1.

0 OBJECTIVE
To determine the shear strength of the cohesive soil.

2.0 THEORY
The unconfined compressive strength, qu is defined as the maximum unit axial compressive stress at failure or at 20% strain, whichever occurs first. The unconfined compression test is very popular and used worldwide. It is simple test where atmospheric pressure surrounds the soil sample. The test is also called an unconsolidated-undrained (U or UU) test. The unconfined compression test is a form of triaxial test in which the major principal stress (1) is equal to the applied axial stress and the minor principal stresses (3) is equal to zero. At failure, the relationship between the two principal stresses is given by:

Where,

As 3 = 0 for an unconfined compression test,

For clayed soil, = 0 1 = 2c

The vertical stress s1 at failure is known as the unconfined compressive strength ( Hence, = 2c

is obtained by dividing the normal load at failure by the corrected area as given by:

Where,

The axial load may be applied to the specimen either by the controlled strain procedure, in which the stress is applied to produce a pre-determined rate of strain, or by the controlled stress procedure, in which the stress is applied in pre-determined increments of load. IS: 2720 (Part 10) -1973 recommend use of controlled strain test.

3.0 TEST EQUIPMENTS

1. Compression device of any suitable type (loading frame of capacity 2t, with constant rate of movement). 2. Sample extractor 3. Split mould 3.5 cm diameter and 7 cm long. 4. Frictionless end plates of 7.5 cm diameter (Perspex plate with silicon grease coating) 5. Oven 6. Balance Sensitive to weigh 0.01 g. 7. Containers for moisture content determination. 8. Proving ring of 0.01 kg sensitivity for soft soils and 0.05 kg for stiff soils. 9. Dial gauge (sensitivity 0.01 mm) 10. Vernier calipers 11. Soil sample = Wet clayed soil

4.0 PREPARATION OF SAMPLE

1. The split mould is oiled lightly from inside. 2. Remoulded soil sample is prepared by compacting the soil at desired water content and dry density in the split mould. 3. Split mould is opened carefully and sample is taken out. 4. Place this soil sample in an air-tight container for 24 hrs. 5. Minimum three soil samples should be prepared for test.

5.0 PROCEDURES
1. soil specimen must be measured initial length and diameter. 2 specimen is placed on the load frame plate. (sandwiched between the end plates) 3 a hardened steel ball is placed on the bearing plate. Specimen centreline is adjusted so that the proving ring and steel balls are in the same line 4. Fix dial gauge to measure vertical compression of the specimen. 5 the gear on the load frame is adjusted to fit the vertical displacement 6. the reading of proving ring and dial gauge is set to zero 7.the load is apply and the reading of the proving ring dial and strain for every 5mm is recorded. 8. Continue loading till failure occurs or 20% vertical deformation is reached. 9. Sketch the failure pattern; measure the angle between the cracks and the horizontal if possible.