Introduction
Since its launch in 2024, the latest generation of GDSLAB Software has transformed geotechnical testing by combining automation, precision and usability in a single powerful software platform. The March 2025 update brought smarter workflows and customer-driven innovations, cementing GDSLAB as the industry’s most advanced testing software.
Now, with the September 2025 update, we’re raising the bar again. From seamless integration with Bender Element testing to smarter data handling, enhanced support tools and new hardware compatibility, this release delivers even greater speed, control and confidence for Geotechnical laboratories worldwide.
The Journey So Far
When we launched GDSLAB v2024 it wasn’t just an upgrade of our original software - it was a complete re-imagining of how geotechnical software could work. Built around extensive user feedback, the release introduced a suite of new tools designed to make testing smarter, faster, and more intuitive than ever before.
At its core was a modernised user interface and experience (UI/UX), giving operators a clearer, more logical workspace and reducing the learning curve for new users. For the first time, GDSLAB also supported multiple languages - instantly making the software more accessible to laboratories around the world.
Alongside these improvements came real-time graphing for dynamic tests, giving engineers immediate visibility into test behaviour as it happened, and a powerful new datastore system to centralise and safeguard test data. Advanced data management and analysis tools gave users more control over how they worked with results, while expanded test automation reduced repetitive manual tasks and opened up new possibilities for custom workflows.
Compatibility with a wider range of GDS hardware also increased, ensuring that laboratories could integrate the software seamlessly with their existing equipment. And to make sure teams could adapt quickly, we introduced Video Handbooks — short, practical training videos that explained both the fundamentals and the latest features, helping users get up to speed and stay current.
By March 2025, we had already built on this foundation with a major update that pushed efficiency and accuracy even further. Key highlights included:
- Integrated Consolidation Analysis Tool – eliminating external file handling and manual transfers.
- Triaxial K₀ Axial Ramp Control – a customer-requested feature validated in real-world testing at GEO Denmark.
- Automatic End of Primary Consolidation Detection – using statistical analysis to automate and speed up consolidation testing.
Performance also took a step forward, with compatibility updates for Windows 10 & 11, upgrades to .NET 8 and SciChart v8, plus optimised graph plotting for handling large datasets.
The result? A platform that not only modernised geotechnical testing but also reshaped workflows in labs across the globe — saving time, reducing errors, and delivering sharper insights into soil and rock behaviour.
September 2025 – The Next Step Forward
The September 2025 update continues our mission to deliver the most user-focused geotechnical testing software available. Highlights include:
Automated Bender Element Integration
For the first time, GDSLAB can now trigger GDSBES Bender Element tests automatically at selected points in a test. Results can be viewed directly with full peak-picking and review after the test.
Meaning users carrying out Bender Element Tests can now:-
- Configure Bender Element stages just like other modules.
- Access full sweep (for automatic detection of resonance) and stacking functionality from within GDSLAB.
- Enjoy seamless workflows with results stored in the same environment.
This powerful integration comes alongside the launch of GDS’ specific Bender Element testing software - GDSBES v2025, which adds:-
- A modernised GUI in line with GDSLAB.
- Automatic specimen height transfer from GDSLAB.
- Greater control over file naming and test definitions (period or frequency).
- Signal filtering options.
A full library of video tutorials for
GDSBES v2025 is now available
here
Other Key Improvements in GDSLAB v2025 (September Update)
- Improved Support Archive – all support data in one file, saving time and effort.
- CRS Pore Water Pressure Ratio Control – dynamically adjusts strain rate during Consolidometer tests.
- User-Customisable Station Tab Names – more flexible test organisation.
- Updated UnityFramework & FTDI USB Drivers – enhanced performance and reliability.
- New Datastore Notifications – alerts if an older GDSLAB version tries to load a newer file.
- Improved Recovery of Corrupt Test Files – more resilience for long test runs.
- Support for GDS Infinite Volume Controller – expanding hardware compatibility.
Built for the Future
With twice-yearly updates shaped by real-world user feedback, GDSLAB isn’t just keeping pace with industry needs — it’s setting the standard.
- Faster, more intuitive workflows
- Deeper integration with test hardware
- Smarter automation to reduce errors
- Continuous improvements based on customer insight
Upgrade to GDSLAB Software and experience the future of geotechnical testing.
