2G3 UNCONFINED COMPRESSIVE TEST
INTRODUCTION
In an unconfined compression test, a cylindrical specimen of cohesive soil is subjected to a
steadily increasing axial compression until failure occurs. The axial force is the only force
applied to the specimen. The test is normally carried out on 38 mm diameter specimens, but
can also be performed on specimens up to 100 mm diameter. The test provides an immediate
approximate value of the compressive strength of the soil, either in an undisturbed or
remoulded condition. It is carried out within a short enough time to ensure that no drainage of
water is permitted into or out of the specimen. It is suitable only for saturated, non-fissured
cohesive soils.
FAILURE CRITERIA
The maximum value of the compressive force per unit area at which the specimen can sustain
is referred to as the unconfined compressive strength of the soil. In soils of high plasticity in
which the axial stress does not readily reach a maximum value, an axial strain of 20 % is used
as the criterion of failure.
TYPES OF TEST
There are two methods for determining the unconfined compressive strength of soil. The first
method is definitive method of using a load frame, in which specimens of any suitable diameter
can be tested. The other method makes use of autographic apparatus.
TEST PROCEDURE (Load frame method)
1. The mass of the prepared test specimen to the nearest 0.1g was determined.
2. Three measurements of length and of the diameter of the specimen to the nearest 0.1 mm
was made. After that, the average dimensions were determined.
3. The specimen were placed centred on the bottom platen in the loading device. Any
disturbance was avoided to avoid any loss of moisture from the soil.
4. The loading device were carefully adjusted so that the upper platen makes a little contact
with the specimen.
5. The axial deformation gauge was adjusted to read zero.
6. The initial readings of the force and compression gauges were recorded.
7. The rate of axial deformation were selected. The rate of axial strain does not exceed 2% /
min.
8. Compression force was applied to the specimen at the selected rate and the readings of the
force-measuring device and the axial deformation gauges at regular intervals of compression
were recorded simultaneously.
9. The test were continued until maximum value of axial stress has been passed.
10. The load were removed from the specimen and the final reading of the forces measuring
gauge was recorded as a check on the initial reading.
11. The mode of failure of the specimen were sketched.
CALCULATION
Diameter of the sample, D = 38 mm @ 0.038m
Height of the sample, H = 78 mm @ 0.078m
Initial area of the sample, Ao = 𝜋𝑟 2
= 3.142 x (0.038/2)2
= 0.001133 m
Volume of the sample, V = Ao x H
= 0.001133 x 0.078
= 8.81 x 𝟏𝟎−𝟓 m
Mass of the sample, M = 0.1629 kg
Density of the sample ρ = mass / volume (kg/m )
= 0.1629 / 8.81 x 10−5
= 1849.04 kg/m
Slope obtained from load
versus division graph , m = 0.0753
Compressive Load, P = m x division x gravity (kN)
= 0.0753 x 10 x 9.81
= 7.387 N @ 0.007387 kN
Change in length ΔL (mm) = length Gauge reading (division) x correction (0.01)
= 20 x 0.01
= 0.2mm
Strain, ↋=ΔL/H = ΔL / H
= 0.2 / 78
= 0.002564
Cross section Area, Ac (m ↋
x 10−3 / (1-0.002564)
= 0.001133 m
Normal Stress, σ p (kN/m ) = P/Ac
0.001133
= 6.25 Kn/m
Cohesion, c = qu/2
= 25.74 / 2
= 12.87 Kn/m
DISCUSSION
1. The mode of failure of the specimen are as illustrated below:
Before compression After compression
The specimen experiences plastic Failure. Plastic failure is mode where the specimen bulges
into a ‘barrel shape’ without splitting.
2. The unconfined compressive strength, qu (kN/m ) = deviator stress = 25.74 Kn/m
3. As the specimen was not dried in an oven or air dried of some sort, the dry weight of the
specimen was not recorded. Thus, the dry density and moisture content of the soil specimen
cannot be obtained.
Bulk Density = mass / volume (kg/m³)
= 0.1629 / (8.81 x 10−5)
