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Soils For Civil Engineering Purposes - : Methods of Test For
Soils For Civil Engineering Purposes - : Methods of Test For
1990
Incorporating
Amendment No. 1
Coopted members
Contents
Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword iii
1 Scope 1
1.1 General 1
1.2 Definitions 1
2 Test criteria 2
2.1 General 2
2.2 Test conditions 2
2.3 Requirements of BS 1377-1 2
2.4 Environment and safety 3
3 Apparatus 3
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BS 1377-8:1990
Page
Figure 4 — Membrane correction 17
Table 1 — Factors for calculating cv and time to failure 15
Table 2 — Corrections for vertical side drains 17
Publications referred to Inside back cover
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ii © BSI 01-1999
BS 1377-8:1990
Foreword
This Part of BS 1377 has been prepared under the direction of the Road
Engineering Standards Policy Committee. It is a part revision of clause 5 of
BS 1377:1975 which is deleted by amendment.
BS 1377:1975 which has now been withdrawn is replaced by the following Parts
of BS 1377:1990:
— Part 1: General requirements and sample preparation;
— Part 2: Classification tests;
— Part 3: Chemical and electro-chemical tests;
— Part 4: Compaction-related tests;
— Part 5: Compressibility, permeability and durability tests;
— Part 6: Consolidation and permeability tests in hydraulic cells and with pore
pressure measurement;
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Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i to iv,
pages 1 to 30, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.
iv
blank
BS 1377-8:1990
1 Scope 1.2.7
effective consolidation pressure
1.1 General
the difference between the cell pressure and the
This Part of BS 1377 specifies procedures for the
back pressure against which the pore fluid drains
determination of the effective shear strength
during the consolidation stage, i.e. s3 – ub
parameters for specimens of saturated soil which
have been subjected to isotropic consolidation and 1.2.8
then sheared in compression, under a constant failure
confining pressure, by increasing the axial strain. criteria for the stress condition at failure are as
The tests apply to specimens in the form of right follows:
cylinders of nominal diameters usually from 38 mm a) maximum deviator stress, i.e. maximum
to about 100 mm and of a height approximately principal stress difference, denoted by (s1 – s3)f;
equal to twice the diameter.
b) maximum effective principal stress ratio
Reference is made to BS 1377-1 for general
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(s19 : s39);
requirements that are relevant to all Parts of this
standard, and for methods of preparation of soil and c) when shearing continues at constant pore
specimens for testing. pressure (undrained) or with no change in volume
(drained), in both cases at constant shear stress.
NOTE The titles of the publications referred to in this standard
are listed on the inside back cover. 1.2.9
1.2 Definitions shear strength
For the purposes of this Part of BS 1377 the the shear stress on the failure plane at failure (τf),
terminology and definitions given in BS 1377-1 i.e. the maximum shear resistance
apply, together with the following. 1.2.10
1.2.1 mohr circle of effective stress at failure
deviator stress (s1 – s3) the Mohr circle representing the state of effective
the difference between the major and minor stress at failure, the diameter defined by points
principal stresses, i.e. the principal stress difference representing the major and minor effective principal
in a triaxial test stress at failure
1.2.2 1.2.11
strain (e) (cumulative strain) effective shear strength parameters
the change in dimension, expressed as a ratio or a the slope and intercept of the Mohr-Coulomb
percentage, of the initial reference dimension effective stress envelope drawn to a set of Mohr
circles of effective stress at failure
1.2.3
cell pressure 1.2.12
angle of shear resistance in terms of effective
the pressure of the cell fluid which applies isotropic
stress (f9)
stress to the specimen. In axial compression tests, it
is the total minor principal stress, denoted by s3 the slope of the Mohr-Coulomb effective stress
envelope (See note to 1.2.13.)
1.2.4
pore pressure (u) 1.2.13
cohesion intercept in terms of effective
the pressure of the water in the voids between solid
stress (c9)
particles as measured in the triaxial test
the intercept of the Mohr-Coulomb effective stress
1.2.5
envelope
back pressure (ub)
NOTE The symbols f9and c9 are collectively referred to as the
pressure applied directly to the pore fluid in the effective shear strength parameters.
specimen voids 1.2.14
1.2.6 pore pressure coefficients A and B
effective confining pressure changes in total stresses applied to a specimen when
the difference between the cell pressure and the no drainage is permitted produces changes in the
pore water pressure pore pressure in accordance with the following
equation:
∆u = B[∆s3 + A(∆s1 – ∆s3)]
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BS 1377-8:1990
covered in clause 4.
the stress path parameters (in terms of effective 2.1.2 Type of drainage. Drainage takes place from
stress) can be established from the following one end of the specimen, or from both ends,
equations: depending on the connections to the back pressure
s9 = ½(s19 + s39) system (see 3.3). When it is necessary to reduce the
testing time for specimens of very low permeability,
t9 = ½(s1 – s3)
filter paper side drains (see item h) of 3.2) may be
fitted to the cylindrical surface of the specimen. This
2 Test criteria allows drainage to take place simultaneously from
2.1 General the radial boundary, and from one end or both ends.
2.1.1 Compression test. In this Part of BS 1377, two 2.1.3 Effective consolidation pressure.
methods of carrying out the compression test are Determination of effective strength parameters
given, which are as follows. usually requires tests on a set of similar specimens
a) The consolidated-undrained triaxial consolidated over a range of effective stresses
compression test with measurement of pore related to the vertical effective stress (sv9) on the
pressure. sample of soil in-situ. For a set of three specimens,
effective consolidation pressures of
This test gives the undrained shear strength of a
specimen subjected to a known initial effective ½sv9, sv9, 2sv9
stress, and the pore pressure changes during are often suitable.
shear from which the pore pressure coefficient A NOTE With compacted soils, effective consolidation pressures
can be derived. From a set of tests the effective should be related to the estimated maximum effective stress in
shear strength parameters at failure, c9 and f9, the field (sv9), and multiples of ½, 1 and 2 times sv9 are usually
appropriate.
can be derived.
2.2 Test conditions
b) The consolidated-drained triaxial compression
test with measurement of volume change. The selected test method (see items a) and b)
This test gives the drained shear strength, and of 2.1.1) and the following test conditions shall be
specified before starting a series of tests:
volume change characteristics during shear, of a
specimen from which the pore water is allowed to a) size of test specimens;
drain freely. From a set of tests the drained b) number of specimens to be tested as a set;
effective shear strength parameters at failure, c9 c) type of drainage;
and f9, can be derived.
d) correction to be applied for side drains, if used;
For many soils other than
heavily-overconsolidated clays, the parameters c9 e) method of saturation, or whether saturation
and f9, determined from the two types of test, may be omitted;
can be considered to be identical for most f) effective cell confining pressures;
practical purposes, and are not differentiated in g) criterion for failure, which shall be selected
this standard. from the three criteria defined in 1.2.8.
Both types of test are carried out in three stages: 2.3 Requirements of BS 1377-1
1) saturation (clause 5); The requirements of BS 1377-1, where appropriate,
2) consolidation (clause 6); shall apply to the methods of test described in this
3) compression (clause 7 or 8). Part of BS 1377.
2 © BSI 01-1999
BS 1377-8:1990
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BS 1377-8:1990
5) Specimen top cap of light weight f) O-ring stretcher, in the form of an openable
impermeable corrosion-resistant material, cylindrical ring to allow for the presence of the top
sufficiently rigid that its deformation under drainage lead when placing 0-rings on the base
load is negligible compared with that of the pedestal and top cap.
specimen. The cap shall be perforated by a g) Rigid porous discs, for placing between the
drainage hole which can be connected to the specimen ends and the top cap and base. The
back pressure inlet in the cell base by a length diameter of the discs shall be the same as that of
of flexible tubing of not more than 2.5 mm the specimen, and their surfaces shall be plane
internal diameter. The tubing shall be and smooth. Their permeability shall be
impermeable to water and shall have an substantially greater than that of the soil, and
expansion coefficient due to internal pressure they shall withstand the maximum vertical
not exceeding 0.001 mL/m length for pressure (cell pressure plus applied axial load)
every 1 kPa increase in pressure. The likely to be imposed. (See note 9.) The discs shall
cylindrical surface of the cap shall be smooth be checked before each use to ensure that they are
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and free from scratches. A self-aligning seating not clogged by soil particles. They shall be boiled
shall be provided between the cap and the for at least 10 min in distilled water before use
loading piston. (See note 6.) and kept immersed in de-aired water until
NOTE 6 A central conical recess with a half-angle of 60° required.
to accommodate a steel ball or the hemispherical end of the
piston has been found to be satisfactory. NOTE 9 Discs of porous ceramic, or sintered bronze, have
been found to be satisfactory.
b) On-off valves, which shall be capable of
h) Side drains of Whatman No. 54 filter paper1)
withstanding the maximum working pressure
(where applicable). They shall cover no more
without leakage. They shall produce negligible
than 50 % of the curved surface of the specimen.
volume displacement during operation.
(See note 10.)
(See note 7.)
NOTE 10 Side drains should be used only on specimens of
NOTE 7 Ball valves with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) very low permeability soil in order to reduce the maximum
seals have been found to comply with this requirement. length of drainage path to a distance equal to the specimen
c) Tubular membrane, of high-density latex or radius.
similar impermeable material to enclose the 3.3 Pressure systems and ancillary apparatus
specimen and provide protection against leakage
The pressure systems and ancillary apparatus shall
from the cell fluid. The unstretched internal
be as follows.
diameter shall be not less than 90 % of the
specimen diameter nor greater than the specimen a) Two independent systems, for applying and
diameter. The length shall be 50 mm greater maintaining the desired pressure in the cell and
than the specimen length. The membrane in the specimen drainage line (referred to as the
thickness shall not exceed 1 % of the specimen cell pressure system and back pressure system
diameter. (See note 8.) respectively). They shall be capable of
NOTE 8 Membranes of natural latex rubber are generally
maintaining the pressure constant to
used. For specimens up to 50 mm diameter a thickness within ± 0.5 % of the reading indicated.
of 0.2 mm is suitable. For larger specimens a greater (See note 1.) If air-water systems are used a
thickness is used. Two or more membranes separated by diaphragm of, for example, butyl rubber shall
rubber grease may be fitted where there is danger of
puncturing by angular particles, or for tests of long duration. separate air from water.
An unused leak-free membrane shall be used for NOTE 1 Pressure systems dependent on self-compensating
mercury pots (see the warning given in 5.3.2 of
every test. The membrane shall be soaked in BS 1377-1:1990), air pressure regulators, dead-weight
de-aired water overnight before use. pressure cells and oil pressure regulators have been
successfully used. Their capacity to supply or take in water
d) Four rubber 0-rings, for sealing the membrane should be enough to compensate for cell leakage and drainage
on to the top cap and base pedestal. Two shall be to or from the specimen.
fitted at each end. The 0-rings shall be of an
unstretched diameter of between 80 % and 90 %
of the specimen diameter. They shall be free from
flaws and necking when stretched.
e) Membrane stretcher, to suit the size of the
specimen.
1) For information on the availability of this product, apply to Enquiries Section, BSI, Linford Wood, Milton Keynes MK14 6LE.
4 © BSI 01-1999
BS 1377-8:1990
b) A calibrated pressure gauge of test grade, for f) Suitable tubing to connect the components of
independent measurements of cell pressure and each pressure system to the cell. The expansion
back pressure. (See note 2.) Calibration data coefficient of the tubing due to internal pressure
shall be clearly displayed. The gauge shall be shall not exceed 0.001 mL/m length for
permanently connected to the two pressure every 1 kPa increase in pressure.
systems by means of a suitable valve or valves. g) Timing device, readable to 1 s.
Alternatively, two independent gauges may be
h) A supply of freshly de-aerated tap water, as
used, each permanently connected to its own
specified in 5.2 of BS 1377-1:1990.
pressure system.
i) Silicone grease or petroleum jelly.
The level of the pressure gauge relative to a
datum level (usually the mid-height of the test NOTE 7 A suitable arrangement of the complete system is
shown diagrammatically in Figure 2.
specimen) shall be taken into account.
3.4 Compression test apparatus
NOTE 2 For measurement of pressures below 50 kPa, a
mercury manometer or a calibrated pressure transducer Additional compression test apparatus shall be as
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BS 1377-8:1990
3.5 Preparation and checking of apparatus 3.5.3.5 If the difference between the two readings,
3.5.1 General. Apparatus used for triaxial tests after deducting the volume change due to expansion
shall be subjected to rigorous inspection and check of the tubing, does not exceed 0.1 mL the system can
testing before use. The checks described in 3.5.2 be considered to be leak-free and ready for a test.
to 3.5.6 shall be carried out on the cell pressure, 3.5.3.6 If the corrected difference exceeds 0.1 mL,
back pressure and pore pressure systems at the investigate and rectify the leaks so that when the
stated frequency. Checks on these systems shall be steps described in 3.5.3.1 to 3.5.3.4 are repeated,
of two kinds, “complete” checks and “routine” the requirement given in 3.5.3.5 is achieved.
checks. 3.5.4 Back pressure system (routine check). The
“Complete” checks (see 3.5.2, 3.5.3 and 3.5.5) shall following check can be carried out at the same time
be carried out: as the pore pressure system routine check given
a) when any item of new equipment is introduced in 3.5.6.
into a system; a) Flush the back pressure line and drainage
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b) if an integral part of a system has been connections as in 3.5.3.1. Close the drainage line
removed, stripped down, overhauled or repaired; valve.
c) at intervals not exceeding 3 months. b) Increase the pressure in the back pressure
system to 750 kPa, and record the volume change
“Routine” checks (see 3.5.4 and 3.5.6) shall be indicator reading after 5 min.
carried out immediately before starting a test.
c) Proceed by following the steps described
Before checking, the pressure systems and in 3.5.3.4 to 3.5.3.6.
connecting lines shall be filled with freshly
de-aerated water complying with 5.2 of 3.5.5 Pore pressure system (complete check)
BS 1377-1:1990. (See note.) 3.5.5.1 Open the valve between the transducer
NOTE A screw-type hand pump (control cylinder) may be used mounting block and the flushing system. Pass
as an aid to flushing and checking the pressure systems. freshly de-aerated water through the mounting
The procedures described in 3.5.7 shall be carried block and cell base and out through the base
out on porous media immediately before each test. pedestal port, to ensure that the entire system is
filled with de-aerated water.
3.5.2 Cell pressure system (complete check). A
pressure test of the cell pressure system and the 3.5.5.2 Place and secure the cell body on to the cell
triaxial cell shall be made to ensure that the base, taking care not to pinch the drainage line to
maximum test pressure required can be maintained the top cap.
within the limits stated in item a) of 3.3 at all times 3.5.5.3 Open the air bleed on the cell top and fill the
during the test. cell, via the transducer mounting block, with
3.5.3 Back pressure system (complete check) de-aerated water from the flushing system.
3.5.3.1 Flush freshly de-aerated water through the 3.5.5.4 Remove the bleed plug in the transducer
back pressure connecting line from the mounting block and close the pore pressure valve on
volume-change indicator and through the specimen the cell base.
drainage line (whether to the top cap or the base 3.5.5.5 Inject a solution of soft soap into the bleed
pedestal). In this operation, work the indicator at plug hole. Open the pore pressure valve to allow
least twice to its limits of travel, allowing water to water from the cell to flow out of that hole, then open
pass out of the top cap or base pedestal and the flushing system valve so that water also flows
replacing it with freshly de-aerated water from the from the de-aerated supply.
pressure system. 3.5.5.6 Screw the bleed plug back into the
3.5.3.2 Seal the drainage line port with a watertight transducer mounting block while water continues to
plug. emerge, and allow the cell to re-fill, then close the
3.5.3.3 Pressurize the back pressure system bleed plug on the cell.
to 750 kPa with the drainage line valve open, and 3.5.5.7 Open the base pedestal drainage valve and
record the volume change indicator reading when allow about 500 mL of de-aerated water to pass
steady. through the pedestal to waste. (See note.)
3.5.3.4 Leave the system pressurized for at NOTE This is to ensure that any further air, or water
least 12 h and record the volume change indicator containing air, in the transducer mounting block is removed.
reading again. 3.5.5.8 Pressurize the system to 700 kPa and again
allow about 500 mL of water to pass out of the base
pedestal drainage valve.
8 © BSI 01-1999
BS 1377-8:1990
open after the pressure has been released. NOTE If after test a specimen is found to contain larger
particles, the size range and mass of these inclusions should be
3.5.5.12 Remove the cell body. Seal the pore reported.
pressure measurement port on the base pedestal Specimens might be of undisturbed soil, or of soil
with a watertight plug, without entrapping air. that has been compacted under specified conditions.
3.5.5.13 Open the flushing system valve and apply Reference is made to BS 1377-1 for preparation
to the base pedestal the maximum pressure methods.
achievable within the limitations of the pressure Careful preparation of specimens is necessary for
system and the pore pressure transducer. these tests in order to minimize the effects of
3.5.5.14 Close the flushing system valve on the disturbance.
transducer mounting block and record the pore 4.1.2 Principles
pressure reading.
4.1.2.1 Undisturbed specimens. Undisturbed
3.5.5.15 If the pore pressure reading remains specimens shall be prepared with the minimum
constant over a minimum 6 h period the pore change of the soil structure and moisture content.
pressure connections can be assumed to be air-free (See note 1.) The method of preparation shall
and leak-free. depend on whether the sample received in the
3.5.5.16 If there is a decrease in the pressure laboratory is contained in a tube of the same
reading, this indicates that there is a defect in the internal diameter as the specimen to be tested, or in
system. Rectify this defect. Repeat the complete a tube of larger diameter, or as a block sample.
pore pressure system check described in 3.5.5.1 NOTE 1 Moisture loss from soil not being used immediately
to 3.5.5.14 until the system is proved to be free of should be prevented by wrapping it in thin clinging plastics film.
entrapped air and leaks. When the soil is removed from its sampling tube or
3.5.6 Pore pressure system (routine check) container a careful inspection shall be made to
3.5.6.1 Follow the procedures described in 3.5.5.1 ascertain its condition. Any indication of local
to 3.5.5.11. softening, disturbance, presence of large particles,
or other non-uniformity shall be reported. If these
3.5.6.2 Remove the cell body. Keep the base pedestal features cannot be avoided abandon the sample and
covered with de-aerated water by fitting a cut-down use an alternative sample for preparing the test
membrane, secured with O-rings, until the test specimen.
specimen is ready for setting up. NOTE 2 In some instances a larger specimen which contains
3.5.7 Porous media features such as local softening, disturbance, presence of large
particles, etc. would be more representative of the soil as a whole
3.5.7.1 Inspect the porous discs to ensure that water than would a small specimen.
drains freely through them. Reject discs that are 4.1.2.2 Compacted specimens. The degree of
clogged by soil particles. compaction to be applied when compacting the soil
Before use, boil the discs for at least 30 min in to form specimens shall depend on the relevant field
distilled water. Then keep them under de-aerated compaction control requirements. The desired
water in a beaker until required. compaction shall be achieved by one of the following
3.5.7.2 Immerse filter paper side drains, after methods:
trimming, in de-aerated water for a few minutes. a) by compacting the soil into a mould at a
Allow surplus water to drain off immediately before specified moisture content, by applying a
fitting the drains to the specimen. specified compactive effort;
© BSI 01-1999 9
BS 1377-8:1990
b) by compacting the soil into a mould at a 4.2 Mounting the test specimen
specified moisture content, to achieve a specified 4.2.1 The procedure for mounting a triaxial test
dry density. specimen prepared by one of the procedures referred
NOTE Either method can be used for preparing a sample from to in 4.1 is described in 4.2.2 to 4.2.13. For a
which smaller test specimens can be trimmed, or for preparing a
large diameter specimen of the size to be tested. For the
specimen prepared according to 4.1.3.2.4, start the
preparation of a single small test specimen, the method described procedure at the step described in 4.2.7.
in item b) is generally used. 4.2.2 Place the saturated porous disc by sliding on to
The preparation of soil for compaction is described in 7.7 of
BS 1377-1:1990. a layer of water on the triaxial base pedestal
without entrapping air. Remove any surplus water.
4.1.3 Procedures
4.2.3 Place the specimen on the disc without delay
4.1.3.1 Undisturbed specimens and without entrapping air.
4.1.3.1.1 Prepare a specimen from a sample tube of 4.2.4 Place the second saturated disc, with excess
the same internal diameter as the required water removed, on top of the specimen.
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4.2.11 Fill the triaxial cell with de-aerated water, 5.2 Basic requirements
ensuring that all the air is displaced through the The conditions described in a) to d) below shall apply
bleed plug (see Figure 1). Fill the cell as quickly as to all saturation procedures except where stated
possible but without allowing turbulence, which otherwise.
could aerate the water. A layer of castor oil may be
introduced on top of the water to act as a piston a) Water applied to the specimen from the back
lubricant and to reduce leakage past the piston. pressure system shall be freshly de-aerated in
accordance with 5.2 of BS 1377-1:1990.
4.2.12 Keep the air bleed plug (see Figure 1) open
until the cell is ready to be pressurized, in order to b) The magnitude of a cell pressure increment
maintain the pressure at atmospheric. shall not exceed 50 kPa, or the effective stress to
which the specimen is to be consolidated for the
4.2.13 Apply the first cell pressure increment as compression test (the “desired effective
soon as possible, as required by the saturation consolidation pressure”), whichever is less,
procedure (see 5.3 or 5.4). unless otherwise specified. (See note 1.)
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b) Observe the pore pressure until it reaches an h) Increase the cell pressure by a further suitable
equilibrium value, (see note 3 of 5.2) and record increment (δσ3). (See the step described in
it. If the pore pressure decreases appreciably item b).) Observe the resulting change in pore
(possibly after an initial increase) proceed to the pressure (δu), as in the step described in item b).
step described in item c) without waiting for When equilibrium is established, calculate the
equilibrium, in order to ensure that the pore value of the pore pressure coefficient B from the
pressure does not reach zero. following equation.
c) Increase the cell pressure by 50 kPa and repeat δu
the step described in item b). If a steady value of B = ----------
δσ 3
pore pressure is reached, record it, and calculate
the change in pore pressure (δu, in kPa) resulting i) Repeat the operations described in steps d) to h)
from this increment. Calculate the value of the until the pore pressure coefficient B indicates
pore pressure coefficient B from the following that saturation is achieved. The specimen is
equation. considered to be saturated when the pore
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12 © BSI 01-1999
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specimen at the start of the compression stage. reading of the volume-change indicator and
The effective stress in the specimen is increased to calculate the total change in volume (∆Vc) during
the desired value by raising the cell pressure and the consolidation stage. Record the pore pressure
dissipating the resulting excess pore pressure to an uc (in kPa).
appropriate back pressure. The back pressure g) The consolidated specimen is then ready for
should not be reduced below the level of the pore either an undrained compression test (clause 7)
pressure in the final step of the saturation stage, or a drained compression test (clause 8).
or 300 kPa, whichever is greater.
6.3 Calculation and plotting
6.2 Consolidation procedure
(See form 8.C of Appendix A.)
After completion of the saturation stage, the back
6.3.1 Calculate the dimension of the specimen after
pressure valve (see Figure 1) remains closed and the
consolidation from the following equations:
final pore pressure and volume-change indicator
(See note.)
readings are recorded.
The consolidation procedure shall be as follows. a) volume: V c = V o – ∆V c
(See form 8.C of Appendix A.) ∆V
a) Increase the pressure (s3) in the cell pressure b) area: A c = Ao 1 – 2
--- ----------c
3 Vo
line and adjust the back pressure if necessary, to
give a difference equal to the required effective ∆V
consolidation pressure (s39) such that c) length: L c = Lo 1 – 1
--- ----------c
3 Vo
s39 = σ3 – ub.
b) Record the pore pressure when a steady value where
(ui) (in kPa) is reached. Vc is the consolidated volume (in cm3);
NOTE 1 It may be convenient to record and plot readings of
pore pressure against time to establish when equilibrium is Vo is the original specimen volume (in cm3);
reached. ∆Vc is the change in volume during consolidation
NOTE 2 The excess pore pressure to be dissipated is equal to as determined from the volume of water draining
(ui – ub). out of the specimen (in cm3);
c) Record the reading of the volume-change Ac is the consolidated area of cross section
indicator. At a convenient moment (zero time) (in mm2);
start the consolidation stage by opening the back Ao is the original specimen area of cross section
pressure valve or valves. (in mm2);
d) Record readings of the volume-change Lc is the consolidated length (in mm);
indicator, at suitable intervals of time.
NOTE 3 Suitable intervals for convenience of plotting the Lo is the original specimen length (in mm).
readings against square-root time NOTE If the change in volume during saturation is
are 0, ¼, ½, 1, 2¼, 4, 9, 12¼, 16, 25, 36, 64 min, significant it should be estimated, e.g. from a datum inside the
and 2, 4, 8, 16, 24 h. These time intervals give a regular cell for measuring the change in specimen length and
spacing of points when plotted, but more frequent readings included with ∆Vc.
may need to be taken for soils which compress very rapidly.
Readings may be taken at other time intervals so long as they
enable the square-root time/compression curve to be plotted
with sufficient accuracy.
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6.3.7 Estimate the significant strain interval for the 7 Consolidated-undrained triaxial
test specimen, ef, as follows. compression test with measurement of
a) If only the condition at failure (according to the pore pressure
criteria defined in 1.2.8) is significant, ef is the
7.1 General
estimated strain at which failure will occur.
b) If approximately uniformly-spaced In this test, during the compression stage, the cell
intermediate readings, each requiring pressure is maintained constant while the specimen
equalization of pore pressure, are significant, ef is is sheared at a constant rate of axial deformation
the strain increment between each reading. (strain-controlled compression) until failure occurs.
No drainage is permitted and therefore the moisture
NOTE This method is necessary when a stress path is to be
derived from the test. content remains constant during compression. The
resulting changes in pore pressure are usually
6.3.8 Calculate the rate of axial displacement
measured at the base of the specimen, and the rate
(dr, in mm/min) to be applied to the specimen from
of axial deformation is applied slowly enough to
the following equation:
ensure adequate equalization of excess pore
ε f × Lc pressures.
d r = -----------------
-
tf The test procedure described in 7.2 to 7.6 relates to
a saturated specimen in the triaxial cell which has
where
been brought to the required effective stress by
Lc is the length of the consolidated consolidation in accordance with clause 6.
specimen (in mm); The requirements of BS 1377-1, where appropriate,
ef is the significant strain interval for the test shall apply to this test method.
specimen; 7.2 Compression stage
tf is the significant testing time (in min). 7.2.1 Set up the triaxial cell on the compression
This gives the maximum nominal machine speed for machine if it has stood elsewhere during saturation
the test. (See note.) and consolidation.
NOTE The “machine displacement speed” is the speed as given 7.2.2 Adjust the machine platen, either by hand or
by the manufacturer for each gear ratio when the machine is by motor drive, until the cell loading piston is
running under zero load. The actual speed under load may be less
than this. The “closing gap speed” is less than the machine speed brought to within a short distance of the specimen
due to deformation of the load measuring device and of load top cap. Record the reading of the force-measuring
frame. The actual rate of axial displacement of the specimen is device during this operation as the initial reading.
the “closing gap speed”, and allowance should be made for the
difference between this and the nominal machine displacement NOTE This procedure allows for the combined effects of cell
speed if greater accuracy is necessary. pressure acting on the piston and frictional resistance in the
piston bush or seal. If the design of force-measuring device
permits, the scale of the device should be adjusted so that the
initial reading is zero.
7.2.3 Adjust the compression machine to give a rate
of displacement as close as possible to, but not
exceeding, that calculated in 6.3.8.
© BSI 01-1999 15
BS 1377-8:1990
7.2.4 Make further adjustments to bring the loading 7.2.12 Stop the compression stage and close the pore
piston just into contact with the seating on the top pressure valve to the pore pressure device. Open the
cap of the specimen. Check that the piston is flushing system valve to protect the transducer.
properly seated and in correct alignment, ensuring 7.3 End of test procedures
that the axial load applied to the specimen is as
small as possible. 7.3.1 Dismantling. When the compression stage is
finished, remove the specimen from the triaxial cell
7.2.5 Secure the axial deformation gauge so that it
pedestal as quickly as possible so that the
can measure a vertical deformation up to at
absorption of water from the porous discs is kept to
least 25 % of the specimen length. Observe the
a minimum.
initial reading, or set the gauge to read zero.
The sequence of operations shall be as follows.
7.2.6 Ensure that the back pressure valve or valves
are closed, the cell pressure valve is open, and the a) Ensure that the back pressure valve or valves
valve to the pore pressure measuring device is open. and the pore pressure line valves are closed.
(See Figure 1.)
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38 10
50 7
70 5
100 3.5
150 2.5
NOTE Corrections for specimens of intermediate diameters
may be obtained by interpolation.
© BSI 01-1999 17
BS 1377-8:1990
NOTE 3 The combined behaviour of membranes and side f) Stress path, if required, for effective stresses,
drains during axial compression is complex and there is no with values of s9 as abscissa and t9 as ordinate, on
consensus of opinion on the precise corrections to apply. Those
corrections given in Table 2 are based on simplifying a single plot in which the vertical and horizontal
assumptions and represent compromise values. scales are the same.
g) Corrected deviator stress, (s1 – s3) (in kPa), 7.6 Expression of results
given by:
7.6.1 General. The test report shall affirm that the
(s1 – s3) = (s1 – s3)m – smb – sdr test was carried out in accordance with
h) Major principal stress, s1 (in kPa), given by: clauses 4, 5, 6 and 7 of BS 1377-8:1990. It shall
s1 = (s1 – s3) + s3 contain a statement of the method used, i.e. the
consolidated-undrained triaxial compression test
where s3 is the cell confining pressure. with measurement of pore pressure, in addition to
i) Effective major and minor principal stresses, the relevant information listed in clause 9 of
(s19 and s39 respectively) (in kPa), given by: BS 1377-1:1990.
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BS 1377-8:1990
r) graphical plots, as described in 7.5. The test procedure described in 8.2 to 8.6 relates to
7.6.3 Set of specimens. When a number of specimens a saturated specimen in the triaxial cell which has
taken from one soil sample are tested at different been brought to the required effective stress by
effective pressures for the evaluation of shear consolidation in accordance with clause 6.
strength parameters, numerical data listed in 7.6.2 The requirements of BS 1377-1, where appropriate,
shall be grouped together and reported as a set. shall apply to this test method.
NOTE 1 Graphical plots as detailed in 7.5 may be presented 8.2 Compression stage
separately for each specimen, or grouped together on common
axes. 8.2.1 Set up the triaxial cell on the compression
NOTE 2 The shear strength parameters in terms of effective machine if it has stood elsewhere during saturation
stress, i.e. the cohesion, c9 (in kPa), and the angle of shear and consolidation.
resistance, f9 (in degrees) may be derived as follows
(but see note 3). 8.2.2 Adjust the machine platen, either by hand or
Draw the line of best fit through the plotted points representing by motor drive, until the cell loading piston is
values of s9 and t9 at failure according to the selected failure brought to within a short distance of the specimen
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© BSI 01-1999 19
BS 1377-8:1990
NOTE 1 For a very stiff soil which is likely to fail suddenly at a 8.3.2 Final measurements
small strain, readings should be taken at regular intervals of
stress rather than of strain to obtain the required number of 8.3.2.1 Weigh the whole specimen and calculate the
readings. final density using the final calculated volume
NOTE 2 Readings of pore pressure need not be recorded with (Vc – ∆V), where Vc is the volume at the end of the
every set of readings as long as they do not vary beyond the stated
limits (see 8.2.11). consolidation stage and ∆V is the volume decrease
NOTE 3 The cell pressure and back pressure should be checked during the compression stage.
periodically during the course of the test to ensure that they 8.3.2.2 Dry the whole specimen to constant mass,
remain constant. They should be adjusted as necessary.
NOTE 4 Elapsed time readings should be recorded periodically
and determine the moisture content of the specimen
to provide a check on the actual applied rate of strain. as a whole, using the procedure described in 3.2 of
8.2.10 Calculate values of deviator stress BS 1377-2:1990. Break down a large sample before
(s1 – s3) (in kPa) as described in 8.4, and plot them placing it in the oven.
as ordinates against axial strain (in %) as abscissa, 8.4 Calculations
while the test is still in progress. (See form 8.E of Appendix A.)
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20 © BSI 01-1999
BS 1377-8:1990
© BSI 01-1999 21
BS 1377-8:1990
i) graphical plot of volume change or volumetric NOTE 3 Individual specimens prepared from a common soil
strain against square-root time for the sample, though apparently identical, often differ in their
stress-strain behaviour and other properties. Specimen
consolidation stage, as described in 6.3; variability may cause difficulties in assigning shear strength
j) rate of axial displacement applied to the parameters which accurately represent the sampled material as
a whole.
specimen (in millimetres per minute or percent NOTE 4 Alternatively, the shear strength parameters may be
strain per hour); obtained by drawing a linear envelope to the set of Mohr circles
k) pore pressure and effective stress at the start of failure (according to the selected failure criterion) and
measuring the intercept with the vertical axis (c9) and the
of the compression stage; inclination to the horizontal (f9).
l) failure criterion adopted;
m) axial strain, deviator stress, volumetric strain,
pore pressure and effective major and minor
principal stresses at failure;
n) sketch of specimen after test, indicating mode
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of failure;
o) details and magnitude of corrections applied to
the measured deviator stress;
p) final density and moisture content;
q) graphical plots, as described in 8.5.
8.6.3 Set of specimens. When a number of specimens
taken from one soil sample are tested at different
effective pressures for the evaluation of shear
strength parameters, numerical data listed in 8.6.2
shall be grouped together and reported as a set.
NOTE 1 Graphical plots as detailed in 8.5 may be presented
separately for each specimen, or grouped together on common
axes.
NOTE 2 The shear strength parameters in terms of effective
stress, i.e. the cohesion, c9 (in kPa), and the angle of shear
resistance, in f9 (in degrees) may be derived as follows
(but see note 3).
Draw the line of best fit through the plotted points representing
values of s9 and t9 at failure according to the selected failure
criterion.
Determine the value of t9 where this line intersects the t9 axis
(to9 kPa).
Measure the inclination of this line to the horizontal (U degrees).
Calculate the shear strength parameters from the following
relationships:
sinf9 = tanU
to′
c′ = -------------
cos f9
22 © BSI 01-1999
BS 1377-8:1990
volume change
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30
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BS 1377-8:1990
Publications referred to
© BSI 01-1999
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