Introduction

The traditional methods of conducting laboratory activities will not be able to provide the
avenue for students to enhance independent learning activities and inculcate creativity and
innovation. Level 0 is fully prescriptive where problem, ways & means and answers are
provided to the students. However it is still necessary especially to first and second year
students.
In these laboratory activities, student should be able to determine the shear strength
parameters of soil. Shear strength is the maximum resistance on any external stresses which
the soil affords to sustain before failure. It is the internal resistance per unit area that the soil
mass can offer to resist failure and sliding along any plane inside it.

Objectives
To determine the shear strength parameters of soil using triaxial apparatus.

Theoretical Background
The shear strength f of soil is its maximum resistance to shearing stresses and represented by
coulombs equation of:
f = c + tan
where = total normal stress on the failure plane c = cohesion
friction

= angle of internal

In a triaxial compression test, a specimen of soil is subjected to three principal compressive

stresses at right angle to eagle other. The specimen is failed by changing one of the stresses.
The specimen used in triaxial test in cylindrical in shape and confining pressure is applied by
a liquid under pressure, which creates a condition where the intermediate and minor principal
stress ( and ) become equal to the confining pressure. In order to fail the specimen, the
major principle stress is applied axially on top of the specimen. The relationships between
principle stresses at failure are obtained by using Mohr circle concept. In terms of total stress:
= tan + 2 cu tan
where u = 45 + u/2
When the stresses in a soil mass are in accordance with the above equations, the soil mass is
considered in a state of plastic equilibrium. The difference between major and minor
principal stresses ( - ) in a triaxial test is called deviator stress d. Deviator stress ( ) at failure is the compressive strength of the specimen. For calculation of stress at any
state of test, it is assumed that any changes in length and volume of specimen results in a
uniform change in area over the entire length of the specimen. Average cross sectional area A
at a particular strain is given by:
A = Ao/1 e
Where Ao = initial average area of cross-section of the specimen

e = axial strain = L/Lo

Axial strain, e = L/Lo

Where L = the change in specimen length (mm)
specimen (mm)
Average cross-sectional area A at particular stain,

Lo = initial length of

A = A = Ao/1-e

Where Ao = initial average area of the specimen

Deviator stress, () = proving ring reading X proving ring constant A

PROBLEM STATEMENT
The shear strength of a soil is the maximum value of shear stress that may be induced within
its mass before the soil yields. In brittle soils, yielding may lead to the formation of shear slip
surface, over which sliding movement take place. Shear strength parameters is important for
civil engineers to analyze soil stability problems such as slope stability, bearing capacity and
lateral earth pressure.
Test Procedure:
1. Prepare the cylinder specimens, undisturbed, compacted, compacted or re- moulded as per
requirement, at predetermined water content (for cohesive soil).
2. Measure the dimensions of the specimen.
3. Record the weight of the specimen.
4. Keep the representative sample for water content determination i.e. record the weight of
wet sample. Keep it into the oven and take weight after 24 hours when it becomes dry.
5. Attached a rubber membrane to the base plate using rubber rings. Place a porous stone on
the base plate.
6. Place a split mould around the rubber membrane and fold the top portion of it over the
mould.
7. Carefully transfer the specimen in step (1) into the membrane in split mould.
8. Take predetermined or mass of sand to obtain required density. Carefully transfer the sand
to the membrane in two or three layers and tamp each layer with a glass rod to obtain the
required uniform density of specimen.
9. Put the porous stone on the top of the sample.
10. Put top plate on the porous stone.
11. Roll the membrane on to the top plate and seal it with rubber rings
12. Remove the split mould and check for holes or leaks.

13. Measure the average height and diameter to check density, if sample is prepared as per
step (8). 14. Put cell on triaxial cell base and tighten the cell screws.
15. Make the load ram in contact with the top plate.
16. Close the drainage valve.
17. Fill the water into the cell.
18. Apply predetermined cell pressure (confining pressure).
19. Position the deformation dial gauge.
20. Adjust the deformation and proving ring dial gauges to zero.
21. Select suitable strain rate (0.5% to 2% per minute).
22. Set the position of valve according to the condition of test.
23. Run the machine to apply the axial force.
24. Record the force and deformation readings at suitable intervals.
25. Continue the test (loading) until the proving ring dial gauge starts moving backwards or
20% axial strain is reach.
26. Stop the loading process, release the load and drain off the water from the cell.
27. Unscrew the cell screws and carefully remove the cell from its position.
28. Carefully remove the membrane and sketch the failure pattern.
29. Weight the specimen and record.
30. Keep representative sample for water content determination from the failure zone of the
specimen.
31. Repeat the test for at least three identical specimens under increased cell pressure.
32. Calculate and tabulate data in the table as in appendix.
33. Plot the deviator stress versus deformation graph for each sample.
34. Plot shear stress versus normal stress graph and measure the cohesion, c and angle of
internal friction, .

Discussion
For this experiment, we want find the shear parameter by using consolidated undrained (CU)
triaxial test. We use three sample specimen that different minor stress. We measure the
dimensions for the three sample. Then we take the weight for specimen. To find deformation
in mm we use formula:
Deformation (mm): dial div*0.001*10
To get proving ring in mm we use formula:
Proving ring(kN): div*0.0079
The to get the strain for the specimen using formula:
Strain: proving ring/140
Next to get the corrected area is using formula:
Corrected area, mm2: 3848.45*/(1-strain)
Lastly to get deviator stress using formula :
Deviator stress(kN/m2): proving ring/corrected area*1000*1000
After get the value we tabulate data and plot graph
From the graph we get value of cohesion of total stress parameter and effective parameter is
0. The angle of friction for graph total stress parameter is 34 and for effective stress
parameter graph is 44.
The possible error in this experiment is the systematic error. The systematic error is the
computer have problem and cannot get accurate reading. Next is the human error. The human
error is when setting the specimen. Then when we setting the apparatus.