface must incorporate standard MS Windows conventions (i.e. use of mouse, use of minimize and maximize window functions, 'tab' and 'arrow' keys [to move between fields], 'enter' key [to accept information], function keys, numeric keypad, standard Windows tools such as cut, copy, paste, etc.) where relevant.

2.8.4 The user interface must be internally consistent (i.e. if 'function key 4 [F4]' means one thing in one part of that program it must mean that same thing in another part of the program).

2.8.5 The computer test control, data input, and reporting software program must be compatible with Microsoft Windows Networking.

2.8.6 The computer test control data input and reporting software program must be able to present reports graphically on the computer screen as well as print reports (including tables and graphs) to both local and network printers and plotters.

2.8.7 The computer test control, data input, and reporting software must be developed by a single software developer. Each part of the program must be integrated to provide a user-friendly, intuitive, operating environment. Nomenclature of input variables and output information must be consistent with that used in appropriate AASHTO/ASTM specifications and must be presented clearly such that confusion is minimized (i.e. rather than "tare weight" use "weight of empty sample can [tare]").

The system editing and reporting software may run separately from the control and acquisition software. If the programs are separate, they must be integrated (i.e. using the same data storage and retrieval and naming conventions) and fully compatible with one another. Graphical user interfaces must be consistent such that naming of data items in the input is consistent with naming in the output. Units of measure, significant figures, etc., must be consistent among all programs or program components.

2.8.8 The software program[s] must operate in such a manner that data/results from one (or more) tests may be manipulated and reported while tests are actively controlled by the control software.

2.8.9 The computer software must be capable of displaying real time sensor readings, in engineering units. Display of readings must be automatically updated without operator action.

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2.8.10 Software must produce appropriate labeling of data, graphs, and displays. Graphs and tables must have the test title and filename clearly associated with them such that they may be readily identified if multiple windows are open. Additionally, graphs and tables must have appropriate headings, axes labels, column labels, etc. Values must be accompanied by appropriate engineering units (i.e. pressure values accompanied by the engineering units, in psi [or kPa]. Units of measure for all test methods indicted in these specifications may be found in the applicable AASHTO/ASTM specifications. Software must be configured to provide an operator defined sample identification on all real time data displays, and all produced displayed and printed results reports, data summaries and graphs.

2.8.11 The software must record and display simultaneously, real time axial load and deformations, load rates, and other pertinent test parameters depending upon the specific test being conducted (e.g. confining and pore pressures). The system must be configured and be capable of providing a minimum of 200 data points from each LVDT per load cycle for Resilient Modulus testing.

The software must record and display all required test parameters simultaneously for the Triaxial and Unconfined Compressive Strength tests specified in Section 2.1.1 of this document.

2.9 General Test Process Function

2.9.1 The test system must be controllable by the operator so that displacement and load rates can be automatically applied according to preset standard default values, or as defined by the operator. The system must be configured to permit the operator to select from a menu of preprogrammed displacement and load rates, or permit the operator to program new standard default displacement and load rates.

The control program must record the vertical displacements and vertical load and stresses applied to the sample. Data sampling must be able to be specified by either time rate (minimum specified rate no greater than 0.1 minute) or strain rate (minimum specified rate no greater than 0.01%).

2.9.2 The system must automatically record time, vertical displacements, cell pressures, pore pressures, vertical forces and any other information required by the test methods listed in Section 2.1.1 of this document at preset standard default intervals (these reading intervals must be consistent with AASHTO/ASTM test method requirements indicated for the tests listed in Section 2.1.1 of these specifications), or intervals determined by the operator.

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2.10 Manual Override

2.10.1 The system must include a manual override to allow the operator to terminate the test at any point.

2.11 Test Termination

2.11.1 The test must be automatically terminated once the system determines that it has reached final parameters for the input control values (i.e. maximum applies vertical stress or maximum % strain, etc.), unless overridden by the operator. The operator must not be able to override test

2.11.2 The computer software must have a status indicator, dialogue box, or other method to allow the operator to know that a test is complete (or in process).

2.12 Data Acquisition & Reduction

2.12.1 The system must perform required conversions from electrical sensor output voltages to engineering units automatically (in the program background) with no operator input or direction required (i.e. operator does not need to enter conditioner information, sensitivities, conversion factors, multipliers, etc.).

2.12.2 Calculations used in the tests (i.e. determinations of stresses from loads and areas, etc.) must be performed by the system automatically.

2.13 Error Correction

2.13.1 The system must store data in such a manner that it may be edited after completion of the test to correct errors found in the initial inputs (i.e. date, sample height, etc.) so that the test is not invalidated if these errors are discovered after the test has been completed.

The editing method does not have to be internal to the provided software (i.e. could be a standard text editor), but must at least be able to be edited using a standard Windows® text editor. The procedure must be documented in the relevant sections of the documentation (see documentation).

2.13.2 Data must be stored in (or be downloadable in) a standard file convention (ASCII text or similar) that allows input, viewing, and/or content manipulation by standard text editors or spreadsheets.

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2.14 Screen Display of Information

2.14.1 Real time test monitoring is required.

2.14.2 Information must be displayed on a computer using Windows 7 Enterprise (64 bit) or Windows 10 Enterprise (64 bit) operating system. The system must be able to graphically display vertical force, vertical displacement, cell pressure, pore pressure and any other information required to be graphically presented for the test methods listed in Section 2.1.1 of this document.

2.14.3 Editing functions must be available in the reporting software to adjust and refine graphical information (i.e. graph axes must allow automatic or "operator defined" values so specific portions of the graph may be enlarged/examined, or units of measure changed so graphical results of different tests can be compared on similar scales).

2.14.4 Previously run tests must be able to be recalled for display by the software from archived data files.

2.14.5 Test results must be able to be presented in both graphical and tabular format.

2.15 Printed Reporting & Data File Production

2.15.1 Printed tables of test data must be available as output. In addition, printed graphs showing typical Resilient Modulus, Triaxial and Unconfined Compressive Strength test results must be provided by the program software. The test report must include constitutive relationships from: Design Pamphlet for the determination of design Subgrade according to FHWA-RD-97-083 publication

2.15.2 Plotting to monitor, printer, or file must be provided as well.

2.15.3 Graphical units (i.e. x-y axes extent/scale) must have the option of being operator adjustable for presentation on printed output. A data file suitable for import into a standard spreadsheet (i.e. text file, ASCII file, or comma/tab delimited data file) must be available as a standard test output.

2.15.4 Output must be labeled such that test name, applied stresses/loads, displacement values, etc., and other sample or test identifying information is presented for identification of the output.

2.15.5 Previously run tests must be able to be recalled for display by the software from archived data files and printed (both tables and graphs).

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2.15.6 Standard printed output must be compatible with either portrait or landscape orientation.

2.15.7 Any internal printer drivers must be compatible with standard printers; the system must allow the use of standard Windows 7 Enterprise (64 bit) and Windows 10 Enterprise (64 bit) operating systems.

2.16 Units of Measure

2.16.1 The system must be capable of accepting input and providing output in either U. S. Customary units (English) or SI units.

2.16.2 A test conducted in one system of units, or mixed units system, must be able to be reported in either of the two unit systems.

2.16.3 Units and presentation of units must be consistent with NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) guidelines. Refer to NIST Special Publication 811 "Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI)” or other appropriate reference documents.

2.16.4 Available reporting units must be consistent with the AASHTO/ASTM test method requirements indicated in Section 2.1.1 of these specifications and commonly used forms associated with the tests and found in related engineering or lab procedure references (e.g. square inches and square millimeters; pound force/square inch and kilopascal).

3. DOCUMENTATION

3.1 Operator’s manuals must be provided with the system. Topics must include appropriate installation overview, detailed set-up instructions for first time installation, general operation, calibration, manual operator controls and troubleshooting.

3.2 An online "help" function must be associated with the software. This function must, at a minimum, indicate where further information may be found in accompanying manuals. The help function must include test methodology (how to run the test) for all indicated AASHTO/ASTM test methods specified in Section 2.1.1 of this document in addition to a description of relevant function keys and software controls.

3.3 Any manuals relevant to components of the system (i.e. computer cards, sensors, D/A converters/conditioners, the computer, etc.) must be included with the system.

3.4 Sensor and instrument calibration information must be provided.

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3.5 System documentation must clearly indicate all tolerances, maximum pressure or load ratings, etc., for the included components.

3.6 Any and all warrantee or calibration documentation must be provided upon delivery.

4. TECHNICAL SUPPORT

4.1 General

4.1.1 The successful bidder must provide reasonable technical support by staff that has familiarity with the equipment and its operation by telephone, fax, or e-mail during regular business hours (i.e. 8 AM - 4 PM EST). Requests for technical support must be answered within 24 business hours.

4.1.2 Mechanical problems must be addressed in a timely manner either by replacement of the equipment or by replacement of the component in the most practical method as determined by mutual agreement between the agency and the successful bidder (refer to Section 4.3, below).

4.1.3 Software problems (affecting system accuracy, precision, or ability of equipment to perform or meet the AASHTO/ASTM test methods specified in Section 2.1.1 of this document) must be corrected, and new software issued within 21 calendar days of the notice of malfunction.

4.2 Assembly

4.2.1 The successful bidder must pre-assemble all components. Hardware, software (if pre-installed on computer), sensors, cables, etc. must be verified for proper functionality prior to distribution of the system. Software installation may have to be completed after Department imaging of the computer.

4.2.2 The system must be complete upon delivery, including all relevant connections, computer components, software, cables, power cords, electrical, electronic and mechanical fittings, calibration blocks, sensors, load frame parts, mounting assemblies, tubing, etc.

4.3 Warranty

4.3.1 If problems, errors, or omissions are discovered where the system fails to function properly, the successful bidder, at the bidder's expense must provide appropriate replacement components, software modifications and re-issues, or other applicable corrections at their expense for the 12 months (1 year) from date of installation.

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4.3.2 All parts must be completely functional and free of defects upon arrival. Additionally, the system must be functional and free of defects observed in the first 1 year of system use (after complete installation and setup by the successful bidder).

4.3.3 Failed components must be replaced in a reasonable amount of time. This time must not exceed 30 days.

4.3.4 All warranty repairs must be done either off-site or on-site at the location of installation where practical. If comprehensive system diagnostics, major component cleaning or replacement, or other major operations requiring specialty work-benches, additional computer equipment, or several staff members are required, the system must be returned to the manufacturer for work of this nature. When any system or component needs to be repaired at another location all packaging and shipping costs are the responsibility of the successful bidder.

4.3.5 If components or the entirety of the fully automated computer controlled Resilient Modulus/Triaxial/Unconfined Compressive Strength (RMTUC) test system that has been purchased are discontinued by the successful bidder, then the successful bidder must notify the Department within 30 days.

5. MANDATORY ON-SITE INSTALLATION AND TRAINING

1.2.3.4.5.5.1 Installation

5.1.1 The successful bidder must provide onsite installation of the system (set-up, assembly, calibration, computer program testing) by a qualified technician or engineer. The successful bidder must demonstrate full functionality of the equipment and systems for all test methods listed in Section 2.1.1 of this document to the Department as part of the system setup.

5.2 Training

23455.25.2.1 Training must not be initiated or proceed until installation of all system components

and software are complete and full functionality of the equipment and systems for all

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test methods listed in Section 2.1.1 of this document have been demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Department.

5.2.2 Training must be provided for all test methods listed in Section 2.1.1 of this document.

5.2.3 The successful bidder must provide a minimum three (3) business-days of equipment test training sessions for an unlimited number of employees by a qualified technician or engineer who is familiar with the installation and operation of the equipment. This training is to be included with the purchase price of the RMTUC test system. The Department will video all training sessions for internal future use.

5.2.4 Training must include the following:

a. Set up of equipment, connections, etc.b. Check of sensor calibrationc. Calibration of sensorsd. Operation of load framee. Operation of test control software including:

Changing units, Control modes and data entry Standard test set-up and operation Specimen set-up Zeroing sensors Standard testing Specimen break-down

f. Operation of test reporting software (Test result download, presentation, reporting, error correction, graphing and output manipulation)

g. Frame and cell care and maintenanceh. General program and hardware troubleshootingi. Development of 'set-up' files for common tests including:

develop data sampling rates develop input parameters

i.ii.

iii.iv.v.

vi.vii.

viii.j. Review of hardware and software

5.2.5 Trainings must take place at the Department’s Material Testing Lab in Harrisburg, PA, USA.

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5.2.6 Training must take place immediately after setup and proper operational demonstration and verification is complete.

5.2.7 Training must be directed towards an audience of operators who will be operating the apparatus and will be using the data generated from testing.

6. UPGRADES

6.1 The Department must be notified of software upgrades/updates through functional life of the product. Software upgrades developed within one year of the date of delivery must be made available to the Department without charge.

7. NOTICE TO BIDDERS

1.1.12.1.13.1.14.1.15.1.16.1.17.1.1

7.1 Bidders must provide with the bid sufficient documentation, specifications, drawings, etc. to allow the agency to evaluate the offered apparatus for conformance to these specifications and requirements. Failure to provide said documentation may result in that bid being rejected. If such documentation is deemed necessary by the Department to evaluate portions of the system and/or equipment, and the documentation is not provided upon subsequent request, the Department can reject the bid.

Bidders are further advised that a demonstration of the apparatus may be required by the agency prior to the award to determine compliance. This demonstration, if required, must be scheduled within 30 days of the request.

7.2 Bidders must include, with their response, evidence that the products’ bid meet or exceed the specifications stated above. Bidders must furnish for each system component indicated in these specifications and proposed by the bidder:

a. Published literature such as catalogues, production specifications, sales brochures, or another material approved by the department, which show that the products’ bid meet or exceed the above specifications. Statements made by a bidder that is not supported by published literature will not constitute satisfactory proof and will not be accepted.

b. Indicate where each specification is met or exceeded by referencing the number,

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indexing and highlighting the corresponding information on the documentation furnished.

7.3 Responses which do not comply with the above requirements for information, indexing, or highlighting, and certification, can be rejected at the discretion of the Department.

7.4 For system components that do not meet requirements set forth in these specifications, or as required by the test methods indicated in Section 2.1.1, bidders may amend their bid at no additional cost, offering a substitute meeting all requirements indicated above, and providing the documentation indicated in Sections 7.1 and 7.2 of these specifications.

7.5 The Department may, at its sole discretion, waive individual requirements of these specifications, if it is determined that the requirement is or can be functionally covered by other system components or capabilities, or is deemed to not result in a significant functional deficiency.

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Annex 1

Computer Requirements with Monitor