OverviewThe FHU812PRO Frost Heave Test Chamber simulates frost heave in construction materials to evaluate vertical displacement, ice lens formation and capillary rise under controlled conditions. Intended for geotechnical laboratories and quality control according to BS812:PT124.
Standards & OriginDesigned and produced in Italy by FDM - Environment Makers. Reference standard: BS812:PT124:1989. Construction and safety elements reference DIN 12880 where applicable. IQ/OQ documentation available on request.
Key features- Independent dual-temperature control: separate regulation of the cold air zone and warm water bath for realistic frost heave reproduction.
- Automatic constant water level system to ensure stable capillarity conditions throughout the test cycle.
- Automated test management with guided touchscreen controller including alerts for measurement steps and events.
- High-precision regulation: air control ±0.3°C; water control ±0.1°C.
- Integrated multi-point monitoring: 2 PT100 probes for control plus 10 thermocouples for multi-zone logging.
- Safety and alarms: Class 1 safety devices (DIN 12880) with audiovisual alarms on deviations.
- Construction materials: external painted galvanized steel; internal AISI 304 stainless steel; ecological insulation free of CFCs and HCFCs.
Testing concept and setupThe chamber implements two temperature-controlled zones: a lower water bath maintained near +3 / +4.5°C and an upper air zone down to −22°C (configurable within the stated range). Nine specimens are mounted on a dedicated holder; brass reference rods measure vertical rise during ice lens formation. Water rises in specimens by capillarity and freezes, producing frost heave; the controller prompts when to record lift measurements.
Controllers (options)- stillFACE — Dual dedicated displays for temperature and humidity. Manual setpoint entry, instant readings, continuous monitoring under constant conditions, configurable audiovisual alarms, optional RS485 for data logging. Suited to stability tests and passive monitoring.
- revoFACE — Color touchscreen for programmable cyclic testing. Up to 10 programs with 50 segments each (ramps, holds, transitions). USB data export, event log and setpoint history, RS485/Ethernet and dedicated mobile app options. Suited to automated cycles and advanced test profiles.
Accessories and optional items- IQ/OQ certification package
- Humidity control below 10°C
- Dehumidification down to 2% RH
- Ventilation filter
- Cable pass-through access hole
- Glass door
- Internal electrical socket
- Self-locking swivel wheels
- Water filtration system
- CO2 regulation system
Datasheet & CertificationsFull technical datasheet (PDF) and IQ/OQ documentation available on request. Product marked with applicable quality and conformity attributes (Made in Italy, ISO 9001, CE). 24-month warranty and dedicated technical assistance provided.
Technical specifications- Model: FHU812PRO
- Internal volume: 200 L
- Air temperature range: −22°C / −16°C (control accuracy ±0.3°C)
- Water temperature range: +3°C / +4.5°C (control accuracy ±0.1°C)
- Simultaneous specimens: 9 (dedicated 9-specimen holder with brass reference rods)
- Monitoring probes: 2 PT100 (control) + 10 thermocouples (multi-zone logging)
- Controllers: revoFACE+ 10" touchscreen (programmable cycles) or stillFACE (dual-display manual/constant control)
- Audible/visual alarms and Class 1 safety devices (DIN 12880)
- External construction: painted galvanized steel
- Internal construction: AISI 304 stainless steel
- Insulation: free of CFCs and HCFCs
- Standards: BS812:PT124:1989