LABORjA,TORY EXERCISE L7

Unconfined Compression Test

Objectives:
Discussion:
The Unconfined Compression Test is used for determining

the
shearing

strength
of

cohesive

soil.
The
main
feature

ofthis
test
is

the
abeence

of

confining
stresses

which
makqs

it impos
sible
to

use
as

a test

for

cohesionless

soil.
Ttris

test
is

simple
and
is an
easy

method
of

determining
shearing
stress

of

soil

under
conditions
of

quick
loading.

Apparatus:
IJnconfined Compression Device

Procedure:
1. Prepare a disturbed soil sample obtained from the
gtandard penetration test.
2. The ,t-pi" should have a length to width ratio of 1 to
2-2 U2.

3. Determine the dimensions of the test specimen before

starting the test.

4. Center the specimen on the lower platen under the

loa{ng head. Lower the upper platen to contact the

specimen. Adjust the strain dial to zero

5. Load is applied to the specimen by turning the hand

crank.

6. Take strain and load readings at desired interval until

the specimen fails.
7. Determine the moisturg content of the soil specimen

and the final dimensions of Soit Sample after the

test.