UNCONFINED COMPRESSION TEST

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The unconfined compression test is by far the most popular method of soil shear
testing because it is one of the fastest and cheapest methods of measuring shear
strength. The method is used primarily for saturated, cohesive soils recovered
from thin-walled sampling tubes. The unconfined compression test is
inappropriate for dry sands or crumbly clays because the materials would fall apart
without some land of lateral confinement.

1.2 OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this experiment are to determine the shear strength of the
cohesive soil.

1.3 THEORY

The unconfined compressive strength, qu is defined as the maximum unit axial

compressive stress at failure or at 20% strain, whichever occurs first. The
unconfined compression test is very popular and used worldwide. It is simple test
where atmospheric pressure surrounds the soil sample. The test is also called an
unconsolidated-undrained (U or UU) test. The unconfined compression test is a
form of triaxial test in which the major principal stress (σ1) is equal to the applied
axial stress and the minor principal stresses (σ3) is equal to zero.

At failure, the relationship between the two principal stresses is given by:

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Where,

As σ3 = 0 for an unconfined compression test,

For clayed soil, Ø = 0°

σ1 = 2c
The vertical stress s1 at failure is known as the unconfined compressive
strength (qu)
Hence, qu = 2c
qu is obtained by dividing the normal load at failure by the corrected area
as given by:

Where,

The axial load may be applied to the specimen either by the controlled strain
procedure, in which the stress is applied to produce a pre-determined rate of
strain, or by the controlled stress procedure, in which the stress is applied in pre-

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determined increments of load. IS: 2720 (Part 10)-1973 recommend use of
controlled strain test.

1.4 APPARATUS

1. Compression device of any suitable type (loading frame of capacity 2t, with
constant rate of movement).
2. Sample extractor
3. Split mould 3.5 cm diameter and 7 cm long.
4. Frictionless end plates of 7.5 cm diameter (Perspex plate with silicon grease
coating)
5. Oven
6. Balance Sensitive to weigh 0.01 g.
7. Containers for moisture content determination.
8. Proving ring of 0.01 kg sensitivity for soft soils and 0.05 kg for stiff soils.
9. Dial gauge (sensitivity 0.01 mm)
10. Vernier calipers
11. Soil sample = Wet clayed soil

1.5 PREPARATION OF SAMPLE

1. The split mould is oiled lightly from inside.

2. Remolded soil sample is prepared by compacting the soil at desired water
content and dry density in the split mould.
3. Split mould is opened carefully and sample is taken out.
4. Place this soil sample in an air-tight container for 24 hrs.
5. Minimum three soil samples should be prepared for test.

1.6 PROCEDURES

1. Measure the initial length and diameter of the soil specimen.

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2. Place the specimen on the base plate of the load frame (sandwiched
between the end plates)
3. Place a hardened steel ball on the bearing plate. Adjust the centerline of
specimen such that the proving ring and the steel ball are in the same line.
4. Fix dial gauge to measure vertical compression of the specimen.
5. Adjust gear position on the load frame to give suitable vertical displacement.
6. Set the reading of proving ring and dial gauge to zero.
7. Start applying the load and record the readings of the proving ring dial and
strain dial for every 5 mm compression.
8. Continue loading till failure occurs or 20% vertical deformation is reached.
9. Sketch the failure pattern.

1.7 EXPERIMENTAL DATA

Initial diameter of specimen, Do = ………….. cm

Initial length of specimen, Lo = ………….. cm
𝜋
Initial cross section area of specimen, Ao = × 𝐷𝑜 2 = ……………cm2
4
Initial density of soil, ρ = ……… g/cc
Initial water content of soil, w = ………%

1.8 REFERENCES

1. Das, Braja M., 2014. “Principles of geotechnical engineering”: Cengage

Learning. (TA710 .D37 2014)
2. Morris, A., 2012. “Geotechnical engineering of soil”: Auris Reference.
(TA705 .G49 2012)
3. Braja, M.D., 2010. “Principle of Geotechnical Engineering”: McGrawHill.
(TA710.D37 2010)
4. Cheng Liu & Jack B. Evett, 2008. “Soils and Foundations”: Prentice Hall.
(TA710.L58 2008)

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1.9 ADDITIONAL THEORY

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(10 marks)

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1.10 DATA

Soil Elapsed Strain Axial Correct Proving Axia Compressiv

No. time dial strain, ε ed Area ring l e stress,
“t” reading = Ac=A0/( reading Loa σ = P/Ac
(minute , ΔL ΔL/L0 X 1-ε) (divisio d, P (kg/cm2)
s) (mm) 100 (cm2) ns) (kg)
(%)

(25 marks)

APPROVED BY

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1.11 ANALYSIS & RESULT

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(25 marks)

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1.12 DISCUSSION

Discussion

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(15 marks)
1.13 CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION

1. Unconfined compressive strength of the soil = qU = -------

2. Shear strength of the soil, C = qU = -------

2

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(15 marks)

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1.14 REFERENCES

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(5 marks)

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