Prof. B V S Viswanadham, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Bombay

57
Prof. B V S Viswanadham, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Bombay

Module 4:
Lecture 8 on Stress-strain relationship
and Shear strength of soils

Contents
 Stress state, Mohr’s circle analysis and Pole, Principal
stress space, Stress paths in p-q space;
 Mohr-Coulomb failure criteria and its limitations,
correlation with p-q space;
 Stress-strain behavior; Isotropic compression and
pressure dependency, confined compression, large stress
compression, Definition of failure, Interlocking concept
and its interpretations,
 Triaxial behaviour, stress state and analysis of UC, UU, CU,
CD, and other special tests, Drainage conditions; Stress
paths in triaxial and octahedral plane; Elastic modulus
from triaxial tests.
The triaxial test: Introduction
• Most widely used shear strength test and is suitable for all types of soil.
• A cylindrical specimen, generally “L/D = 2” is used for the test, and stresses
are applied under conditions of axial symmetry.
• Typical specimen diameters are 38mm and 100mm
Axial stress
Equal all
round
pressure
Stress system in triaxial test

The triaxial test: Components
Loading
ram
Perspex cell
Porous discs Latex sheet
Soil sample
Pressure
supply to To pore pressure
cell measuring device

The triaxial test: Mechanism
• Intermediate principal stress σ2 must be equal to major σ1 or
minor σ3 stress, so as to facilitate representation of stress
state in two dimensional Mohr’s circle.
• A cylindrical specimen is placed inside Perspex cell filled
with water.
• The specimen is covered with latex sheet so as to avoid
direct contact with water.
• The specimen is loaded initially by surrounding water
pressure so as to achieve isotropic loading conditions.
• A deviatoric stress is then applied gradually on the sample
with the help of Ram axially.
• A duct at the bottom of the sample allows water to pass
through the sample which is further monitored , or
conversely, in some cases, no drainage is allowed.
• Fine grained soil can stand the mould without any
support
• But the coarse grained soils samples have to kept in
some supporting mould until the application of negative
pore pressure to the sample through drainage duct.
So,
u = ue (negative)
σa = σr = 0
σ′a= σ′r = -ue
where, σa is the axial stress, σr is the radial stress

• If cell pressure increased to scp, this isotropic pressure is
taken entirely by the pore water. Thus pore pressure
increases, but no change occurs in effective stresses.
σa
So,
ui = σcp + ue (negative)
σa = σr = σcp
σr
σ′a = σ′r = -ue
thus,
u – ue = ∆σcp
i.e. ∆u = ∆σcp
Drainage conditions : Combinations in triaxial test
Step 1 Step 2
Under all-around cell pressure σc Shearing (loading)
drainage valve condition drainage valve condition
Open Closed Open Closed
Consolidated Unconsolidated Drained Undrained

sample sample loading loading
CD UU
CU
Drainage conditions : Combinations in triaxial test
Unconfined Compressive Specimen is taken to failure with no
test (UC) confinement
Unconsolidated Undrained Specimen is taken to failure with no
test (UU) drainage permitted
Consolidated Undrained Drainage valve initially opened to allow
test (CU) pore pressure ui to dissipate to zero, and
then closed so that specimen is taken to
Applying back pressure: failure without any further drainage
decreases cavitation, and
reduction of voids. The drainage valve is initially opened to
allow the pore pressure ui to dissipate to
Consolidated Drained test zero, and is kept open while the
(CD) specimen is taken to failure at a
sufficiently slow rate.
Stresses and strains on a sample in the Triaxial compression test
Axisymmetric condition, σ′2 = σ′3 or σ2 = σ3; ε2 = ε3
p′ = (σ′1+ 2σ′3)/3 and p = (σ1+ 2σ3)/3 p′ = p- u
q = σ 1- σ 3; Deviator stress
q′ = σ′1- σ′3 σ1 - σ3= σd = P/A Axial total stress
= (σ1 - ∆u) – Deviatoric σ1 = σ3+ P/A
(σ3 - ∆u) = σ1- σ3 strain εd Axial strain
= 2/3( ε1 - ε3) ε1 = ∆z/Ho
Thus, q′ = q; Volumetric Radial strain
Shear is strain εr = ∆r/ro
unaffected by εv = ε1 + 2 ε3
PWP.
Schematic of a Triaxial cell
Consolidated- drained test (CD Test)
σ = u + σ′
Step 1: At the end of consolidation
σ′V = σV
σh
0 σ′hC = σhC
Drainage
Step 2: During axial stress increase
σV + ∆σ σ′V = σV + ∆σ = σ′1
σhC 0 σ′h = σh = σ′3

Drainage
Step 3: At failure
σVC + ∆σf σ′Vf = σV + ∆σf = σ′1f
σhC 0 σ′hf = σh = σ′3f

Drainage
Consolidated- drained test (CD Test)
σ1 = σVC + ∆σ
σ3 = σhC
Deviator stress (q or ∆σd) = σ1 – σ3

Consolidated- drained test (CD Test) : Volume change of sample
during consolidation
Expansion
Volume change of the sample
Time
Compression

CD Test :- Stress-strain relationship during shearing
Dense sand or
Deviator stress, ∆σd
OC clay
(∆σd)f
Loose sand or
(∆σd)f NC Clay
Axial strain
+
Volume change of
Loose sand
/NC Clay
the sample
Axial strain
Dense sand
-
or OC clay
CD tests : How to determine strength parameters c and φ
(∆σd)fc
σ1 = σ3 + (∆σd)f
Confining stress = σ3c
Confining stress = σ3b
(∆σd)fb Confining stress = σ3a σ3
(∆σd)fa
Axial strain
φ
Mohr – Coulomb
failure envelope
Shear stress, τ
σ or σ’
σ3a σ3b σ3c σ1a σ1b σ1c
(∆σd)fa
(∆σd)fb

CD tests
Strength parameters c and φ obtained from CD tests
Since u = 0 in CD tests, σ = σ′
Therefore, c = c′ and φ = φ′
Parameters are denoted as cd and φd

CD tests : Failure envelopes
For sand and NC Clay, cd = 0
φd
Mohr – Coulomb
Shear stress, τ
failure envelope
σ or σ’
σ3a σ1a
(∆σd)fa
Therefore, one CD test would be sufficient to determine φd of sand or NC clay

CD tests : Failure envelopes
For OC Clay, cd ≠ 0
OC NC
τ φ
c
σ3 σ1 σc
(∆σd)f σ or σ′
Stress paths during CD Test σ′1 = σ′3 + P/A
Stage1: Shearing σ3 = σ′3
Isotropic consolidation phase 
phase
q = σ1-σ3 ∆σ3 = 0
∆u = 0
∆σ1 = ∆σ′1 = ∆σ3 = ∆σ1 = ∆σ′1 = ∆σ3 = ∆σ′3
∆σ′3; ∆σ1 > 0;
∆u = 0 (end of ∆σ3 = ∆σ′1 ESP = TSP
consolidation) ∆u = 0 ∆p = ∆σ1/3;
∆p′ = ∆p = (∆σ1 + ∆q = ∆σ1
2∆σ1)/3 = ∆σ1; 3
Consolidation
∆q = ∆σ1 -∆σ3 = 0 phase 1  ∆q/∆p = 3
∆q/∆p′ =∆q/∆p = 0
p = (σ1+ 2σ3)/3
p, p′
Stress paths during CD Test
Stage 2: Shearing phase
∆σ1 = ∆σ′1 > 0 ;
∆σ3 = ∆σ′3 = 0 ; ∆u = 0;
∆p′ = ∆p = (∆σ1)/3 = ∆σ1 /3 ;
∆q = ∆σ1 -∆σ3 = 0; = ∆σ1 ; ∆q/∆p′ =∆q/∆p = 3

Consolidated- Undrained test (CU Test)
Total, σ = +
Neutral, u Effective, σ’
Step 1: At the σVC σ′VC = σVC

end of
consolidation
σhC 0 σ’hC = σhC
Drainage
Step 2: During
axial stress σVC + ∆σ σ′V = σVC + ∆σ ± ∆u = σ′1
increase
σhC
No
±∆u
σ′h = σhC ± ∆u = σ′3
drainage X
Step 3: At σVC + ∆σf σ′Vf = σVC + ∆σf ± ∆uf = σ′1f
failure
σhC
No
±∆uf σ′hf = σhC ± ∆uf = σ′3f
drainage X
Consolidated- Undrained test (CU Test)
Volume change of sample during consolidation
Expansion
Volume change of the
Time
sample
Compression

CU Test :- Stress-strain relationship during shearing
Dense sand or
OC clay
(∆σd)f
Loose sand or
(∆σd)f NC Clay
Axial strain
+
Loose sand
/NC Clay
Pore water
∆u
pressure varies Axial strain

with axial strain
Dense sand
-
or OC clay
CU tests :- How to determine strength parameters c and φ
(∆σd)fb
σ1 = σ3 + (∆σd)f
Confining stress = σ3b

Confining stress = σ3a
σ3
(∆σd)fa
Total stresses at failure
Axial strain
Mohr – Coulomb failure φcu
Shear stress, τ
envelope in terms of
total stresses
ccu
σ or σ’
σ3a σ3b σ1a σ1b
(∆σd)fa

CU tests: Strength parameters c and φ σ’1 = σ3 + (∆σd)f - uf
Mohr – Coulomb failure σ’3 = σ3 - uf

envelope in terms of
effective stresses uf
Effective stresses at failure
Mohr – Coulomb failure
φ′
envelope in terms of total
φcu
Shear stress, τ
stresses
ufb
c′ ccu σ′3b ufa σ’1b
σ or σ’
σ’3a σ3a σ3b σ’1a σ1a σ1b
(∆σd)fa
CU tests
Strength parameters cd and ϕd obtained from CD tests
Shear strength parameters in terms of total
stresses are ccu and φcu
Shear strength parameters in terms of effective

stresses are c′ and φ′
c′ = cd and φ′ = φd

Stress paths during CU Test ∆σ1 = ∆σ3 + P/A
Stage1: ∆σ′1 = ∆σ1 - ∆u
Isotropic consolidation Shearing
phase
q = σ1-σ3 ∆σ3 = 0
phase 
∆u ≠ 0
∆σ1 = ∆σ′1 = ∆σ3 = ∆σ1 = ∆σ′1 = ∆σ3 = ∆σ′3
∆σ′3; ∆σ1 > 0;
∆u = 0 (end of ∆σ′3 = ∆σ3
∆σ3 = ∆σ′1 - ∆u = -∆u
consolidation) ∆u = 0
∆p′ = ∆p = (∆σ1 +
2∆σ1)/3 = ∆σ1; 3 ∆p = ∆σ1/3;
∆q = ∆σ1 -∆σ3 = 0 ESP ∆u 1 ∆q = ∆σ1
∆q/∆p′ =∆q/∆p = 0 TSP  ∆q/∆p = 3
Con.
phase p = (σ1+ 2σ3)/3
p, p′
Stress paths during CU Test
Stage 2: Shearing phase
∆σ1 > 0; ∆σ3 = 0; ∆σ′1 = ∆σ1-∆u = 0; ∆σ′3 = -∆u
∆p = (∆σ1)/3 ; ∆q = ∆σ1, ∆q/∆p = 3 [For TSP]
∆p′ = ∆p - ∆u = (∆σ1)/3 - ∆u; [For ESP]
∆q = ∆σ1; ∆q/∆p′ =∆σ1/(∆σ1/3-∆u) = 3/[1-3(∆u/∆σ1)]

Stress conditions
for the UU test
 The purpose of UU
test is to
determine the un-
drained shear
strength of a
saturated soil.
 Quick test
(Neither during
consolidation and
shearing stages,
excess PWP is
allowed to drain).
Mohr failure envelopes for UU tests
For 100%
saturated
clay 
For partially
saturated
clay 

Total stress path during UU Test
σ1 = σ3 + P/A
Initial stage
q = σ1-σ3
∆σ1 = ∆σ3 ; ∆u ≠ 0
∆p = ∆σ1, ∆q= 0; TSP σ3
∆q/ ∆p = 0 ∆u ≠ 0
Shearing phase
∆σ1 > 0 ; ∆σ3 = 0 ∆p = ∆σ1/3; ∆q/∆p = 3
3
∆p = ∆σ1/3 ; ∆q = ∆σ1
1
∆q/∆p = 3
p = (σ1+ 2σ3)/3
p
Unconfined compressive (UC) test
 To determine the un-drained shear
strength of saturated clays quickly.
 No radial stress (σ3 = 0)

σ1
 Deviator load is increased rapidly σ3 = 0
until the soil sample fails; Pore
water can not drain from the soil;
the soil sample is sheared at
constant volume.
(After www.geocomp.com)
Stress conditions for the UC test

Total stress path during UC Test
 The effective stress
path is unknown
q = σ1-σ3
since PWP changes
are not normally
measured. TSP
 If ∆u is measured, it ∆p = ∆σ1/3; ∆q/∆p = 3
would be negative.
 Since σ3 = 0,
σ′3 = σ3 - ∆u = - ∆u
 ∆u must be –ve 3
because as σ′3 can
not be –ve (soils 1
can not sustain
tension). So σ′3 must p = (σ1+ 2σ3)/3
be +ve. p, p′
Mohr Circles for UCS
The results of from UC tests can lead to:
 Estimate the short-term
bearing capacity of Total stress Mohr Circle
fine-grained soils for Failure envelope
foundations. Failure plane
 Estimate the short-term
τ
Effective stress
stability of slopes. Circle not
 Determine the stress- determined UC test
strain characteristics
under fast (un-drained
cu
loading conditions.
45°
σ, σ′
∆u
Typical variation of σ1 with ε1 (UCS Test)
σ1 (kPa)
Cu = 136/2 = 68 kPa
ε1 (-)
Consolidated undrained triaxial tests on Silty sand
Property Unit Silty sand

Specific gravity (Gs) -a 2.64
Particle size distribution
Sand (S) % 80
Silt (M) % 10
Clay (C) % 10
Classification (Unified soil classification system) -a SM
Compaction characteristics (standard Proctor)
Maximum dry unit weight (MDD) kN/m3 19.75
Optimum moisture content (OMC) % 10.5
Co-efficient of permeability (k) m/sec 4.0 x 10-7

900
800
700
Deviator stress (kPa)
600
500
400
300 σ' = 50 kPa

σ' = 100 kPa
200
σ' = 150 kPa
100
0
0 5 10 15 20 25
Axial strain (%)
Variation in deviator stress with axial strain

200
Excess pore water pressure (kPa)
150
σ' = 50 kPa
100 σ' = 100 kPa
σ' = 150 kPa
50
-50
0 5 10 15 20 25
Axial strain (%)
Variation in excess pore water pressure with axial strain

Status of silty sand sample after CU test

Variation in stress path at various effective stress
1000
Cambridge stress path
is plotted between p or
p′ and q. Where,
800
600
q (kPa)
TSP, σ' = 50 kPa p = (σ1 + 2σ3)/3

TSP, σ' = 100 kPa
400 TSP, σ' = 150 kPa p ′ = (σ1′ + 2σ3 ′)/3
ESP, σ' = 50 kPa
ESP, σ' = 100 kPa
ESP, σ' = 150 kPa
q = q′ = (σ1 - σ3)
200
Failure envelope
0
0 200 400 600 800 1000
p, p' (kPa)

Mohr circles for consolidated un-drained tests on silty sand
1200
Effective parameter (σ' = 50 kPa)
Effective parameter (σ' = 150 kPa)
1000 Effective parameter (σ' = 100 kPa)
Total parameter (σ' = 50 kPa)
Shear stress (kPa)
800
c' = 2 kPa
φ ' =35°
Failure envelopes
600
c = 7 kPa
φ =32°
400
200
0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
Normal stress (kPa)

Results of CU triaxial tests on Fine Sand
800
Max void ratio = 0.778
Min void ratio = 0.542
Deviator stress (kPa)

600
Void ratio after

400
consolidation stage
i) e(σ′ = 50 kPa) = 0.723 200 Effective stress = 50 kPa

ii) e(σ′ = 100 kPa) = 0.741 Effective stress = 100 kPa
0
0 5 10 15 20 25
Axis Strain (%)
Variation in deviator stress with axial strain

250
Excess pore water pressure (kPa)
200
150
100 Effective stress = 50 kPa
Effective stress = 100 kPa
50
0
-50
-100
0 5 10 15 20 25
Axis strain (%)
Variation in excess pore water pressure with axial strain

800
Variation of TSP at various
Effective stress = 100 kPa effective stresses
600
800
q, q' (kPa)

400
600
q , q' (kPa)
200
400
0
0 200 400 600 800 200 At failure
p (kPa)
0
0 200 400 600 800
Variation of ESP at various
p' (kPa)
effective stresses
π/4 + 36°/2
Status of sample after termination of CU test


Prof. B V S Viswanadham, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Bombay

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Prof. B V S Viswanadham, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Bombay

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