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Unconfined Compression Test: Holy Name University

The document describes an experiment to determine the unconfined compressive strength of a cohesive soil sample. It provides details on the objective, equipment used, sample size requirements, test procedures, data collected, calculations, and results. The unconfined compression strength of the soil sample was determined to be 90.14 kPa based on measurements taken during the test and subsequent calculations of major principal stress, cohesion, and unconfined compression strength.

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JuNe RaMos Javier
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37 views7 pages

Unconfined Compression Test: Holy Name University

The document describes an experiment to determine the unconfined compressive strength of a cohesive soil sample. It provides details on the objective, equipment used, sample size requirements, test procedures, data collected, calculations, and results. The unconfined compression strength of the soil sample was determined to be 90.14 kPa based on measurements taken during the test and subsequent calculations of major principal stress, cohesion, and unconfined compression strength.

Uploaded by

JuNe RaMos Javier
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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HOLY NAME UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

UNCONFINED COMPRESSION TEST


EXPERIMENT NO. 1

Submitted by: Myla J. Cempron


Karen A. Lacea Rate:
Christian Rinz Perocho
Subject: CE 512 L
Date Performed: July 29, 2016
Date Submitted: August 5, 2016

Engr. Virginia Madanguit


Instructor
OBJECTIVE:

To determine the unconfined compressive strength of a cohesive soil sample.

EQUIPMENT:

1. Unconfined compressive machine


2. Remolding cylinder and tamper
3. Protractor
4. Caliper
5. Wax paper or Vaseline
6. Oven with temperature control

Size of Sample

Diameter: 1.4 to 2.8 in

Height/Diameter: 2.0 to 2.5

(For this compressive machine, sample size is 39.1 mm diameter and 100 mm height)

Configuration of the Apparatus

This apparatus is mainly composed of rock, load ring and push base. Rack
components include rods and crossed beams which are assembled into an integrated
frame with a push base component. Load ring consists of meter rock and top (upper)
board which is fixed below crossbeams by bolts. Push base components include push
base, pedestal, push axis, bearings and handle. Running of the push axis is controlled
ny a pin to make changes in vertical elevations. A soil-loaded (lower) board is fitted on
the push axis. As the test is finished, removing the pin will allow the push axis to move
downward quickly.
PROCEDURE:

A. Soil Preparation.
Follow the procedure in Undisturbed Soil Sampling (Soil Mechanics Laboratory).
Measure the dimensions of the test sample and weigh. The cut materials are
used for moisture content determination.
B. Sample Testing
B1. Undisturbed Sample
1. Coat the sample with a thin layer of Vaseline to prevent evaporation of
moisture.
2. Place the sample between the upper board and the soil-loading board,
centering it carefully.
3. Turn the handle to raise the sample and make a good contact with the upper
board. This time the load ring begins to register readings slightly. Adjust the
meter reading to zero.
4. Turn the handle (while counting the number of turns) to compress the sample.
The running speed of the handle per minute is about 1 – 3% of axial strain.
5. For each handle’s turning round, record the load ring meter readings. As the
meter stops moving forward and begins moving downward, the sample is
destroyed and takes readings on the meter. Be sure that there is a continuous
drop in strength after reaching the peak, before the test is stopped. There
should be distinct failure planes after exceeding the peak strength. If the
meter doesn’t move backward and total strain of the sample reaches 20%,
plastic flow is considered to have been destroyed. The stress at this time is
taken as the unconfined compression strength.
6. Remove the sample from the machine and take it to the moist room.

.
7. Take and record final dimensions of the sample.

B2. Remolded Sample

1. After testing the undisturbed sample, wrap in wax paper or any absorptive
material.

2. Break up the sample and knead thoroughly, then place it in the remolding
drum (or cylindrical mold) in successive layers. Each layer should be
sufficiently tamped in order to obtain a uniform density in the entire sample.
3. Remove the sample and start the test immediately.

4. Determine the water content of the entire sample.

DATA AND RESULTS:

Diameter of the soil sample = 4.2 cm

Height of the soil sample = 8 cm

Maximum Load, P = 126.3 N

Deformation due to load = 0.9 mm

Diameter of the remolded sample = 14.78 cm

Mass = 1221.4g

Table 1: Moisture Content Determination

Mass of can + Mass of can + lid + Mass of can + lid + dry


Can No.
lid (g) moist soil (g) soil (g)

11 15.6 45.7 39.5

Moisture Content, ω

𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟
𝜔= × 100
𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑑

45.7 − 39.5
= × 100
39.5 − 15.6

𝜔 = 25.94%

Axial Strain of the Soil Sample, ε

∆𝐻
𝜀=
𝐻
0.9 𝑚𝑚
=
10 𝑚𝑚
8 𝑐𝑚 ( 1 𝑐𝑚 )

𝜀 = 0.01125

Initial Sample Area, Ao

𝐷 = 4.2 𝑐𝑚 = 0.042 𝑚

𝜋 2
𝐴𝑜 = 𝐷
4

𝜋
= (0.042)2
4

𝐴𝑜 = 0.001385 𝑚2

Sample Area at Failure, A

𝐴𝑜
𝐴=
1−𝜀

0.001385
=
1 − 0.01125

𝐴 = 0.001401 𝑚2

Major Principal Stress at Failure, 𝜎1

𝑃
𝜎1 =
𝐴

126.3 𝑁
=
0.001401 𝑚2

𝜎1 = 90.14 𝑘𝑃𝑎
Unconfined Shear Strength, 𝜏𝑢

Cohesion, 𝐶𝑢

𝜎1 90.14
𝐶𝑢 = = = 45.07 𝑘𝑃𝑎
2 2

Unconfined Compression Strength, 𝑞𝑢

𝑞𝑢 = 2𝐶𝑢

= 2(45.07)

𝑞𝑢 = 90.14 𝑘𝑃𝑎

CONCLUSION:

Therefore, the unconfined compressive strength of the cohesive soil sample is


90.14 kPa.

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