Table of Contents

Oedometer Test................................................................................................................................1
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
Procedure.........................................................................................................................................3
Data & Calculation..........................................................................................................................4
Graphs............................................................................................................................................19
Discussion......................................................................................................................................23
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................23
California Bearing Ratio Test........................................................................................................24
Introduction....................................................................................................................................25
Procedure.......................................................................................................................................26
Data & Calculation........................................................................................................................27
Graph.............................................................................................................................................31
Discussion......................................................................................................................................32
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................33
Direct Shear Box Test...................................................................................................................34
Introduction....................................................................................................................................35
Data & Calculation........................................................................................................................37
Graphs............................................................................................................................................45
Discussion......................................................................................................................................47
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................48
Triaxial test....................................................................................................................................49
Introduction....................................................................................................................................50
Procedure.......................................................................................................................................52
Discussion......................................................................................................................................53
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................54
Reference.......................................................................................................................................55

Oedometer Test

2
Introduction
An oedometer test is a kind of geotechnical investigation performed in geotechnical engineering
that measures a soil's consolidation properties. Oedometer tests are performed by applying
different loads to a soil sample and measuring the deformation response. The results from these
tests are used to predict how a soil in the field will deform in response to a change in effective
stress.

Objective
The objective of the this test is to determine the coefficient
of consolidation (Cv), compression index (Cc), recompression index (Cr) and preconsolidation
pressure (pc) of the soil using the oedometer apparatus and make a laboratory investigation
report on the soils.
Apparatus
1) Dial gauge
2) Filter plate
3) Circular
cell

4) Top cap
5) The

oedometer

6)

Load (kg)
7) Consolidation ring
8) Porous stones

Figure 1 : Diagram of the apparatus

Procedure
1) Firstly, standard oedometer test perform on cylindrical specimen of saturated
soil with a dimension of 50 mm diameter and
a) Apply the desired normal load.
b) Next remove the shear pin.
c) Attach the dial gauge which measure the change
of the volume.
and calibration values.

d) Record the initial reading of the dial gauge

e) Before proceeding to test check all

adjustments to ensure there is no relation between the two parts except sand or soil.
f) Start the motor.
Record the reading of the shear stress force and record the reading.

g) Take

the volume change reading till failure.

h) Add

5 kg normal stress 0.5kg/cm2 and continue the experiment till failure.

Record all the reading. After that, set the dial gauges zero before starting the experiment.

i)

4
Data & Calculation

6
Diameter of sample (D) = 50 mm
Sample Height (Ho)= 20 mm
Moisture Content (W) = 15%
Specific Gravity (Gs) = 2.7
Loads:
Day 1 = 1.25 Kg
Day 2 = 1.90 Kg
Day 3 = 3.82 Kg
Day 4 = 7.63 Kg
Day 5 = 15.08 Kg
Day 6 = 26.42 Kg
Day 7 = 13.19 Kg

7
Calculation
Calculation
Day 1 = load 1.25 kg
Pressure =

load
area

1.25 x 9.8
0.00196 m2

2
= 6250 N/ m

= 6.25 kN/ m

Day 2 = load 1.90 kg

1.90 x 9.8
0.00196 m2

2
= 9500 N/ m

2
= 9.5 kN/ m

Day 3 = load 3.82 kg

3.82 x 9.8
2
0.00196 m

= 19100 N/ m

8
2
= 19.1 kN/ m

9
Day 4 = load 7.63 kg

7.63 x 9.8
2
0.00196 m

2
= 38150 N/ m

2
= 38.15 kN/ m

Day 5 = load 15.08 kg

15.08 x 9.8
0.00196 m2

= 75400 N/ m
= 75.4 kN/ m

Day 6 = load 26.42 kg

26.42 x 9.8
0.00196 m2

= 132100 N/ m

2
= 132.1 kN/ m

Day 7 = load 13.19 kg

13.19 x 9.8
2
0.00196 m

= 65950 N/ m

10
= 65.95 kN/ m

11
Calculation for changes in dial gauge reading (H)
Day
1

Change in dial gauge reading, H (cm)

H
= 0.713 0.71

= 0.003
= 0.713 0.71

= 0.003
= 0.713 0.7029

= 0.0101
= 0.713 0.69221

= 0.02079
= 0.713 0.6001

= 0.1129
= 0.713 0.7029

= 0.0101
= 0.713 0.7019

6
7

= 0.0111

E = WGS
W = 15%
GS = 2.7
i
=

Void ratio at the end of the test = WGS

15
100 x 2.7

= 0.405
ii Void ratio for each day = e = e eu
1+ e+e o
eo
=
(
)
Ho
H
H o=20 mm=2 m

12
Day 1

eo
1+0.405+ e o
x 0.003
=
(
0.003
2

1 .405 x 0.003+0.003 e o
eo
x 2
= (
2

eo

= 0.004215 + 0.003

eo

0.003

eo

eo

=0.004215

1.997
e o=

eo

eo

= 0.004215

0.004215
1.997

= 0.00211

Day 2

eo
1+0.405+ e o
x 0.003
=
(
0.003
2

( 1 .405 ) x 0.003+0.003 e o
eo
x2
= (
2

eo

= 0.004215 + 0.003

eo

0.003

1.997

eo

eo

eo

= 0.004215

=0.004215

13
e o=

eo

0.004215
1.997

= 0.00211

14
Day 3

eo
1+0.405+ e o
x 0.0101
=
(
0.101
2

( 1 .405 ) x 0.0101+0.0101 e o
eo
x2
= (
2

eo

= 0.0141905 + 0.0101

eo

0.0101
eo

1.9899
e o=

eo

eo

eo

= 0.0141905

=0.0141905

0.0141905
1.9899

= 0.007131262

Day 4

eo
1+0.405+ e o
x 0.02079
=
(
0.02079
2

( 1 .405 ) x 0.02079+0.02079 e o
eo
x2
= (
2

eo

= 0.02079 + 0.0292

eo

0.02079

1.97921

eo

eo

eo

= 0.0292

=0.0292

15
e o=

eo

0.0292
1.97921

= 0.01475

16
Day 5

eo
1+0.405+ e o
x 0.1129
=
(
0.01129
2

1 .405 x 0.1129+ 0.1129 e o

eo
x2
= (
2

eo

= 0.1586 + 0.1129

eo

0.1129

1.8871
e o=

eo

eo

eo

eo

= 0.1586

=0.1586

0.1586
1.8871

= 0.00840

Day 6

eo
1+0.405+ e o
x 0.0101
=
(
0.0101
2

(1.405) x 0.0101+0.0101 e o
eo
x2
= (
2

eo

= 0.0141905 + 0.0101

eo

0.0101

1.9899

eo

eo

eo

= 0.0141905

=0.0141905

17
e o=

eo

0.0141905
1.9899

= 0.007131

18
Day 7

eo
1+0.405+ e o
x 0.0111
=
(
0.0111
2

(1.405) x 0.0111+0.0111 eo
eo
x 2
= (
2

eo

= 0.0156 + 0.0111

eo

0.0111

1.9889
e o=

eo

eo

0.0156
1.9889

= 0.00784

eo

eo

= 0.0156

=0.0156

19
Day 1
e-

eo

= 0.405 0.00211
= 0.40289
Day 2
e-

eo

= 0.405 0.00211
= 0.40289
Day 3
e-

eo

= 0.405 0.007131
= 0.3979
Day 4
e-

eo

= 0.405 0.01475
= 0.39025
Day 5
e-

eo

= 0.405 0.0840

20
= 0.321

21
Day 6
e-

eo

= 0.405 0.007131
= 0.397869
Day 7
e-

eo

= 0.405 0.00784
= 0.39716

Coefficient of consolidation, Cv
Cv = 0.848 x H2
t90
As in graph is t90 so, we need to square it to become t90. For instance, t90 = 2
t90 = 4
Cv = 0.848 x 0.6452
4
Cv = 0.0882

Compression Index, Cc
Cc = eo e1___
log(o/1)

22
Cc = 0.384 0.332
log(70/40)
Cc = 0.214

Recompression index, Cr
Cr = eo e1___
log(o/1)
Unable to calculate Cr because of an error in laboratory data.

23
Results
The reading against square root time.
time
(min)
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
10.0

Reading (cm)
Day 4
Day 5

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

0.7130
0.7123
0.7120
0.7116
0.7113
0.7111
0.7109
0.7107
0.7105
0.7103
0.7103
0.7101
0.7100

0.7112
0.7110
0.7108
0.7106
0.7105
0.7105
0.7103
0.7103
0.7102
0.7101
0.7100
0.7100
0.7100

0.7100
0.7075
0.7070
0.7061
0.7055
0.7050
0.7044
0.7042
0.7039
0.7037
0.7035
0.7031
0.7029

0.7032
0.7030
0.7029
0.7029
0.7027
0.6972
0.6959
0.6949
0.6940
0.6935
0.6931
0.6925
0.6911

0.6030
0.6023
0.6021
0.6016
0.6013
0.6011
0.6009
0.6007
0.6005
0.6004
0.6004
0.6002
0.6001

Day 6

Day 7

0.7148
0.7142
0.7085
0.7074
0.7064
0.7056
0.7066
0.7058
0.7053
0.7043
0.7036
0.7032
0.7029

0.6903
0.6932
0.694
0.6953
0.696
0.697
0.6979
0.6986
0.6992
0.7001
0.7008
0.7014
0.7019

24
The table shows about the loads, changes in dial gauge reading, and void ratio.
Days

Loads

Changes in

Void ratio

dial gauge
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

6.25kN/m2
9.5kN/m2
19.1kN/m2
38.15kN/m2
75.4kN/m2
132.1kN/m2
65.95kN/m2

reading
0.003
0.003
0.0101
0.02079
0.1129
0.0101
0.0111

Final void
ratio

0.00211
0.00211
0.007131
0.01475
0.0840
0.007131
0.0079

0.403
0.403
0.398
0.390
0.321
0.398
0.397

25
Graphs

26

27

28

29

30

Graph for final void ratio against pressure.

31
Discussion
From the consolidation test, the consolidation properties that have been determined were used to
evaluation the magnitude and the rate of both primary and secondary consolidation settlement of
a structure or an earth fill. Estimations of this type are of key factor in the design of engineering
structures and the overall evaluation of their performance.

32
Conclusion
Oedometer tests were performed to investigate the collapse process of loessial soil samples.
Based on the test results, the compression curves were divided to three parts which are precollapse, collapse, and post collapse zone. In the second zone the collapse eventually develops in
a specific stress range, which is mostly influenced by the moisture inside of the soil. A consistent
correlation can be found between the yield stress (at the beginning of the collapse zone) and the
moisture content, but no such connection was found between the void ratio and yield stress. For
the case of soil samples that is having high moisture content, larger stress level at which the
specimen is flooded causes smaller collapse strain.

33

California Bearing
Ratio Test

34
Introduction
The California bearing ratio (CBR) was developed by the California
Department of Transportation before the beginning of World War II. The California bearing ratio
(CBR) is a penetration test for assessment of the mechanical strength of road subgrades and base
courses. The test is performed by measuring the compression required to pierce a soil sample
with a plunger of standard area.

Objective
To determine the CBR values for the bearing
capacity and the mechanical strength of road subbases and sub-grade. The California Bearing
Ratio test, or CBR test, is a laboratory (or in-situ) testing method to evaluation the bearing value
and the mechanical strength of highway sub-bases and sub-grades.

Apparatus
1) Dial gauges
2)
Loading machines
3) Penetration plunger
4) Spacer disc
5) Mold

35

Figure 2 : Diagram of the apparatus.

Procedure
1) Calculate the weight of the sample by using dry density of the soil and the
moisture content. 2) Get the weight of the empty mold and record it.
3) Place the spacer disk into the mold and damp it with the
collar attached then fit in a filter paper on the spacer disk.
4) Place the soil sample

36
into the mold in 5 layers and compact each layer with 62 blows.

5) Detach the

mold and place it in penetration test machine ensuring the piston is in direct contact with the top
surface of the soil.

6) Reset the

penetration test machine, begin the experiment and take note of the dial gauge reading s from
00mm 7.5mm penetration at 0.25mm intervals each.

37
Data & Calculation

38

39
To find the load (N)
Reading x 18.48
Example:a

10 x 18.48 = 184.8

55 x 18.48 = 1016.4

104 x 18.48 = 1921.92

151 x 18.48 = 2790.48

Reading
10
55
104
151
188
217
244
266
288
310
325
343
361
377
391
406
418
431
444
457
469
472
484
495
506
518
527

Load (N)
184.8
1016.4
1921.92
2790.48
3474.24
4010.16
4509.12
4915.68
5322.24
5728.8
6006.00
6338.64
6671.28
6966.96
7225.68
7502.88
7724.64
7964.88
8205.12
8445.36
8667.12
8722.56
8944.32
9147.60
9350.88
9572.64
9738.96

40
537
546
555

9923.76
10090.08
10256.4

CBR = Test Load (kN) x 100

standard

CBR (2.5) = 5.7288 x 100

13.24
= 43.2689

CBR (5) = 8.44536 x 100

19.96
= 42.3114
Final CBR = 43.2689 + 42.3114
2
= 42.7901

41
Graph

42
Discussion
The laboratory and field compaction methods are not matching. However,
comparative tests show that a good correlation of results can be attained from field compact
materials and samples compacted under similar conditions in the laboratory. This happens
because added strength to highly stabilized surfaces such as asphaltic concrete is neglected; the
statement of a completely saturated subgrade condition sometimes results in a too conventional
factor of safety (FOS).

43
Conclusion
Soil type
Plastic clay
Silty clay
Sandy clay
Sandy clay
Silt
Poorly graded sand
Well graded sand
Well graded sandy gravel
Made ground
Engineered fill

Plasticity index
Greater than 50
40
30
20
10
-

Design CBR %
Less than 2
3
3
Less than 2
Less than 2
7*
(20)
10*
(40)
15*
(60)
<2%**
Minimum 2% ***

Table 1: Soil classification

Conclusion is, the overall percentage for CBR is 42.79%. According the soil classification table,
the percentage that between 40% to 80% is a well graded soil. Hence, the soil is good for
construction.

44

Direct Shear Box

Test

45
Introduction
A direct shear test is a laboratory or field test practiced by geotechnical engineers to measure the
shear strength properties of soil or rock material, or of discontinuities in soil or rock masses

Objective
To determine the shearing strength (by finding C and ) of
the soil using the direct shear
apparatus and make a laboratory study report on the soils.

Apparatus
1) Spatula.
2) Stopwatch.
3) Straight edge.
4) Proving ring.
5) Dial gauge.
6) Tamper.
7) Direct shear box apparatus.
8) Loading frame (motor attached).
9) Aluminum container.
10) Balance to weigh up to 200mg.

46

Figure
3 : Diagram of the apparatus.

Procedure
1) Measure the thickness of the soil specimen. 20mm thick
measured and recorded the inner diameter and height of the consolidation ring as well as its
mass.
consolidation ring.

2) After that the soil was been trimmed in the

3) Measure and recorded the mass of

the consolidation ring and soil sample and then we also gathered some additional soil specimen
so as to determine the water content of the sample. The lower larger permeable stone on the base
of the sample was immersed.

4) The Porous Stone were put on the top

and base of the specimen to furnish seepage with the ring being put admist the two permeable
stone or disc. An unbending stacking top was then put on top of the upper permeable stone.

47
5) This gathering was further put
into a stacking casing.

6) A load of 1.5 kg

was then placed on the load hangar and the dial gauge reading was recorded at 0, , 1, 2, 4, 9
and 16 minutes. The same thing was then repeated using 10 kg, 20 kg and 30 kg at 1 day interval
for 7 days.

48
Data & Calculation

49

50

Length
of box = 60 mm
Width of box = 60 mm
Height of box = 50 mm
1) Horizontal displacement = DH division x 0.002
(mm)

(m)

100 x 0.002 = 0.2

1100 x 0.002 = 2.2

200 x 0.002 = 0.4

1200 x 0.002 = 2.4

300 x 0.002 = 0.6

1300 x 0.002 = 2.6

400 x 0.002 = 0.8

1400 x 0.002 = 2.8

500 x 0.002 = 1

1500 x 0.002 = 3

600 x 0.002 = 1.2

1600 x 0.002 = 3.2

51
700 x 0.002 = 1.4

1700 x 0.002 = 3.4

800 x 0.002 = 1.6

1800 x 0.002 = 3.6

900 x 0.002 = 1.8

1900 x 0.002 = 3.8

1000 x 0.002 = 2
2) Load = Load dial reading x 0.936
(N)

(kN)

Data when load is 10kg

28 x 0.936 = 26.208

Data when load is 20kg

16 x 0.936 = 14.976

Data when load is 30kg

18 x 0.936 = 16.848

35 x 0.936 = 32.76
38 x 0.936 = 35.568
42 x 0.936 = 39.312
46 x 0.936 = 43.056
50 x 0.936 = 46.8
55 x 0.936 = 51.48
57 x 0.936 = 53.352
61 x 0.936 = 57.096
65 x 0.936 = 60.84
68 x 0.936 = 63.648
72 x 0.936 = 67.392
75 x 0.936 = 70.2
78 x 0.936 = 73.008
83 x 0.936 = 77.688
87 x 0.936 = 81.432
91 x 0.936 = 85.176
95 x 0.936 = 88.92
97 x 0.936 = 90.792

54 x 0.936 = 50.544
70 x 0.936 = 65.52
81 x 0.936 = 75.816
89 x 0.936 = 83.304
91 x 0.936 = 85.176
104 x 0.936 = 97.344
111 x 0.936 = 103.896
118 x 0.936 = 110.448
122 x 0.936 = 114.192
128 x 0.936 = 119.808
133 x 0.936 = 124.488
137 x 0.936 = 128.232
142 x 0.936 = 132.912
146 x 0.936 = 136.656
148 x 0.936 = 138.528
153 x 0.936 = 143.208
155 x 0.936 = 145.08
156 x 0.936 = 146.016

75 x 0.936 = 70.2
108 x 0.936 = 101.088
128 x 0.936 = 119.808
142 x 0.936 = 132.912
156 x 0.936 = 146.016
168 x 0.936 = 157.248
180 x 0.936 = 168.48
190 x 0.936 = 177.84
200 x 0.936 = 187.2
211 x 0.936 = 197.496
219 x 0.936 = 204.984
227 x 0.936 = 212.472
235 x 0.936 = 219.96
244 x 0.936 = 228.384
252 x 0.936 = 235.872
260 x 0.936 = 243.36
268 x 0.936 = 250.848
275 x 0.936 = 257.4

To calculate shear stress

Shear stress = Load
Area

Area = 60 x 60
= 3600 mm2
= 0.0036 m2

52
10__ = 2777.78
0.0036 = 2.8

20___ = 5555.56
0.0036

= 5.6

30__ = 8333.33
0.0036 = 8.3

Normal stress = Load

Area

10 kg x 9.8 = 98 N
98 N 1000 = 0.098 kN

20 kg x 9.8 = 196 N
196 N 1000 = 0.196 kN

30 kg x 9.8 = 294 N
294 N 1000 = 0.294 kN

To calculate normal stress

Specific gravity = 9.8 N = 0.0098 kN
Normal force____
Cross sectional area

53

10 x 0.0098
0.0036

Shear stress = Load

Area
Example:26.2081000 = 7.28
0.0036

Cohesion of soil, c
C = 2 kN/m2

Internal friction angle

= tan-1 y1 - y0
x1 x0
= tan-1 46
56
= 39.4o

= 27.22
= 0.02722

54
The table below shows the following calculation of shear stress.

10 kg
7.28
9.7
10.6
11.7
12.7
13.8
15.3
15.8
16.9
18.1
18.8
20.0
20.8
21.6
23.6
24.1
25.2
26.3
26.9

20 kg
4.4
15
19.4
22.5
24.7
25.2
28.8
30.8
32.7
33.8
35.5
36.9
38.1
39.4
40.5
41.1
42.5
43.0
43.3

30 kg
5
20.8
30
35.5
39.4
43.3
46.6
50
52.7
55.5
58.6
60.8
63
65.2
67.7
70
72.2
74.4
76.3

55
The table below shows the horizontal displacement and the load of each dial reading.
Horizontal

Load of

Load of

Load of

Shear stress of load

displacemen

10kg

20kg

30kg

10kg

20kg

30kg

t
0.2

26.208

14.976

16.848

7.28

4.4

0.4

32.76

50.544

70.2

9.7

15

20.8

0.6

35.568

65.52

101.088

10.6

19.4

30

0.8

39.312

75.816

119.808

11.7

22.5

35.6

43.056

83.304

132.912

12.8

24.7

39.4

1.2

46.8

85.176

146.016

13.9

25.3

43.3

1.4

51.48

97.344

157.248

15.3

28.9

46.7

1.6

53.352

103.896

168.48

15.8

30.8

50

1.8

57.096

110.448

177.84

16.9

32.8

52.8

60.84

114.192

187.2

18.1

33.9

55.6

2.2

63.648

119.808

197.496

18.9

35.6

58.6

2.4

67.392

124.488

204.984

20

36.9

60.8

2.6

70.2

128.232

212.472

20.8

38.1

63.1

2.8

73.008

132.912

219.96

21.7

39.4

65.3

77.688

136.656

228.384

23.1

40.6

67.8

3.2

81.432

138.528

235.872

24.2

41.1

70

3.4

85.176

143.208

243.36

25.3

42.5

72.2

3.6

88.92

145.08

250.848

26.4

43.1

74.4

3.8

90.792

146.016

257.4

26.9

43.3

76.4

56
Graphs

57

58

Load (kg)

Normal Stress , N

Shear stress,

10

27.25

25.22

20

54.5

40.56

30

81.75

71.5

59

Discussion
Direct shear test is simple and faster to operate. As thinner specimens are used in shear box, they
facilitate drainage of pore water from a saturated sample in less time. The angle of shearing
resistance of sands depends on state of compaction, coarseness of grains, particle shape and
roughness of grain surface and grading. It differs between 28o (uniformly graded sands with
round grains in very loose state) and 46o (well graded sand with angular grains in dense state).
The volume change in sandy soil is a complex phenomenon depending on gradation, particle
shape, state and type of packing, orientation of principal planes, principal stress ratio, stress
history, magnitude of minor principal stress, type of apparatus, test procedure, and method of
preparing specimen. Commonly, the loose sands expand and dense sands contract in volume on
shearing. Theres also void ratio where it either increase contraction in volume takes place. This
known as critical void ratio. Expansion or contraction can be indirect from the movement of
vertical dial gauge during shearing. The friction between sand particle is due to sliding and
rolling friction and interlocking act.

60
Conclusion

Shear strain may be the ideal shear pressure the real soil may take without having falling plane,
underneath general pressure. Inside a usual soil client profile there's impression in the middle of
earth individual contaminants and in addition cohesiveness due to bond between the soil
contaminants. While inside the shear holder look at that individuals conveyed there is truly no
impression and in addition none of the attachment, the real soil had been cleaned before the test
had been done. The main soil has a couple of attachment. Inside the shear holder check, the
genuine case of excellence isn't fickle together its poorest plane however when the built or even
brought on fizzling plane, evenly plane disconnecting both parts from the shear section that may
not by any stretch of the imagination happen inside a normal soil.

61

Triaxial test

62
Introduction
A triaxial shear test is a common method to measure the mechanical properties of many
deformable solids, especially soil (e.g. sand, clay) and rock, and other granular materials or
powders. There are several variations on the test.
Objective
Describe the apparatus and the procedure of the test, and describe well how the laboratory results
from this machine can be useful.
Apparatus
1) Soil sample (cylindrical shape). The objective of this
experiment is to calculate the shear strength of the soil, while is evaluated under compression
(vertical axial stress).
2) Triaxial Cell, where the test is run.
3) An elastic protective membrane that covers the sample during the whole test. It protects the
soil to be in contact with the water inside the cell. To increase tightness, 4 rubber sealing rings
are placed at the top and at the bottom of the sample.
4) Two circular porous discs, with the same diameter of the sample.
5) A loading piston is used to transfer the vertical load to the soil sample.
6) This Triaxial cell incorporates two valves at the bottom. The first valve is connected directly at
the bottom of the soil sample, and is used to measure pore-pressure and drainage in the sample.
The second valve is in contact with the water inside the cell, and measures the cell pressure.

63

Figure 4 : Set up of the apparatus.

64
Procedure

1) The sample weighted and placed inside cell, over two circular pieces of plastic with the same
diameter as the soil sample.
2) An elastic membrane (sleeve), is fitted around the sample and the two pieces of plastic. This
skin around the sample will avoid contact between the water and the soil. Two rubber rings are
attached around the sleeve (at the top and at the bottom) for no contact with water.
3) Fill the cell with water and remove the air inside. Increase the pressure inside the cell (Kn/m2)
by means of the foot pump.
4) Place the metal tube over the top of soil sample. This tube will apply vertical load to the
sample. Once this tube is located over the sample. Set the readings to zero. The difference in
height of the sample, before and after the sample fails, is measured (STRAIN), keeping constant
the lateral pressure. And the stress dial is recorded too (at the same time, in comparison with the
strain). Three tests are run, with different confined lateral stress (150, 300, 450 kN/m2).
5) What occurs when the sample fails is that, the readings of stress dial start to go back to the
previous readings, while the vertical pressure is still acting
6) Once the sample fails, stop the test. Remove the water inside the cell and bring out the sample
to be studied.

65
Discussion
In a consolidated drained test the sample is consolidated and sheared in
compression results in drainage. The rate of axial deformation is kept constant, i.e. is strain
controlled. The idea is that the test allows the sample and the pore pressures to fully consolidate
(i.e. adjust) to the surrounding stresses. The test may take a long time to allow the sample to
adjust, in particular low permeability samples need a long time to drain and adjust strain to stress
levels.

66
Conclusion
The triaxial test is important to know soil behavior. We can measure strength and stiffness,
observe the internal response of the particulate medium, observe pore pressures as they build,
and watch volume changes taking place during the test. Proper understanding of material
behavior followed by the proper assessment of its characteristics allows the Engineer to improve
designs and to reduce the risk of failures.

67
Reference
1) Wikipedia contributors. "Triaxial shear test." Wikipedia, The Free
Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 8 Feb. 2015. Web. 5 Mar. 2015.
2) Geotechdata.info. "Triaxial Test". Retrieved 5 May
2011.
3) Wikipedia contributors. "Oedometer
test." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 5 Sep. 2014. Web.
5 Mar. 2015.
4)
Geotechdata.info,. 'Oedometer Test - Geotechdata.Info'. N.p., 2015. Web. 5 Mar. 2015.
5) Home.iitk.ac.in,. 'DIRECT SHEAR TEST'. N.p., 2015. Web. 5 Mar. 2015.
6) Wikipedia contributors. "Direct shear test." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 26 Jan. 2015. Web. 5 Mar. 2015.
7) Wikipedia contributors. "California bearing ratio."
Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 3 Feb. 2015. Web. 5 Mar.
2015
8) Highwaysmaintenance.com,. 'CBR, California
Bearing Ratio Of Soil For Road Design, CBR, With Dynamic Soil Cone Penetometer And
Mexiprobe'. N.p., 2015. Web. 5 Mar. 2015.