Unconfined Compression Test

Object
To determine the undrained shear strength parameter i.e. cohesion of soil.
Scope
The Unconfined compression test is perhaps the simplest, easiest and least
expensive test for investigating the shear strength of cohesive soil. A cohesive
soil gets most of its shear strength from its cohesion. Hence, for most cohesive
soils, the cohesion may be estimated from the result of unconfined
compression test.
Apparatus
Unconfined compression testing machine, sample ejector, trimming device
and balance.
Procedure
The procedure for the test is as follows:-
a. prepare 1.5in dia, 3in long or 2in dia, 4in long sample by jacking a thin
walled lubricated tube into the undisturbed or compacted soil sample.
Eject the sample from the mould by means of sample ejector and trim it.

b. Place the sample between the loading platens of testing machine.

Adjust the deformation and proving ring dial gauges to zero.

c. Start the test by loading the specimen at a constant rate of strain, and
record load and deformation readings simultaneously every 30 seconds
or at every 25 deformation reading until the load decreased by at least
two readings or remain constant by two readings beyond 20% strain.

d. Repeat the test for one or more specimen.

Observation and Data Collection

The observations to be taken during the test are shown on the data sheet.
Some of the initial readings to be taken before the start for the test are as fol:
DATA SHEET
Dia of sample --------------Cm
Length of sample (Lo) ---------------mm
Initial area of specimen Ao -----------------
Def. Dial Axial Strain, X- sec Area, Proving ring Applied Axial Unit Axial
reading  Ao dial reading Load Load(Stress)
(mm) (mm/mm) (cm2) (DR) (kg) (kg/cm2)

1 2=1/Lo 3= Ao/1- 4 5=4xPRC 6=5/3

Proving ring calibrating factor, PRC ---------------

 Shear stress (kg/cm2)

Strain %

Computations and Interpretation of Results

Perform the necessary calculations to complete the Data Sheet and plot the
fol:
Plot applied unit axial load against axial strain on graph. The peak value of unit
axial load represent failure. From this graph the value of the unconfined
compressive strength, “qu” may be taken as either maximum load per unit
area or unit load per unit area at 20 % strain which ever occur first. The
cohesion “C” is half of the unconfined compressive strength.

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