Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

CIVL 3720 Soil Mechanics Lab 3 - Consolidated Drained/Undrained Triaxial Compression

Test (CD and CU test)

Experiment date

: 20th March, 2013

Report submission date : 10th April, 2013

Group Members Name CHAN, Yik Hin CHAU, Lai Bun CHAU, Man Kit CHONG, Sing Pui CHONG, Wai Ho CHOW, Jun Kang FUNG, Hoi Tai

SID 20035984 20029284 20031134 20031225 20029375 20020628 20030489

Contribution (%)

Signature

Introduction A widely used apparatus to determine the shear strength parameters and the stress-strain behavior of soils is the triaxial apparatus. The name is a misnomer since two, not three, stresses can be controlled. In the triaxial test, a cylindrical sample of soil, usually with a length to diameter ratio of 2, is subjected to either controlled increases in axial stresses or axial displacements and radial stresses. The sample size is kept in this ratio so that the stress is uniformly distributed or no buckling occurs. The axial stresses are applied by loading a plunger. If the axial stress is greater than the radial stress, the soil is compressed vertically and the test is called triaxial compression. For another case, if radial stress is greater than axial stress, the soil is compressed laterally and the test is called triaxial extension. In this experiment, 2 tests are performed- consolidated drained (CD) compression test and consolidated undrained (CU) compression test. The below table summarizes the features of these two tests. CD Test Purpose CU Test

Determine cs, p and c. Determine su, cs and p Effective elastic moduli for drained condition E and Es can be obtained too. 1st stage: Isotropic consolidation phase - Consolidating soil sample until excess pore water pressure dissipates. 2nd stage: Shearing phase - Pressure in the cell is kept constant and additional axial loads or displacmentes are added very slowly until the soil. sample fails. 1st stage: Isotropic consolidation phase - Consolidating soil sample until excess pore water pressure dissipates. 2nd stage: Shearing phase - Axial load is increased under undrained condition and the excess pore water pressure is measured.

Loading stages

Objective To determine the stress-strain-strength behavior of a dry medium-fine sand by consolidated drained/undrained triaxial compression test (CD and CU tests)

Equipment 1 Triaxial device (WF machine) 2 Pressure gauge 3 Dial gauge 4 Device for measuring volume changes 5 PC installed with data acquisition system Procedures Sample preparation and setup: Sand samples would be prepared and set up in the triaxial apparatus by lab technicians. The dimension of the specimen and detailed explanation of the experimental setup would be given by TAs. Degree of saturation Checkingby B-value (Skempton pore pressure parameters): B-value could be used as an indicator to check the degree of saturation of the specimen. Procedures below should be followed: 1 Valve of back pressure source was closed. 2 Valve of cell pressure source was opened. 3 Cell pressure was adjusted slowly to a certain increment, for example 50kPA. 4 The corresponding excessive pore pressure,u, was recorded. 5 The B value was calculated by the definition: B =u / 3 6 Step 7 was processed for a B-value larger than or equal to 0.95. For B-value smaller than 0.95, an increment of back pressure was applied to improve the degree of saturation. Cell pressure to the same increment as back pressure was adjusted and the effective confinement was kept unchanged. The back pressure valve was opened until equilibrium was reached. Steps (1) to step (6) was then repeated. 7. The pressure increment was released to check the B-value. Consolidation 1. Cell pressure valve was opened and the pressure was adjusted to the designed value (effective confinement). 2. The valve connecting to the device of measuring volume changes was opened. The sample was allowed to be consolidated about 5 minutes and the water would flow out from the sample to the device. 3. The volume change during consolidation, which was inferred from the amount of water flowing out, was recorded

Drained/Undrained Shear Test 1. The loading ram (plunger) was brought in contact with the loading cap on the top of the sample. 2. The LVDT was connected to measure the axial displacement during shearing. 3. The rate of vertical displacement was set to 0.5mm/min. 4. For a drained test, the drainage valve had to be opened to ensure a drained condition. Similarly, the closing of the drainage valve would create an undrained condition. 5. The shearing of sample was started (vertical loading). 6. The test was stopped until axial strain reaches 15%. Remarks Group (confinement) *However, data processing and discussion would be done with last years results (effective consolidation pressure was 100 kPa, 200 kPa, 300 kPa and 400 kPa) due to time constraint. 1 2 100 kPa 3 200 kPa 4 300 kPa Effective consolidation pressure 50 kPa

Data Processing and Discussion For the drained and undrained test performed during your lab session, plot 1. '1 and 3 vs e (void ratio) 2. q vs p and p 3. q vs 1 (%) 4. v (%) vs 1 (%) for drained test and u vs 1 (%) for undrained test 5. Identify peak and/or ultimate shear strength from your own tests. For the all tests (including results from other groups) 6. In a p-q space, plot all the peak (for drained test only) and ultimate strength points. Calculate the shear strength parameters of the soil. 7. Discussion In compression test, we will denote the radial stress r as 3 and the axial stress z as 1. Besides, we will denote compression stress as positive. For volumetric strain, positive value indicates compression, negative sign indicates expansion in order to be consistent with analysis in the text book. (This is opposite with data have been recorded in the machine) Axial total stress: Deviatoric stress: Axial strain: Radial strain: 1 = Pz/A + 3 1 3 = Pz/A = q 1 = z/H0 3 = 2 = r/r0

Volumetric strain: p = V/V0 = 1 + 2 + 3= 1 + 23 Deviatoric strain: q= (2/3)*( 1 3) Where Pz = the load on the plunger A = cross-sectional area r0 = initial radius of the sample r = change in radius V0 = initial volume V = change in volume H0 = initial height z = change in height Correction of cross-sectional area A The area of the samples change during loading at any given instance is 0 0 (1 0 ) 0 (1 ) = = = = 0 (1 ) 1 1 0 0 To get void ratio, e, we have to do some derivation

 = =

= (1 ) 1 + 1 + 0 0 (1 ) = 1

Gs = specific gravity of sample (assume as 2.70) w = density of water md = dry weight of the sample In order to draw the stress path (we only consider the stage 2 shear phase in report), we have to find the value of p, p and q. In triaxial test, we assume axisymmetric condition, therefore 2 = 3, 2 = 3. Therefore = = = 1 2 1 + 2 + 3 1 + 23 = 3 3

Where

1 + 2 + 3 1 + 23 = 3 3 1 2 [2(1 3 )2 ]1/2

[(1 2 )2 + (2 3 )2 + (3 1 )2 ]1/2 = = 1 3

In order to determine shear strength parameters of soils, a critical state model (CSM) is used to interpret it. In this model, we transform Mohr-coulomb failure envelope from - space into p-q space. Derivation is made under the axisymmetric condition. (z = 1, r = = 3) For axisymmetric condition, we will keep 3 as constant and increases 1. Then we are able to derive a relationship between friction angle and Mc.
) (1 3 = = 1 + 23 ( 1 ( ) + 2) 3 3 1 1 + sin ( ) = 3 1 sin

3( 1 1) 3

Then, we are able to get the following equation: = 6 sin , 3 sin sin = 3 6 +

Similarly for axisymmetric extension, we are able to get the relationship between friction angle and Me. Everything remains constant except decreasing 3. Below are the derivations obtained:

6 sin , 3 + sin

sin =

3 6

Consolidated Drained Test (CD Test) The graphs below show the results obtained.

Graph of '3 vs e
407 406 405 '3 (kPa) 404 403 402 401 400 0.72 0.73 0.74 0.75 Void ratio, e 0.76 0.77 0.78

Graph of '1 vs e
1800 1600 1400 1200 '1 (kPa) 1000 800 600 400 200 0 0.72 0.73 0.74 0.75 Void ratio, e 0.76 0.77 0.78

Graph of q vs p and p'

1400 1200 1000 800 q (kPa) 600 400 200 0 -200 0 200 400 600 p,p' (kPa) 800 1000 1200 q vs p (TSP) q vs p' (ESP)

Graph of q vs 1(%)
1400 1200 1000 800 q (kPa) 600 400 200 0 -200 0 5 10 1 (%) 15 20

Graph of v(%) vs 1(%)

1 0.5 0 0 v (%) -0.5 -1 -1.5 -2 5 10 15 20

1 (%)

From the graph of v vs 1, we could suggest that the soil sample is dense soil as dilation occurs. Although the peak in the graph of q vs 1 is not obvious, we could estimate that peak qeviatoric stress is around 1242.70 kPa. Therefore, peak shear strength, peak is 0.5qpeak = 571.25 kPa. We assume the last value in graph of q vs 1 is ultimate value although it has not reached a constant value yet. Therefore, ultimate shear strength, ultimate is 0.5 qultimate = 1181.8/2 = 590.90 kPa.

Graph of p' vs q (CD Test)

1400 1200 1000 q (kPa) 800 600 400 200 0 0 200 400 600 p' (kPa) 800 1000 y = 1.478x q - p' (peak) q - p' (ultimate) y = 1.6042x

By using critical state model, we are to estimate the friction angle for peak shear strength and ultimate shear strength.
1 ( = sin

3 1.642 ) = 40.1 6 + 1.642

3 1.478 1 ( ) = 36.4 = sin 6 + 1.478 Since the soil sample used is dry medium-fine sand, we can assume the cohesion, c=0. Discussion Based on the graph of q vs p, p, we could observe that the test was carried out under a back pressure of approximately 200 kPa as there is a constant gap of value about 200 kPa between effective stress path (ESP) and total stress path (TSP). From the data collected. Besides, the gradient of ESP and TSP are 2.96 and 3.00 respectively, which are consistent with theoretical value, which is 3. This is consistent with the setup of experiment, whereby drainage is allowed and excess pore water pressure is allowed to dissipate gradually and the specimen to consolidate. Next, based on graph of q vs 1, we could suggest that the soil sample is dense sand although the peak of the graph is not obvious. However, we are able to further suggest that the soil sample is dense sand based on the graph of v vs 1. From this graph, we can observe that the soil sample compress initially and then dilate, which is phenomena of dense sand for CD Test. Furthermore, soil friction angle determined by the laboratory tests is influenced by 2 major factors. The energy applied to a soil by the external load is used both to overcome the frictional resistance between the soil particles and also to expand the soil against the confining pressure. The soil grains are highly irregular in shape and must be lifted over one another for sliding to occur. This behavior is called dilatency. This soil friction angle is corresponding to peak. Therefore, peak = cs + , where is dilation angle. In this test, = 40.1 - 36.4 = 3.7.

Consolidated Undrained Test (CU Test) The graphs below show the results obtained.

Graph of '3 vs e
700 600 500 '3 (kPa) 400 300 200 100 0 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 Void ratio, e

Graph of '1 vs e
2500 2000 '1 (kPa) 1500 1000 500 0 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 Void ratio, e

Graph of q vs p and p'

1800 1600 1400 1200 q (kPa) 1000 800 600 400 200 0 -200 0 200 400 600 800 p,p' (kPa) 1000 1200 1400 q vs p (TSP) Series2

Graph of q vs 1 (%)
1800 1600 1400 1200 q (kPa) 1000 800 600 400 200 0 -200 0 5 10 1 (%) 15 20

Graph of u vs 1 (%)
450 400 350 300 u (kPa) 250 200 150 100 50 0 -50 0 5 10 1 (%) 15 20

From the graph of u vs 1, we observe that the graph intersects x-axis from positive value to negative value. Therefore, we could suggest that the soil sample is heavily consolidated clay. Due to high consolidation pressure (high normal effective pressure), we could observe that the graph of q vs 1 almost becomes relatively flat when 1 increases. Therefore, we could ignore the peak ultimate shear strength. We assume the last value in graph of q vs 1 is ultimate value although it has not reached a constant value yet. Therefore, ultimate shear strength, ultimate is 0.5 qultimate = 1593.2/2 = 796.60 kPa.

Graph of q vs p' (CU Test)

1800 1600 1400 1200 q (kPa) 1000 800 600 400 200 0 0 200 400 600 p' (kPa) 800 1000 1200 1400 y = 1.438x

Similar as CD Test, we could estimate the value of friction angle of critical state. 3 1.438 1 ( ) = 35.5 = sin 6 + 1.438 Since the soil sample used is dry medium-fine sand, we can assume the cohesion, c=0. Discussion Based on the graph of q vs p, p, we could observe that the test was carried out under a back pressure of approximately 200 kPa as there is a constant gap of value about 200 kPa between effective stress path (ESP) and total stress path (TSP) initially. Based on the graph of 3 vs e and 1 vs e, we could observe that the void ratio does not change with increasing of both 3 and 1. It is because we have fixed the experimental setup in undrained condition, which means that no water is allowed to drain out. Consequently, the soil sample is compressed and shortened in axial direction but expands in the lateral direction to maintain zero volume change during shearing by applying axial loading. Hence, there is no change in volume, indicating void ratio remains constant. Next, based on the graph of u vs 1, we could suggest the sample is overconsolidated soil sample as the graph intersects x-axis and turns into negative value, which means that dilation have occurred. overconsolidated soil behaves similarly as dense soil. The phenomena of experiencing dilation during shear could be explained in the following way. If shear is induced, the soil particles will begin to move relative to one another. For dense soil sample, the soil particles will have to over-ride other particles in order to have relative movement. This contributes to the increase in void ratio and as a result, water or air will flow into the soil sample, void ratio increases. Then, based on the graph of q vs p and p, we could suggest that the sample is lightly consolidated soil based on modified Cam Clay Model. We could see that TSP increases with a ratio of 3 which is same as the theoretical value. For ESP, we could see that its value decreases initially then increases until its value is almost equal to the last value of TSP at the end of experiment. This could be explained in the following way. Since the condition is undrained, any increase in vertical stress will not contribute to effective stress. Therefore, TSP increases with gradient of 3 while ESP remains as a vertical straight line until it touches the yield surface. Once ESP touches the yield surface, soil sample will become elasto-plastic. Then, the ESP moves along the roof of the yield surfaces. The size of yield surface becomes larger and larger

because of a strain-hardening response. After touching the yield surface, ESP is no longer a straight line but bent leftwards due to positive excess pore water pressure generated. This means that p gradually decreases during undrained shearing because soil tends to contract. After touching the CSL line, q tends increase along the CSL line, making the difference between ESP and TSP is getting smaller, indicating the excess pore water pressure is decreasing and eventually turns negative. We could also interpret this phenomena based on graph of u vs 1. Initially, the pore water pressure increases as the shearing stress is increased. But shortly after that the pore water pressure starts to decrease, and then becomes negative 3 (suction), as the shearing stress increases. When the ultimate shear strength is approached, the curve levels out and the pore water pressure reaches its maximum negative value. (However, we could not ensure the end result here shows pore water pressure has reached its maximum negative value as it may take longer time to achieve it). In other words, we say that soil sample initially contract, thus excess pore water pressure increases. When sample starts to dilate, excess pore water pressure in the soil sample will eventually decreases, then effective stress will increase. Compare the cs of CD and CU tests, 36.4 and 35.5 respectively, the values obtained are more or less the same. It is because cs is fundamental property of soil. It is a constant value as long as same soil sample is being tested. The slight difference in value could be due to improper handling of samples when doing triaxial test leading further disturbing of soil samples. Besides, we are able to obtain the value of undrained shear strength, su. Each Mohrs circle of total stress is associated with a particular value of su because each test has a different initial void ratio resulting from different confining pressure. For this CU test, the undrained shear strength obtained is (1-3)f/2 = (1667.1)/2 = 833.55 kPa.

Discussion on sources of error in Triaxial Test i) Drained Tests a) Rate of loading too fast, thus u0. b) Ineffective seals in volume change system. c) Calibration errors in volume change system. d) Load loss in axial load piston due to poor lubrication. e) Insensitivity of measurements at low strains due to high early soil stiffness. ii) Undrained Test a) Disturbance during sampling and preparation. b) Air bubbles trapped between the soil and the rubber membrane or end-caps. c) Rubber membrane is excessively thick or is punctured. d) Poor water seals at ends; air bubbles in porewater line. e) Lateral stress developed across end-caps(these should be greased). f) Soil not saturated, i.e. contains air which is compressible. Conclusion From CD Test, we are able to determine the drained shear strength parameters, peak = 40.1, cs = 36.4 and c = 0. While for CU Test, drained shear strength parameter determined is cs = 35.5 and undrained shear strength parameter determined is su = 833.55 kPa.