For rock deformation experiments we handle different apparatuses, allowing to perform brittle (low temperature) tests on large rock samples (MTS servo-hydraulic press) and high temperature (ductile) experiments on small samples (Paterson-type gas deformation apparatus at high confining pressure, uniaxial creep rig at atmospheric pressure). The following facilities are operated: servohydraulic MTS press, gas deformation apparatus and high temperature creep apparatus.

Lately, the core elements of the high-pressure, high-temperature 3D True Triaxial Press facility at the GFZ were set up and put into operation. The facility includes a modularly expandable, cubic, polyaxial high-pressure testing facility for carrying out stress-strain analyses on rock samples under real triaxial pressure conditions with control options in all three main stress directions.
The facility is used to carry out highly specialised, experimental pressure tests on rocks, e.g. from …