Correction On The Specimen Volume Change and Axial Force PDF

Corrections on the
specimen volume change and axial force

in the Wykeham Farrance
WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell
Georgopoulos Ioannis-Orestis1
Vardoulakis Ioannis2
15th December 2005
1
PhD Student, NTU Athens, Greece
2
Professor, NTU Athens, Greece
2
Contents
1 Introduction 11
2 Cell volume change corrections 13

2.1 Volume change due to water compressibility, ∆Vwater . . . . . 15
2.2 Volume change due to piston movement, ∆Vpiston . . . . . . . 15
2.3 Volume change due to nylon flexible pipe expansion, ∆Vpipe . 16
2.4 Volume change due to triaxial cell expansion, ∆Vcell . . . . . 25
3 Specimen volume change corrections 35

3.1 Specimen section area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
3.2 Membrane penetration effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
4 Axial load corrections 41

4.1 Standard bush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
4.2 Rotating bush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
4.3 Submersible load cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
5 Conclusions 55
3
4 CONTENTS
List of Figures
1.1 Wykeham Farrance WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell. . . . 12
2.1 Representation of factors which influence cell volume change

measurements: (a) components due to specimen, (b) effects
during saturation and consolidation stages, (c) effect of piston
penetration during compression ([6]). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2.2 Automatic volume change apparatus calibration, 2005-03-02. 17
2.4 Automatic volume change apparatus calibration, 2005-12-05-
load. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
unload. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
load. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
unload. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
2.9 Automatic volume change apparatus calibration @ 100kPa,
2005-12-12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
2005-12-12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2005-12-12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2005-12-12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
2005-12-12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
2005-12-12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
2.15 Calibration of nylon flexible pipe expansion, 2005-11-15. . . . 24
2.16 Calibration of nylon flexible pipe with de-aired water expan-
sion, 2005-11-15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
5
6 LIST OF FIGURES
2.17 Typical curve of volume change of a triaxial chamber versus

cell pressure (Head, K.H., 1986). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
2.18 Section and side/top view of the WF11001/SN:100257-9 tri-
axial cell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
2.19 WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell calibration. . . . . . . . . 29
2.20 WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell calibration, 2005-12-12-b. 29
2.21 WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell calibration, 2005-12-12-c. 30
2.22 WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell calibration, 2005-12-14-a. 30
2.23 WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell calibration, 2005-12-14-b. 31
2.24 WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell calibration, 2005-12-14-c. 31
2.25 WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell calibration, 2005-12-14-d. 32
3.1 Specimen section area due to barreling . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

3.2 Membrane penetration effect (after K.H. Head [6]) . . . . . . 38
3.3 Membrane penetration error in a typical triaxial test . . . . . 39
3.4 Membrane penetration error as a function of the volumetric
strain in an isotropic consolidation test. . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
4.1 The error in axial load measurement due to ram friction: vari-
ation with axial strain in a typical test on a 4-in. diameter
sample ([3]). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
4.2 WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell bush friction, calibration
2005-03-12-loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
4.3 WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell bush friction, calibration
2005-03-12-unloading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
4.4 WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell bush friction @ 0kPa, cal-
ibration 2005-12-14-loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
4.5 WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell bush friction @ 0kPa, cal-
ibration 2005-12-14-unloading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
4.6 WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell bush friction @ 20kPa,
calibration 2005-12-12-loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
calibration 2005-12-12-unloading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
LIST OF FIGURES 7

4.20 Wykeham Farrance STALC3-50kN triaxial submersible load
cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
4.21 DBBSE-50kN-A2242 external load cell (Applied Ltd) . . . . . 53
8 LIST OF FIGURES
List of Tables
2.1 Area A of WF17044/SN:107584-7 and VJT310/SN:0134 au-

tomatic volume change apparatus piston calibration table. . . 16
2.2 Logarithmic law parameters for nylon flexible pipe (filled with
de-aired water) 6/8 mm calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
2.3 Logarithmic-linear law parameters for WF11001/SN:100257-
9 triaxial cell calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
4.1 WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell bush friction coefficient µ

calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
9
10 LIST OF TABLES
Chapter 1
Introduction
In this report the Wykeham Farrance triaxial cell WF11001/SN:100257-9

calibration is presented in detail. The main purpose of the calibration is
to allow for estimation of precise volume change of specimens, when no
on-sample transducers are available or when partially saturated granular
media are considered. In these cases, no direct specimen volume change
measurement can be performed, thus leading to indirect estimation of the
volumetric strain.
The WF11001/SN:100257-9 is a triaxial cell (Ph. 1.1), which may host
specimens of diameter up to 105mm and is equipped with a submersible
load cell STALC3-50kN, adjusted to its piston. The maximum cell pressure
is 1700kPa. More information concerning the triaxial cell can be found in
the internal report The Handbook of Wykeham Farrance GeoTriax.
11
Volume change and axial stress corrections
Figure 1.1: Wykeham Farrance WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell.
Laboratory of Geomaterials 12
Chapter 2
Cell volume change

corrections
In pp.164 of Manual of soil laboratory testing, Vol.3, K.H.Head states: “Mea-

surements of the volume change on the cell pressure line require several cor-
rections and are consequently less accurate than volume change measure-
ments made in the back pressure system. Cell volume change measurements
are not required in the test procedures specified in BS 1377:Part 8:1990.
However, the movement of water into or out of a partially saturated soil
from the back pressure system is not a true measurement of the specimen
volume change, and for some soils (e.g.) expansive clays independent mea-
surements based on changes in the cell line are necessary. Factors which
affect the movement of water into or out of the cell, and which must there-
fore be taken into account in the cell line volume change measurements, are
as follows. These factors are represented diagrammatically in Figure 2.1
where they are numbered as above.”
1. Irregularities on specimen surface
2. Air trapped between specimen and rubber membrane and side drains
(if fitted)
3. Expansion of cell due to pressure increase
4. Continued expansion of cell (creep) with time under constant pressure
5. Absorbtion of water into, and mitigation through, cell body
6. Air trapped at top cell
7. Leakage of water
- through piston bushing

- through membrane and bindings
13
Figure 2.1: Representation of factors which influence cell volume change

measurements: (a) components due to specimen, (b) effects during satura-
tion and consolidation stages, (c) effect of piston penetration during com-
pression ([6]).
- from connecting lines and valves
8. Voids in specimen
9. Change in specimen due to drainage of water (consolidation or swelling)
10. Movement of piston
Following Head’s suggestions, the main purpose of the triaxial cell vol-
ume calibration is to allow the user to estimate with good accuracy the
specimen volume change, when no on-sample transducers are available, or
when the automatic volume change apparatus cannot be used, due to par-
tially saturated or dry soil. In such cases, it is quite common that the
WF17044/SN:107584-7 automatic volume change apparatus is connected to
the cell pressure line (Port 1 or 3) instead of being connected directly to the
pore pressure lines (Port 2 or 4). By this way, the automatic volume change
apparatus is able to measure the volume of water entering of coming out
from the triaxial cell during a test. The measurement of the apparatus is
considered to be less accurate, as it contains several errors that have to be
withdrawn. These are:
1. Volume change due to water compressibility, ∆Vw
2. Volume change due to piston movement, ∆Vpiston
3. Volume change due to flexible pipe expansion, ∆Vpipe
4. Volume change due to triaxial cell expansion, ∆Vcell
In the following sections each one of the four corrections will be critically
discussed and estimated.
2.1 Volume change due to water compressibility,

∆Vwater
Although water is much less incompressible than air, it still remains a com-
pressible medium. Water compressibility cw depends much on the existence
of dissolved air in its mass. In the case of de-aired water, the de-aired water
compressibility takes the value of
cw0 = 4.93 · 10−7 /kP a (2.1)

Should a volume of de-aired water Vw sustain an increase in pressure
∆σc , the water volume decrease is calculated from eq.2.2
∆Vw = cw0 · ∆σc · Vw (2.2)
2.2 Volume change due to piston movement, ∆Vpiston

This correction applies to the volume of water displaced or inserted by the
loading ram movement, during a triaxial compression or extension test. The
volume of water is equal to the volume of the loading ram entering or coming
out of the triaxial cell,
πd 2piston
∆Vpiston = ∆h (2.3)
4
where dpiston is the diameter of the loading ram (= 25.1mm) and ∆h is the
relative movement of the piston to the triaxial cell.
The volume of water displaced by the loading ram in a triaxial compres-
sion test must be equal to the volume of water measured by the two auto-
matic volume change apparatus (WF & VJT), connected to the WF11001/
SN:100257-9 triaxial cell. The water of the cell is allowed to come out or
enter the triaxial cell under pressure (cell pressure σc ). In this way both
automatic volume change apparatus are calibrated and the results are given
in Table 2.1. The WF17044/SN:107584-7 and VJT310/SN:0134 automatic
Vol.ch.app. WF17044/SN:107584-7 VJT310/SN:0134 Cell

Displ.trans. LSC-HS25-9016 LSC-HS25-12071 pressure
Date AW F (mm2 ) AV JT (mm2 ) σc (kPa)

2005-03-02 4264 − 712.6
2005-03-07 4234 − 199.6
2005-12-05-load. − 4247 202.8
2005-12-05-unload. − 4209 200.4
2005-12-09 4182 4273 402.9
2005-12-09a-load. 4147 4298 204.1
2005-12-09a-unload. 4193 4311 198.0
2005-12-12 @ 100kPa 4181 4275 97.9
2005-12-12 @ 200kPa 4140 4268 203.5
2005-12-12 @ 300kPa 4143 4246 304.5
2005-12-12 @ 400kPa 4151 4242 402.9
2005-12-12 @ 500kPa 4160 4245 506.7
2005-12-12 @ 600kPa 4176 4257 607.3
Table 2.1: Area A of WF17044/SN:107584-7 and VJT310/SN:0134 auto-

matic volume change apparatus piston calibration table.
volume change apparatus are connected to the cell pressure line. Calibra-
tion tests were performed under various cell pressures σc and the area of
the internal piston for both apparatus was estimated. From Table 2.1 the
propose the following calibration parameters for the WF & VJT automatic
volume change apparatus,
½
2 4164 , W F
A (mm ) =
4261 , V JT
2.3 Volume change due to nylon flexible pipe ex-

pansion, ∆Vpipe
One correction that should also be taken into account is the expansion of
the flexible pipes, connecting the automatic volume change apparatus with
the cell/pore pressure line and the air/water cylinders. Nylon flexible pipes
of internal/external diameter (6/8) are used for this reason. They offer
relatively high flexibility while their compressibility is rather low.
Calibration tests up to 1200kPa in a 3170mm long flexible nylon pipe
were performed in order to estimate the compressibility. The total volume
change of the flexible pipe filled with de-aired water is given from eq. 2.4
Volume change displaced by loading ram and measured by

WF automatic volume change apparatus @ 712.6kPa (2005-03-02)
10.000
Volume displaced by piston
8.000 Volume measured by WF

Volume change [mm ]
3
6.000
4.000
2.000
0
0,0 1,0 2,0 3,0 4,0 5,0 6,0 7,0
Time [min]
Figure 2.2: Automatic volume change apparatus calibration, 2005-03-02.

WF automatic volume change apparatus @ 199.6kPa (2005-03-07)
20.000
Volume measured by WF
16.000
Volume change [mm ]
3
12.000
8.000
4.000
0
0,0 10,0 20,0 30,0 40,0 50,0 60,0 70,0 80,0
Time [min]

VJT automatic volume change apparatus @ 202.8kPa (2005-12-05-load)
60.000
50.000 Volume measured by VJT

Volume change [mm ]
3
40.000
30.000
20.000
10.000
0
0,0 2,5 5,0 7,5 10,0 12,5 15,0 17,5 20,0 22,5
Time [min]
Figure 2.4: Automatic volume change apparatus calibration, 2005-12-05-

load.

VJT automatic volume change apparatus @ 200.4kPa (2005-12-05-unload)
60.000
50.000 Volume measured by VJT

Volume change [mm ]
3
40.000
30.000
20.000
10.000
0
0,0 2,5 5,0 7,5 10,0 12,5 15,0 17,5 20,0 22,5
Time [min]

unload.

WF & VJT automatic volume change apparatus @ 402.9kPa (2005-12-09)
60.000
Volume measured by VJT

Volume change [mm ]
3
40.000
30.000
20.000
10.000
0
0,0 5,0 10,0 15,0 20,0 25,0 30,0 35,0 40,0 45,0
Time [min]

WF & VJT automatic volume change apparatus @ 204.1kPa (2005-12-09a-l)
60.000

Volume change [mm ]
3
40.000
30.000
20.000
10.000
0
0,0 2,5 5,0 7,5 10,0 12,5 15,0 17,5 20,0 22,5
Time [min]

load.

WF & VJT automatic volume change apparatus @ 198kPa (2005-12-09a-un)
60.000

Volume change [mm ]
3
40.000
30.000
20.000
10.000
0
0,0 2,5 5,0 7,5 10,0 12,5 15,0 17,5 20,0 22,5
Time [min]

unload.

60.000

Volume change [mm ]
3
40.000
30.000
20.000
10.000
0
0,0 5,0 10,0 15,0 20,0 25,0 30,0 35,0 40,0 45,0
Time [min]
Figure 2.9: Automatic volume change apparatus calibration @ 100kPa, 2005-

12-12.

60.000

Volume change [mm ]
3
40.000
30.000
20.000
10.000
0
0,0 5,0 10,0 15,0 20,0 25,0 30,0 35,0 40,0 45,0
Time [min]
Figure 2.10: Automatic volume change apparatus calibration @ 200kPa,

2005-12-12.

60.000

Volume change [mm ]
3
40.000
30.000
20.000
10.000
0
0,0 5,0 10,0 15,0 20,0 25,0 30,0 35,0 40,0 45,0
Time [min]

2005-12-12.

60.000

Volume change [mm ]
3
40.000
30.000
20.000
10.000
0
0,0 5,0 10,0 15,0 20,0 25,0 30,0 35,0 40,0 45,0
Time [min]

2005-12-12.

60.000

Volume change [mm ]
3
40.000
30.000
20.000
10.000
0
0,0 5,0 10,0 15,0 20,0 25,0 30,0 35,0 40,0 45,0
Time [min]

2005-12-12.

60.000

Volume change [mm ]
3
40.000
30.000
20.000
10.000
0
0,0 5,0 10,0 15,0 20,0 25,0 30,0 35,0 40,0 45,0
Time [min]

2005-12-12.
∆V = ∆Vpipe + ∆Vw,pipe (2.4)

where ∆V is the volume change of the flexible pipe filled with water, mea-
sured by the WF automatic volume change apparatus, ∆Vpipe is the ex-
pansion of the flexible pipe due to increase of pressure and ∆Vw,pipe is the
compression of water inside the flexible pipe, evaluated from eq. 2.2, where
Vw,pipe is given from eq. 2.5
πd 2int
L ∆Vw,pipe = (2.5)
4
where dint is the internal diameter of the nylon flexible pipe (6.0mm) and L
the length of the flexible pipe.
In Fig. 2.16 a calibration graph of a nylon flexible pipe filled with de-
aired water is given. From the data regression curves, we obtain a power
law for the flexible pipe expansion in loading-unloading.
The volume expansion per unit length of the nylon flexible pipes of inter-
nal/external diameter due to internal pipe pressure 6/8mm is given through
the following expression, in eq. 2.6,
³ ´
∆Vpipe /mm = A ln(∆σc ) − ln(σc0 ) (2.6)
where A (mm2 /kPa) and σc0 (kPa) are the parameters of the power law
model. The same model applies also for the volume expansion of the flexible
Nylon flexible pipe expansion, diameter=6/8mm, length=3170mm

1.400
Test-02/2005-11-15
1.200
Test-03/2005-11-15 y = 22,301e0,002x y = 20,755e
0,0021x
2
R = 0,979 R2 = 0,9795
1.000 Test-04/2005-11-15
Pressure ıc [kPa]
800
y = 22,019e0,0021x
2
R = 0,9748
600
400
200
0
0 250 500 750 1.000 1.250 1.500 1.750 2.000 2.250 2.500
Flexible pipe expansion ǻVpipe [mm3]
Figure 2.15: Calibration of nylon flexible pipe expansion, 2005-11-15.
Nylon flexible pipe (filled with de-aired H2O) expansion

diameter=6/8mm, length=3170mm
1.400
Test-02/2005-11-15
1.200
Test-03/2005-11-15 y = 22,717e0,002x y = 21,146e
0,002x
R2 = 0,979 R2 = 0,980
1.000 Test-04/2005-11-15
Pressure ıc [kPa]
800
y = 22,420e0,002x
2
R = 0,975
600
400
200
0
0 250 500 750 1.000 1.250 1.500 1.750 2.000 2.250 2.500
Flexible pipe expansion ǻVpipe [mm3]
Figure 2.16: Calibration of nylon flexible pipe with de-aired water expansion,
2005-11-15.
Model Parameters A (mm2 /kPa) σc0 (kPa)
Calibration, 2005-11-15 (test02) 0.153 22.7

Table 2.2: Logarithmic law parameters for nylon flexible pipe (filled with
de-aired water) 6/8 mm calibration.
nylon pipes filled with de-aired water and is given by the expression in eq.
2.7,
³ ´
∆Vpipe&water /mm = A ln(∆σc ) − ln(σc0 ) (2.7)
where A (mm2 /kPa) and σc0 (kPa) are the parameters of the power law
model.
Comparing Fig. 2.15 and 2.16 shows that the volume expansion of the
flexible nylon pipe is much greater than the compression of de-aired water in
the nylon flexible pipe, ∆Vpipe À ∆Vw,pipe . Table 2.2 summarises the power
law model constants for various calibrations.
2.4 Volume change due to triaxial cell expansion,

∆Vcell
The last, but not least, volume change correction is the one referring to the
WF triaxial cell. Typical curves of cell volume change vs cell pressure are
reported by Head, K.H., in Soil Laboratory Testing, Vol.3, 1986 (Fig. 2.17).
The WF11001/SN:100257-9 is a triaxial cell of an almost cylindrical
shape. The internal diameter of the triaxial cell is d cyl
int = 168.0mm while
its height is h cyl = 352.0mm. Figure 2.18 presents in detail the WF11001/
SN:100257-9 triaxial cell, the triaxial base plate, the top cap and pedestal
of the specimen, as well as the submersible load ram & cell. This will
later on allow us to roughly estimate the volume of the above triaxial cell
items. Next to the rough calculations of the volume of the triaxial items,
in parenthesis, the volume of its item will be given, estimated from the
Archimedes principle.
Figure 2.17: Typical curve of volume change of a triaxial chamber versus

cell pressure (Head, K.H., 1986).
Vcell = Vcylinder − Vbase plate − Vload ram&cell

πd 2cyl π16.82
Vcylinder = hcyl = 35.2 = 7803 cm3
4 4
πd 2base plate π10.02
Vbase plate = hbase plate = 2.8 = 220 cm3 (2.8)
4 4
where Vload ram&cell is the volume of the load ram plus the volume of the
submersible load cell (STALC3-50kN-24937). As the load ram & cell may
freely slide along the triaxial bush, inside the triaxial cell, the volume of the
load ram & cell depends on its vertical position. The minimum volume that
the load ram & cell occupies in the triaxial cell, is when it is placed in the
upper most position, where the load ram is out of the triaxial cell and the
load cell is in contact with the lower part of the triaxial cell bush. Should
the piston slide into the triaxial cell, the volume the load ram should also
be taken into account. In other words, the volume of the load cell & ram is
given by eq. 2.9,
Vload ram&cell = Vload ram + Vload cell =

πd 2load ram πd 2load cell
= hload ram + hload cell =
4 4
πd 2load ram
= hload ram + 151 cm3 (150 cm3 ) (2.9)
4
where d 2load ram = 25.1 mm and hload ram is the length of the load ram in the
triaxial cell.
Figure 2.18: Section and side/top view of the WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial

cell.
Suppose that the triaxial cell is filled with de-aired water and there is
no specimen housed in the cell. Assume also that the load ram & cell is
placed in the upper most part of the triaxial cell (thus only the load cell is
submerged into the cell and the load ram is outside the triaxial cell). In this
case the volume of water in the triaxial cell is according to eq. 2.8,
Vw,cell = 7803 − 220 − 151 = 7431 cm3 (7580 cm3 ) (2.10)
The volume in parenthesis is the volume of water needed to fill the triaxial
cell. The difference between the two values lies in the fact that the triaxial
cell is not a perfect cylinder of diameter d and height h, while the triaxial
base plate has also small openings and pipes where water may enter. For
this reason the volume of de-aired water needed to fill the triaxial cell is
greater than the rough estimate.
The calibration setup, which will allow us to estimate the triaxial cell
expansion as a function of the cell pressure, will follow the calibration setup
of the two automatic volume change apparatus (described in previous sec-
tion), but for the fact that the cell pressure line will be closed. In other
words, the triaxial cell will be filled with de-aired water, the loading ram
will be forced to reach its upper limit, thus only the loading cell will be in
the cell at the beginning of the calibration test and the increase of the cell
pressure will be monitored from cell pressure line port 1. As the loading ram
slides inside the triaxial cell, keeping all cell valves closed, cell water pres-
sure is increased. The total volume change ∆Vtotal of the triaxial cell filled
with de-aired water will be equal to the volume of the loading ram entering
the cell. By denoting VWF−cell the volume change attributed to the triaxial
cell expansion and VWF−cell−water the volume change due to de-aired water
inside the triaxial cell, the WF triaxial cell expansion is calculated from eq.
2.11,
∆Vtotal = ∆VW F −cell + ∆VW F −cell−water (2.11)
πd 2piston
where ∆Vtotal = ∆hpiston
4
A logarithmic-linear law is applied to the experimental data (see Fig.
2.20, Fig. 2.21, Fig. 2.22, Fig. 2.23, Fig. 2.24 and Fig. 2.25), leading to
the following analytical expression for the WF triaxial cell expansion due to
pressure,
σc
∆VW F −cell = c1 ln( ) + c2 (σc − σc0 ) + c3 (2.12)
σc0
where the values of c1 , c2 , c3 , σc0 are given in Table 2.3
In the case of specimen’s presence in the triaxial cell, eq. 2.11 has to be
modified as follows,
WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell expansion, GIO/GeoLab

1.400
2005-12-12b / Vw=7450 cm^3

1.200
2005-12-12c / Vw=7450 cm^3
2005-12-14a / Vw=7480 cm^3

1.000
Cell pressure ıc [kPa]
2005-12-14b / Vw=7480 cm^3

800
2005-12-14c / Vw=7160 cm^3
2005-12-14d / Vw=7160 cm^3

600
400
200
0
0 4.000 8.000 12.000 16.000 20.000 24.000 28.000 32.000 36.000 40.000
Cell expansion ǻVcell [mm3]
Figure 2.19: WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell calibration.
WF11001/SN:100257-9 expansion
(base plate, load ram, Vw=7.450cm3)
Loading ram, GIO/GeoLab/2005-12-12-b
1.400
Experimental data
1.200
Model curve loading
Model curve unloading

1.000
800
600
400
200
0
0 4.000 8.000 12.000 16.000 20.000 24.000 28.000 32.000 36.000 40.000
Figure 2.20: WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell calibration, 2005-12-12-b.
Loading ram, GIO/GeoLab/2005-12-12-c
1.400
Experimental data
1.200
Model curve loading
1.000 Model curve unloading
800
600
400
200
0
0 4.000 8.000 12.000 16.000 20.000 24.000 28.000 32.000 36.000 40.000
Figure 2.21: WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell calibration, 2005-12-12-c.
Loading ram, GIO/GeoLab/2005-12-14-a
1.400
Experimental data
1.200
Model curve loading

1.000
800
600
400
200
0
0 4.000 8.000 12.000 16.000 20.000 24.000 28.000 32.000 36.000 40.000
Figure 2.22: WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell calibration, 2005-12-14-a.
Loading ram, GIO/GeoLab/2005-12-14-b
1.400
Experimental data
1.200
Model curve loading

1.000
800
600
400
200
0
0 4.000 8.000 12.000 16.000 20.000 24.000 28.000 32.000 36.000 40.000
Figure 2.23: WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell calibration, 2005-12-14-b.
(base plate, load ram & dummy cylinder, Vw=7.160cm3)
Loading ram, GIO/GeoLab/2005-12-14-c
1.400
Experimental data
1.200
Model curve loading

1.000
800
600
400
200
0
0 4.000 8.000 12.000 16.000 20.000 24.000 28.000 32.000 36.000 40.000
Figure 2.24: WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell calibration, 2005-12-14-c.
(base plate, load ram & dummy cylinder, Vw=7.160cm3)
Loading ram, GIO/GeoLab/2005-12-14-d
1.400
Experimental data
1.200
Model curve loading
1.000 Model curve unloading
800
600
400
200
0
0 4.000 8.000 12.000 16.000 20.000 24.000 28.000 32.000 36.000 40.000
Figure 2.25: WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell calibration, 2005-12-14-d.
Model c1 c2 c3 σc0
parameters (mm3 ) 3
(mm /kPa) (mm3 ) (kPa)
2005-12-12-b-loading 364.7 31.5 384.2 62.0

2005-12-12-b-unloading 1500.5 28.2 1582.8 65.9
2005-12-12-c-loading 531.7 30.3 1720.1 65.9
2005-12-12-c-unloading 1302.7 28.6 2050.8 69.8
2005-12-14-a-loading 1123.8 30.1 238.2 80.7
2005-12-14-a-unloading 1900.6 27.9 350.9 71.7
2005-12-14-b-loading 984.1 30.0 262.0 76.1
2005-12-14-b-unloading 1793.4 28.1 286.3 71.8
2005-12-14-c-loading 216.5 31.4 456.2 81.6
2005-12-14-c-unloading 1316.4 28.7 504.4 72.8
2005-12-14-d-loading 331.9 30.7 354.8 75.3
2005-12-14-d-unloading 1196.7 28.9 648.0 80.7
Table 2.3: Logarithmic-linear law parameters for WF11001/SN:100257-9

triaxial cell calibration.
∆Vtotal = ∆VW F −cell + ∆VW F −cell−water + ∆Vpipe + ∆Vspecimen (2.13)
where ∆VWF−cell is calculated according to logarithmic-linear law, ∆VWF−cell−water

is the volume of de-aired water in the cell, ∆Vpipe is the volume expansion of
the pipes between the cell pressure line of the triaxial cell and the automatic
volume apparatus and ∆Vspecimen is the volume of the specimen.
Chapter 3
Specimen volume change

corrections
During a drained or undrained triaxial compression/extension test, the spec-

imen deforms. Such deformation inevitably leads to a change its geometrical
dimensions. The calculation of the axial stress or strain should take into ac-
count the deformed configuration of the specimen.
3.1 Specimen section area

During a triaxial compression/extension test the cylindrical specimen de-
forms and the its cross section (perpendicular to the primary axis x1 ) in-
creases/decreases. Let us assume that the initial cylindrical configuration
of the specimen is given by its height h0 and its diameter d0 . The initial
volume of the specimen is given by the eq.3.1
πd 20
V0 = h0 (3.1)
4
In the case of undrained triaxial compression/extension, where the vol-
ume change of the specimen is zero (∆V = 0) and the specimen remains
cylindrical, the following expression holds for the initial and final specimen
volume,
r
πd 02 0 πd 20 h0
V0 = V 0 ⇒ h = h0 ⇒ d 0 = d0 (3.2)
4 4 h0
In this case, the area of any section perpendicular to a vertical axis of
the specimen will be given by
πd 02 0 h0
A= h = A0 0 (3.3)
4 h
35
In the case of a drained test, the above expressions can be modified to

take into account the change of the volume due to drainage. By denoting the
volumetric strain ²vol = ∆V/V0 (positive if water comes out of the specimen,
that is compression positive) and ²ax = ∆h/h0 , we get:
V0
V 0 = V0 − ∆V ⇒ = 1 − ²v ⇒ Ah = A0 h 0 (1 − ²vol ) ⇒
V0
1 − ²vol
A = A0 (3.4)
1 − ²ax
During triaxial compression tests “barreling” of the specimen may also
occur. The specimen ceases to deform as a cylinder and the cross section of
the specimen perpendicular to the vertical axis is not constant. This is the
case where the friction in the top cap and pedestal is high enough so it does
not allow the specimen to freely expand. Barreling may fully or partially
appear. In the first case the diameter of the specimen as a function of the
vertical distance from the pedestal is given by eq. 3.5
π πz
(d0 + 2a sin )2
A= (3.5)
4 h
while for the case of partial barreling eq. 3.6 holds,
π πz
(d0 + 2a cos )2
A= (3.6)
4 2h
The volume of the specimen for each of the two above cases is given by
integration of eq. 3.5 and 3.6 in respect to the height of the specimen, that
is respectively,
Z Z hh
h
π πz i πd 20 h πa2 h
V = Adz = (d0 + 2a sin )2 dz = + 2ahd0 + (3.7)
0 0 4 h 4 2
and
Z Z hh
h
π πz i πd 20 h πa2 h
V = Adz = (d0 + 2a cos )2 dz = + 2ahd0 + (3.8)
0 0 4 2h 4 2
Inserting eq. 3.7 and 3.8 into eq. 3.4 the parameter ‘a’ can be evaluated
and thus the section A of the specimen along the vertical axis is known.
3.2 Membrane penetration effect

In the triaxial test on a granular soil a volume change measurement made
as a result of an increase in confining pressure will be influenced by the
penetration of the membrane enclosing the specimen into the voids between
Figure 3.1: Specimen section area due to barreling
the particles at the interface. This is known as the membrane penetration

effect, illustrated in Figure 3.2. It can affect volume change measurements
in both the back pressure line and the cell pressure line. The effect has
been shown to depend mainly on particle size, and to a much lesser extent
on the state of packing (i.e. density) and particle shape, as well as on the
membrane thickness and stiffness. It applies to materials of medium sand
size and upwards, having a 50% particle size, D50 , exceeding 0.1mm, and is of
greatest significance with large diameter specimens. The effect is negligible
for fine-grained soils.
Newland and Allely (1959) studied the effect using lead shot, and Roscoe,
Schofield and Thurairajah (1963) investigated it using Ottawa sand. A
graphical method of estimating the effect in sandy silts, based on the 50%
size D50 , was given by Frydman, Zeitlen and Alpan (1973). Corrections of
the same order of magnitude were derived theoretically by Poulos (1964)
using measured elastic properties of membrane material. Most recent inves-
tigations were made by Molenkamp and Luger (1981). This correction is
unlikely to by significant in routine testing.
Baldi and Nova ([1]) investigated theoretically and experimentally the
membrane penetration effects in triaxial testing. They found that membrane
penetration depends strongly on the diameter of the grain (expressed by
d50 ), the value of the mean effective stress σ 03 and the diameter of the
specimen dspecimen . According to their analysis, a semiempirical relation
(eq. 3.9) allows for a quantitative membrane penetration correction in a
typical triaxial test.
Figure 3.2: Membrane penetration effect (after K.H. Head [6])
s
dg 3 σ 03 dg
Vm = V0 (3.9)
2dspec Em tm
where Vm is the volume reduction of the specimen due to membrane
penetration effect, dg is the grain mean diameter, dspec is the diameter of
the specimen, V0 is the volume of the specimen, σ 03 is the lateral effective
stress (σ 03 = σ3 − u), Em is the membrane Young modulus and tm is the
membrane thickness.
In Figure 3.3 the error of the membrane penetration effect to the ini-
tial volume of the specimen is calculated for a cylindrical Hostun Sand HS28
specimen of 100mm in height and diameter placed in a Geotest elastic mem-
brane of 0.025in thickness, while in Figure 3.4 the membrane penetration
effect error to the volumetric strain of the specimen in an isotropic consoli-
dation test is given.
Membrane penetration effect

Hostun Sand HS28, Geotest membranes 0.025in
0,300%
Ratio of membrane penetration to
0,250%
initial volume Vm/V0 [-]
0,200%
0,150%
0,100%
0,050%
0,000%
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000
Lateral effective stress ı'3 [kPa]
Figure 3.3: Membrane penetration error in a typical triaxial test
Membrane penetration effect error in isotropic consolidation test

CD-HS28-100-20 (eo=1.044), Geotest membrane tm=0.025in
50%
45%
Error of membrane penetration in
isotropic consolidation test [-]
40%
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200
Lateral effective stress ı'3 [kPa]
Figure 3.4: Membrane penetration error as a function of the volumetric

strain in an isotropic consolidation test.
Chapter 4
Axial load corrections
4.1 Standard bush

The correction to the measured axial force due to friction of the piston in
the cell bushing can be allowed for by running the compression machine,
with the cell under pressure, at the rate of displacement required for the
test, but with the piston not in contact with the specimen top cap. If this
is done immediately before starting a compression test and the load ring
dial gauge is set to read zero, no further correction will be necessary at that
machine speed so long as the lad remains truly axial.
If there are no lateral forces, the friction loss for a piston and bush in
good condition should be small if oil is inserted at the top of the cell as a
lubricant. Bishop and Henkel quoted errors of about 1 − 3% of the axial
force, increasing with axial strain. Tests on 100mm diameter specimens in
a cell with a 19mm diameter piston indicated that the correction of about
1% of the axial force should be deducted for every 5% strain.
When a specimen fails by slipping along a single plane, lateral forces are
introduced which can appreciably increase the bush friction. Under these
conditions Bishop and Henkel suggested that the error could rise to about
5% of the axial force. The correction needed would also depend on the axial
strain, and a deduction of about 1% of the measured force for every 2%
strain from the start of slip seems appropriate.
The nominal corrections suggested above are accurate enough for most
practical purposes. If the frictional force is likely to exceed about 2% of the
measured axial force it is better to measure the force with a device mounted
inside the triaxial cell (submerged load cell/ring).
In Figures 4.2, 4.3 the normal and shear stress applied on the bush, as
well as the friction coefficient µ are given,
41
Figure 4.1: The error in axial load measurement due to ram friction: varia-
tion with axial strain in a typical test on a 4-in. diameter sample ([3]).
WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell bush friction

GeoLab/GIO/2005-03-12/loading/ĳ=1,76o
1,60
1,40
y = 0,0308x
2
R = 0,9968
1,20
Shear stress Ĳ [MPa]
1,00
0,80
0,60
0,40
0,20
0,00
0,00 5,00 10,00 15,00 20,00 25,00 30,00 35,00 40,00 45,00 50,00
Normal stress ı [MPa]
Figure 4.2: WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell bush friction, calibration

2005-03-12-loading
WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell bush friction

GeoLab/GIO/2005-03-12/unloading/ĳ=1,86o
1,60
1,40
y = 0,0324x
R2 = 0,9972
1,20
1,00
0,80
0,60
0,40
0,20
0,00
0,00 5,00 10,00 15,00 20,00 25,00 30,00 35,00 40,00 45,00 50,00
Figure 4.3: WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell bush friction, calibration

2005-03-12-unloading
WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell bush friction @ 0kPa

GeoLab/GIO/2005-12-14/loading
1,50
1,25
1,00
0,75
0,50
0,25
0,00
0,00 5,00 10,00 15,00 20,00 25,00 30,00 35,00 40,00 45,00 50,00
Figure 4.4: WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell bush friction @ 0kPa, cali-

bration 2005-12-14-loading

GeoLab/GIO/2005-12-14/unloading
1,50
1,25
1,00
0,75
0,50
0,25
0,00
0,00 5,00 10,00 15,00 20,00 25,00 30,00 35,00 40,00 45,00 50,00

bration 2005-12-14-unloading

1,50
1,25
1,00
0,75
0,50
0,25
0,00
0,00 5,00 10,00 15,00 20,00 25,00 30,00 35,00 40,00 45,00 50,00

bration 2005-12-12-loading

1,50
1,25
1,00
0,75
0,50
0,25
0,00
0,00 5,00 10,00 15,00 20,00 25,00 30,00 35,00 40,00 45,00 50,00

bration 2005-12-12-unloading

1,50
1,25
1,00
0,75
0,50
0,25
0,00
0,00 5,00 10,00 15,00 20,00 25,00 30,00 35,00 40,00 45,00 50,00
Figure 4.8: WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell bush friction @ 100kPa, cal-

ibration 2005-12-12-loading

1,50
1,25
1,00
0,75
0,50
0,25
0,00
0,00 5,00 10,00 15,00 20,00 25,00 30,00 35,00 40,00 45,00 50,00
Figure 4.9: WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell bush friction @ 100kPa, cal-

ibration 2005-12-12-unloading

1,50
1,25
1,00
0,75
0,50
0,25
0,00
0,00 5,00 10,00 15,00 20,00 25,00 30,00 35,00 40,00 45,00 50,00
Figure 4.10: WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell bush friction @ 200kPa,

calibration 2005-12-12-loading

1,50
1,25
1,00
0,75
0,50
0,25
0,00
0,00 5,00 10,00 15,00 20,00 25,00 30,00 35,00 40,00 45,00 50,00

calibration 2005-12-12-unloading

1,50
1,25
1,00
0,75
0,50
0,25
0,00
0,00 5,00 10,00 15,00 20,00 25,00 30,00 35,00 40,00 45,00 50,00


1,50
1,25
1,00
0,75
0,50
0,25
0,00
0,00 5,00 10,00 15,00 20,00 25,00 30,00 35,00 40,00 45,00 50,00


1,50
1,25
1,00
0,75
0,50
0,25
0,00
0,00 5,00 10,00 15,00 20,00 25,00 30,00 35,00 40,00 45,00 50,00


1,50
1,25
1,00
0,75
0,50
0,25
0,00
0,00 5,00 10,00 15,00 20,00 25,00 30,00 35,00 40,00 45,00 50,00


1,50
1,25
1,00
0,75
0,50
0,25
0,00
0,00 5,00 10,00 15,00 20,00 25,00 30,00 35,00 40,00 45,00 50,00


1,50
1,25
1,00
0,75
0,50
0,25
0,00
0,00 5,00 10,00 15,00 20,00 25,00 30,00 35,00 40,00 45,00 50,00


1,50
1,25
1,00
0,75
0,50
0,25
0,00
0,00 5,00 10,00 15,00 20,00 25,00 30,00 35,00 40,00 45,00 50,00


1,50
1,25
1,00
0,75
0,50
0,25
0,00
0,00 5,00 10,00 15,00 20,00 25,00 30,00 35,00 40,00 45,00 50,00

4.2 Rotating bush

Where the effect of piston is significant, such as with very soft soils and
stiff soils that fail along a slip surface, a cell fitted with a rotating bush
reduces the friction to a negligible amount, if oil is used in the top of the
cell. provided that the piston and the bush are in good condition, the effect
of lateral thrust caused by slip-plane failure can be neglected.
4.3 Submersible load cell

The effect of friction between piston and cell bush can be eliminated al-
together if a submersible force measuring device can be mounted inside
the triaxial cell. Electrical devices of this kind, known as submersible load
transducers, are now often used in place of externally mounted rings in com-
mercial testing, especially for the use with automatic recording and data-
processing systems.
Calibration friction coef. aver. shear stress cell pressure

date µ (0 ) τ (MPa) mathrmσc (kPa)
2005-03-12 (loading) 1.76 - 0.0

2005-03-12 (unloading) 1.86 - 0.0
2005-12-14 (load & unload) - 0.74 0.0
2005-12-12 (load & unload) - 0.76 21.7
2005-12-12 (load & unload) - 0.74 101.0
2005-12-12 (load & unload) - 0.71 200.4
2005-12-12 (load & unload) - 0.68 299.9
2005-12-12 (load & unload) - 0.66 400.0
2005-12-12 (load & unload) - 0.63 500.3
2005-12-12 (load & unload) - 0.61 602.5
Table 4.1: WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell bush friction coefficient µ

calibration.
Figure 4.20: Wykeham Farrance STALC3-50kN triaxial submersible load

cell
Figure 4.21: DBBSE-50kN-A2242 external load cell (Applied Ltd)
Chapter 5
Conclusions
The main purpose of this short report was to calibrate the WF11001/
SN:100257-9 triaxial cell in order to be able to measure with fairly good
accuracy the volume change of the specimen during a test in the case of
partially saturated or dry material, in absence of on-sample transducers.
From the above analysis it is clearly stated that in order to measure as pre-
cise as possible the volume change of a specimen through the cell pressure
line with an automatic volume change-like apparatus, four main aspects
have to be taken into account:
• The triaxial cell, nylon flexible pipes and volume change apparatus are
flushed with de-aired water.
• The volume of de-aired water inside the cell is well-known.
• The nylon flexible pipes used to connect the triaxial cell with the au-
tomatic volume change apparatus and the pressure pump are properly
calibrated.
• The initial position and movement of the load ram during the test is
monitored.
The method of measuring the volume change of a specimen indirectly

inserts by default many errors, which most of the times can not be traced
down. For this reason, in cases when other methods of measuring the vol-
ume change of the specimen are available (optical ones), a first preliminary
comparison of the results would avoid possible hidden errors.
55
Bibliography
[1] Baldi, G. and Nova, R. (1984). Membrane Penetration Effects in Triax-

ial Testing, ASCE, Journal of Geotechnical engineering, Vol. 110, No.3,
Paper No. 18633.
[2] Bardet, J.P. (1997). Experimental Soil Mechanics, Prentice Hall,

pp.582.
[3] Bishop, A.W. and Henkel, D.J. (1957). The Measurment of Soil Prop-
erties in the Triaxial test, 2nd ed., Edward Arnold, London, pp.228.
[4] Frydman, S., Zeitlen, J.G., and Alpan, I. (1973). The membrane effects
in triaxial testing of granular soils. Journal of Testing and Evaluation,
ASTM, Vol.1, pp.37-41.
[5] Georgopoulos, I.O. and Vardoulakis, I. (2005). The Handbook of Wyke-

ham Farrance GeoTriax, internal laboratory report, pp.296.
[6] Head K.H. (1992). Manual of soil laboratory testing, Volume 3: Effec-
tive stress tests, second edition, John Wiley & Sons, New York, pp.428.
[7] Newland, P.L. and Allely, B.H. (1959). Volume changes in drained tri-
axial tests on granular materials. Géotechnique, Vol.9, pp.174-182.
[8] Steinbach, J. (1967). Volume change due to membrane penetration in

triaxial tests on granular materials. Thesis presented to Cornell Uni-
versity, at Ithaca, in 1967, in partial fullfillment of the requirements for
the degree of Master of Science.
57

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Corrections on the

specimen volume change and axial force

15th December 2005

2 Cell volume change corrections 13

3 Specimen volume change corrections 35

4 Axial load corrections 41

1.1 Wykeham Farrance WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell. . . . 12

2.1 Representation of factors which influence cell volume change

2.17 Typical curve of volume change of a triaxial chamber versus

3.1 Specimen section area due to barreling . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

4.13 WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell bush friction @ 300kPa,

2.1 Area A of WF17044/SN:107584-7 and VJT310/SN:0134 au-

4.1 WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell bush friction coefficient µ

In this report the Wykeham Farrance triaxial cell WF11001/SN:100257-9

Figure 1.1: Wykeham Farrance WF11001/SN:100257-9 triaxial cell.

Cell volume change

In pp.164 of Manual of soil laboratory testing, Vol.3, K.H.Head states: “Mea-

1. Irregularities on specimen surface

3. Expansion of cell due to pressure increase

4. Continued expansion of cell (creep) with time under constant pressure

5. Absorbtion of water into, and mitigation through, cell body

6. Air trapped at top cell

- through piston bushing

Figure 2.1: Representation of factors which influence cell volume change

- from connecting lines and valves

9. Change in specimen due to drainage of water (consolidation or swelling)

10. Movement of piston

1. Volume change due to water compressibility, ∆Vw

2. Volume change due to piston movement, ∆Vpiston

3. Volume change due to flexible pipe expansion, ∆Vpipe

4. Volume change due to triaxial cell expansion, ∆Vcell

2.1 Volume change due to water compressibility,

cw0 = 4.93 · 10−7 /kP a (2.1)

∆Vw = cw0 · ∆σc · Vw (2.2)

2.2 Volume change due to piston movement, ∆Vpiston

Vol.ch.app. WF17044/SN:107584-7 VJT310/SN:0134 Cell

Date AW F (mm2 ) AV JT (mm2 ) σc (kPa)

Table 2.1: Area A of WF17044/SN:107584-7 and VJT310/SN:0134 auto-

2.3 Volume change due to nylon flexible pipe ex-

Volume change displaced by loading ram and measured by

Volume displaced by piston

8.000 Volume measured by WF

Figure 2.2: Automatic volume change apparatus calibration, 2005-03-02.

Volume change displaced by loading ram and measured by

Figure 2.3: Automatic volume change apparatus calibration, 2005-03-07.

Volume change displaced by loading ram and measured by

Volume displaced by piston

50.000 Volume measured by VJT

Figure 2.4: Automatic volume change apparatus calibration, 2005-12-05-

Volume change displaced by loading ram and measured by

50.000 Volume measured by VJT

Figure 2.5: Automatic volume change apparatus calibration, 2005-12-05-

Volume change displaced by loading ram and measured by

50.000 Volume measured by WF

Volume measured by VJT

Figure 2.6: Automatic volume change apparatus calibration, 2005-12-09.

Volume change displaced by loading ram and measured by

50.000 Volume measured by WF

Volume measured by VJT

Figure 2.7: Automatic volume change apparatus calibration, 2005-12-09-

Volume change displaced by loading ram and measured by

50.000 Volume measured by WF

Volume measured by VJT