GDS Ship 100th Electromechanical Dynamic Cyclic Simple Shear Device (EMDCSS)

To mark the sale of our 100th Electromechanical Dynamic Cyclic Simple Shear Device (EMDCSS), we take a moment to share how one of their most in-demand products has developed over the past 14 years.

As we ship our 100th Electromechanical Dynamic Cyclic Simple Shear Device (EMDCSS), we thought we would take a moment to share how one of GDS’ most in-demand products has developed over the years. We built our first EMDCSS back in 2008 and as you can see from the images below, the apparatus has changed considerably in this time. Nigel Durley a Commissioning Engineer at GDS has worked on most of the EMDCSS’ coming through production and has been instrumental on its development. We quizzed him on the changes the system has been through over the last 14 years.

"The first system we built was labour intensive and over complicated in terms of wiring and build. We worked with our in-house design team to amend elements of the design to improve the performance whilst helping bring our build time down by approximately a day. Over the past 14 years various parts used on the EMDCSS have become obsolete, digital drives were introduced, allowing us to move to a CAN Bus system. The control system was then updated as well as the systems aesthetics.

The system really has evolved, in line with new technologies.

We added more Perspex for easy access and maintenance and have removed solid panels to expose the actuators for both visual and practical reasons. Feedback from our customers has led us to additional changes, such as improving access to the sample and transducers, as well as designing new options such as, a direct shear sample, a sample preparation table for sensitive material and localised displacement upgrades, which have been added in more recent years. Even though the EMDCSS is one of our more advanced systems, working closely with our design team and customers has made the system one of our most efficient to build.”

Nigel Durley has been a Commissioning Engineer at GDS for over 15 years.

Product Design Through The Decades

The EMDCSS was redesigned as the ultimate flat pack system.

With steady sales in the early years, the apparatus' popularity has increased exponentially over the last five years. Mike Bulley, Geotechnical Systems Manager at GDS, explains why.

"Firstly, the apparatus conforms to the ASTM D-6528 standard, required by many commercial projects. The shear load cell design and position mean friction does not affect load readings. Additionally, the system is built on a super stiff frame to minimise system compliance. When I am installing the EMDCSS, our customers are impressed with the flexibility of the testing options and the accuracy of test control.

The system can carry out multiple tests, including Monotonic Simple Shear, Dynamic Simple Shear and Constant Normal Stiffness tests. We are therefore seeing customers use the apparatus for various applications, including, Liquefaction, Dam Tailings and Offshore Wind projects, to name a few.

With a big push for renewable energy, especially in offshore windfarms, I can foresee the popularity of the apparatus growing further in future years."

Mike Bulley, System Support Manager has worked at GDS for over 10 years.

The EMDCSS can be used for multiple applications.

GDS will be hosting their first "Live Event" featuring the EMDCSS, on the 16th May at 11.55pm (BST). We run through what makes this system so popular with both our research and commercial customers. A recording of the event will be available for those unable to make the Live Event, so be sure to register your interest below.