Experiment No.

7
UNCONFINED COMPRESSION TEST

1. Objective(s):
The activity aims to introduce to the student a method of determining the shear strength of cohesive soils using
unconfined compression test.
2. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):
The students shall be able to:
 Determine the shear strength of cohesive soil.
 Describe the main feature of unconfined compression test.

3. Discussion:
The unconfined compression test is the simplest of the shear test performed on soils. It is similar to the
compression test on wood, steel, concrete and other materials. It consists of applying a gradually increasing
vertical pressure to a carefully prepared cylindrical or prismatic soil specimen and making simultaneous
measurements of the vertical strain to failure.

It is used primarily to determine the shear strength of cohesive soils, which is equal to about one-half of the
unconfined compression testing devices, the “controlled-stress” device and “controlled-strain” device. The
controlled-stress device is one in which the sample is loaded in increments. The usual procedure for loading the
sample is to “load on the minute and read on the half minute”. The test is run with a stopwatch or second timer and
increments of load are applied on the even minutes and the readings of the vertical strain are taken on the half
minutes.

The controlled strain type of testing device applies a strain on sample at a controlled rate. The usual
procedure form testing is to apply the strain to the sample at a uniform rate and to read the load at increments of the
vertical dial movement. For example, the load might be read at every 10 divisions of vertical dial movement. This
test method covers the determination of the unconfined compression strength of soil in the undisturbed, remolded or
compacted condition, using the “ controlled-strain” application of the axial load.

Undisturbed samples are used for strength determination, sometimes, these are remolded and similarity
tested to get the lost strength or what is known as “Sensitivity”. Sensitivity is defined as the ratio of the undisturbed
compressive strength to the corresponding remolded strength of cohesive soils.

4. Resources:

1. Unconfined compression machine.

2. Sample molder and tamper
3. Extensometer Assembly.
4. Protractor and caliper
5. Wax Paper.
6. Oven with temperature control
7. drying cans
8. balances
9. pans.

5. Procedure:
A. SIZE OF SAMPLE
Min. diameter – 30 mm (1.3 inches) to max. diameter 72 mm (2.8 inches)
 Min. height to diameter ration shall be 2 to 2.5

B. SAMPLE PREPARATION:

B.1. Undisturbed Sample:

1. Prepare sample in accordance with Experiment no. 4

2. Trim and cut to the desired size as specified in A.

B.2. Remolded Sample:

1. After testing the undisturbed sample, wrap in wax paper or any non-absorptive material. Break up the sample
and knead thoroughly with the fingers until it is uniform.
Note: Avoid entrapping air in the specimen and preserve the natural water content of the soil
2. Place sample in the 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 form mold with an extruder and square both ends and determine the mass and dimensions
of the test specimen.
4. Start the test immediately.

C. TESTING OF SAMPLE: (Remolded or Undisturbed)

1. Place the specimen in the loading device so that it is centered on the bottom platen. Adjust the loading device
carefully so that the upper platen just makes contact with the specimen. Zero the deformation indicator (dial).
2. Apply the load so as to produce an axial strain at a rate of ½ to 2% per minute.
3. Record load, deformation and time values at sufficient interval (usually at every 30 seconds) to define the
shape of the stress-strain curve (usually 10 to 15 points are sufficient).
Note: The rate of strain should be chosen so that the time to failure does not exceed about 15
minutes.

a. For softer materials that will exhibit larger deformation at failure should be tested at a higher rate of
strain.
b. Stiff or brittle materials that will exhibit small deformations at failure should be tested at a lower rate of
strain.

4. Continue loading until the load values decreases with increasing strain, or until 15% strain is reached.
5. Remove specimen from the machine, and take it to the moist room. Make a sketch of the test specimen at
failure showing the slope angle of the failure surface if the angle is measurable, with respect to the horizontal
plane.
6. Determine the water content of the test specimen using the entire specimen.

CALCULATIONS:

1. Axial Strain (unit strain) = L/Lo x 100 + 

Where:
L = length change of specimen as read from deformation indicator, mm
Lo = initial length of test specimen, mm
 = axial strain
2. Corrected Area (A):
At + 2Ab + Am
A = Ao / (1-) ; Ao =
4
Where:
Ao = initial average cross-sectional area of the specimen, mm2
 = Axial strain
At = Area at top of sample
Ab = Area at bottom of sample
Am = Area at middle of sample

3. Axial Compression Stress (c) (Normal stress)


c = P/A
Where:
P = given applied load
A = corresponding ave. cross-sectional area (corrected), mm2
P = A1 = proving ring dial movement
Kpr = proving-ring constant in N/mm (Ib/in)

4. Sensitivity = Peak undisturbed strength

Peak remolded strength

If there is no peak strength, use strength at 15% strain.

5. Shearing Stress = peak undisturbed compressive strength

2
6. Plotting:
Construct a graph showing the relationship between compressive stress (ordinate) and axial
strain (abscissa).

Course: CE 510 Experiment No.: 3

Group No.: Section: CE52FC2
Group Leader: Bryan Vitalicio Date Performed: September 12, 2019
Group Members: Date Submitted: September 26, 2019
1. Ines Kayzell Instructor: Engr. Rhonnie Estores
2. Andrade Ruzzel
3. Abion Mervin 6. Piguerra Carmela Ayessa
4. Archivido Jay 7. Cruz, Joani
5. Elido Ruel 9. Decano Jerus
6. Data and Results:

Description of Sample: Undisturbed Soil

Sample at:__________________________________________________________________
Diameter of Sample mm (inch) 51 cm
Initial Area, (Ao) mm2: 2042.82 𝑚𝑚2
Initial Height, (Lo) mm: 102 mm
Water Content, (w) %: 8%

Unit Strain = L/Lo x 100 +  = 5.757 % A = Ao / (1-) = 67.82 𝑚𝑚2

Elapsed Load dial Axial Load Strain dial Total Unit Strain Corrected Stress
time (sec.) Strain Area
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 1.780 0.031 2.354 3.556 19.18 67.82 0.026
10 2.003 0.035 2.532 3.556 20.70 67.82 0.030
15 2.225 0.039 2.854 3.556 21.02 67.82 0.033
20 2.314 0.040 3.012 3.556 21.18 67.82 0.0341
25 2.403 0.042 3.152 3.556 21.35 67.82 0.035
30 2.492 0.044 3.217 3.556 21.38 67.82 0.036
35 2.581 0.045 3.262 3.556 21.42 67.82 0.038
40 2.670 0.047 3.290 3.556 21.44 67.82 0.039

7. Computation:

1. Axial Strain (unit strain) = L/Lo x 100 + 

Axial Strain (unit strain) = L/Lo x 100 + 

3.290
Axial Strain (unit strain) = 102 𝑥 100 + 15.69
Axial Strain = 21.44 %

2. Area:

Ao = At + 2Ab + Am
4
51+2𝑥57+64
Ao = 4
Ao = 57.25 𝒎𝒎𝟐

A = Ao / (1-)
57.25 𝑚𝑚2
A=
(1−15.69)
 A = 67.82 𝒎𝒎𝟐

3. Axial Compressive Stress

a. f.
 = P/A  = P/A

1.780 2.492
= =
67.82 𝑚𝑚2 67.82 𝑚𝑚2

 = 0.026  = 0.036

b. g.
 = P/A  = P/A

2.003 2.581
 = 67.82 𝑚𝑚2  = 67.82 𝑚𝑚2

 = 0.030  = 0.038

c. h.
 = P/A  = P/A

2.225 2.670
 = 67.82 𝑚𝑚2  = 67.82 𝑚𝑚2

 = 0.033  = 0.039

d.
 = P/A

2.314
 = 67.82 𝑚𝑚2

 = 0.0341

e.
 = P/A

2.403
=
67.82 𝑚𝑚2

 = 0.035
8. Pictures
9. Conclusion:

The activity able to us, student to learn and understand the method of determining the shear strength of cohesive
soils using unconfined compression test. And we able, to determine the strength of cohesive soil and to describe the
main feature of unconfined compression test.

Based on the table above, it shows that as the time elapse increases, the compressive stress also increases;
wherein the load applied to the soil specimen also increases until it reach its shear failure and change its length that
could cause strain shown in the displacement dial. From the initial measurements of the diameter from top, middle
and bottom, such as 51 cm, it becomes 51 cm, 57 cm, 64 cm, respectively, where the soil specimen failed at the
bottom part.

Compressive Stress and Strain Relationship

0.045
0.04
0.035
compressive stress

0.03
0.025
0.02
0.015
0.01
0.005
0
19.1 21.0 21.1 21.3 21.3 21.4 21.4 21.4
0 20.7 22
8 2 8 5 8 2 4 5
Compresive Stress and
0 0.026 0.03 0.0330.03410.035 0.036 0.038 0.039 0.035 0.03
Strain Relationship

Based on the graph , since there is no definite peak value occurs, 15% of strain is considered as the Unconfined
Compressive Strength

10. Assessment (Rubric for Laboratory Performance):

Performance Beginner Acceptable Proficient

Score
indicator 1 2 3
Identify the Designs an experiment Designs an experiment
Fails to design an
procedures involved satisfying the minimum exceeding the
experiment following
in designing the requirements of the requirements of the
procedures
experiment procedures procedures
Develop a protocol Fails to develop a Develops a protocol to Develops a protocol to
 to conduct an protocol to conduct an conduct an experiment conduct an experiment
experiment experiment satisfying the minimum exceeding the
requirements minimum requirements
Total Score
Mean score=(Total Score/2)
Percentage Score= (Total Score/6) x 100%

11. References
Budhu, M. (2008). Foundations and Earth Retaining Structures. New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons

American Society for Testing and Materials (2000). Unconfined Compressive Strength of Cohesive Soil (D-2166).
Pennsylvania: ASTM International