Lab Services: Soil testing

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Test Method Title

Standard Test Method for Unconfined Compressive Strength of Cohesive Soil

Reference Number

ASTM D2166

Material

Soil

Test Property

Strength, stress-strain relationship

Description of Test

The primary purpose of the unconfined compression test is to quickly obtain the approximate compressive strength of soils that possess sufficient cohesion to permit testing in the unconfined state. A specimen with a length to diameter ratio of at least 2:1 (typically 2.87" diameter by 6" high) is compressed at a constant rate of loading while monitoring deformation and load. The peak load is recorded.

Preferred Test Sample Size

Number of Test Specimens

1

Test Specimen Size

2.87 in diameter x 6 in

Keywords

cohesive soil, sensitivity, strain-controlled loading, strength, stress-strain relationships, unconfined compression