1.

Significance and Use

Data from these tests may be used for structural design pur
poses. Adequate safety factors, based on engineering judgme
nt must be determined by the user.

Note 2—Sampling procedures for in-situ specimens have a maj

or influence on test results. Specimens carefully trimmed i
n the laboratory from large block samples taken in the fiel
d have the least chance of fracturing prior to testing. Sam
ple preparation methods of laboratory-fabricated specimens
also have a major influence on test results. Specimens shou
ld be fabricated in accordance with Test Method D 4320.

Note 3—The quality of the result produced by this test meth

od is dependent on the competence of the personnel performi
ng it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities
used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D 3740 ar
e generally considered capable of competent and objective t
esting/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this test method a
re cautioned that compliance with Practice D 3740 does not
in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend
on many factors; Practice D 3740 provides a means of evalua
ting some of those factors.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of long-term

strength and deformation of a cylindrical specimen of eithe
r a (undisturbed) field sample or laboratory-fabricated che
mical grouted soil when it is sheared undrained in compress
ion under a constant sustained load.

Note 1—The voids of chemical grouted soils are most often s

ubstantially filled with grout. Thus, pore pressures are un
likely to develop. This test method is not applicable to pa
rtially grouted soils in which substantial pore pressures m
ay develop. If pore pressures must be measured, reference i
s made to Test Method D 4767 for equipment and procedures.

1.2 This test method provides data useful in determining st

rength and deformation properties of chemical grouted soils
subjected to sustained loads. Mohr strength envelopes may a
lso be determined.
1.3 The determination of strength envelopes and the develop
ment of relationships to aid in interpreting and evaluating
test results are left to the engineer or office requesting
the test.

1.4 The values stated in either SI or inch-pound units shal

l be regarded separately as standard. The values in each sy
stem may not be exact equivalents, therefore, each system m
ust be used independently of the other, without combining v
alues in any way.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the sa

fety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the r
esponsibility of the user of this standard to establish app
ropriate safety and health practices and determine the appl
icability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6 This test method offers a set of instructions for perfo

rming one or more specific operations. This document cannot
replace education or experience and should be used in conju
nction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this
practice may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM
standard is not intended to represent or replace the standa
rd of care by which the adequacy of a given professional se
rvice must be judged, nor should this document be applied w
ithout consideration of a project's many unique aspects. Th
e word “Standard” in the title of this document means only
that the document has been approved through the ASTM consen
sus process.

2. Triaxial Test

The following is a basic outline of the triaxial test proce

dure:

The specimen is a cylindrical sample normally 100 mm (4 i

n.) in diameter by 200 mm (8 in.) high (Figure 1a). The sa
mple is generally compacted in the laboratory; however, und
isturbed samples are best if available (which is rare).
The specimen is enclosed vertically by a thin "rubber" memb
rane and on both ends by rigid surfaces (platens) as sketch
ed in Figure 1b.
The sample is placed in a pressure chamber and a confining
pressure is applied (s3) as sketched in Figure 1c.
The deviator stress is the axial stress applied by the test
ing apparatus (s1) minus the confining stress (s3). In othe
r words, the deviator stress is the repeated stress applied
to the sample. These stresses are further illustrated in F
igure 2a.
The resulting strains are calculated over a gauge length, w
hich is designated by "L" (refer to Figure 2b).
Basically, the initial condition of the sample is unloaded
(no induced stress). When the deviator stress is applied, t
he sample deforms, changing in length as shown in Figure 2
c. This change in sample length is directly proportional t
o the stiffness.

3. Triaxial Test

The objective
For the construction industry it is important to identify t
he soil characteristics of a site to determine its ability
to support a structure as well as its possible impact on a
construction project. A Triaxial Test conducted by an indep
endent third party helps decision-makers to identify the pr
operties of the soil and its shear strength.
The Solution

A Triaxial Test is the most commonly used laboratory test i

n geotechnical engineering to measure the mechanical proper
ties of solids, especially soil, sand, clay and other granu
lar materials or powders.

The Triaxial Test is designed to measure how much shear str

ess a solid can support.

From the Triaxial Test data, we extract material parameters

about the sample, including its angle of shearing resistanc
e, apparent cohesion and dilatancy angle. These characteris
tics are then used along with other tests to make engineeri
ng predictions.

With this method we can test samples with a diameter betwee

n 40mm and 100mm.

Triaxial tests are very reliable because we can measure bot

h drained and undrained shear strength.

Why SGS?

For more than two decades SGS Industrial Services has been
offering a full range of Materials Testing to suit the requ
irements of local, national and international civil enginee
ring contractors and consultants as well as manufacturers a
nd government agencies.

We conduct over 200 tests with various methods which meet A

ustralian standards as well as state main roads authority s
tandards.

The skill and capacity of our staff makes SGS’ Materials Te

sting division the largest independent laboratory in Austra
lia. Our independence guarantees the data you receive are a
lways accurate and objective.

Our Triaxial Testing Services

With our Triaxial Testing equipment we are able to measure:

Unconsolidated undrained strength

Consolidated undrained strength
Consolidated drained strength
Unconfined compressive strength
Unconfined compressive strength with modulus and triaxial c
ell constant head permeability
SGS offers more than just test results. A key to our servic
e is the technical support and consultancy provided by our
experienced and highly qualified experts.

Send us your inquiry on Triaxial Testing