This internationa

internationall stand
standard
ard was devel
developed
oped in accor
accordance
dance with inter
internatio
nationall
nally
y recog
recognize
nized
d prin
principl
ciples
es on stand
standardiz
ardization
ation established
established in the Deci
Decision
sion on Princ
Principles
iples for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D4767 − 11 (Reapproved 2020)

Standard Test Method for

Consolidated Undrained Triaxial Compression Test for
1

Cohesive Soils
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4767; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editori
editorial
al change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Sco
Scope
pe test res
test result
ultss in uni
units
ts oth
other
er tha
than
n SI sha
shallll not be reg
regard
arded
ed as
1.1 This test method covers the determinatio
determinationn of strength nonconformance with this test method.
and stre
stress-s
ss-strai
train
n rela
relations
tionships
hips of a cyli
cylindri
ndrical
cal speci
specimen
men of 1.6.1 The gravitationa
gravitationall syst
system
em of inch-
inch-pound
pound units is used
either an intact, reconstituted, or remolded saturated cohesive when dealing with inch-pound units. In this system, the pound
soil. Specimens are isotropically consolidated and sheared in (lbf) represents a unit of force (weight), while the unit for mass
compre
com pressi
ssion
on wit
withou
houtt dra
draina
inage
ge at a con
consta
stant
nt rat
ratee of axi
axial
al is slugs. The slug unit is not given, unless dynamic (F = ma)
deformation (strain controlled). calculations are involved.
1.6.2 It is common practice in the engineering/constr
engineering/construction
uction
1.2 This test method provides
provides for the calculation of total and profession to concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit
effective stresses, and axial compression by measurement of of mass (lbm) and of force (lbf). This implicitly combines two
axial load, axial deformation, and pore-water pressure. separate systems of units; that is, the absolute system and the
1.3 This test method provides data useful in dete
determin
rmining
ing gravitational system. It is scientifically undesirable to combine
strength and deformation properties of cohesive soils such as the use of two separate sets of inch-pound units within a single
Mohr stre
strength
ngth envel
envelopes
opes and Young’
oung’ss modul
modulus.
us. Gener
Generally
ally,, standard.
stand ard. As stat
stated,
ed, this stan
standard
dard incl
includes
udes the grav
gravitat
itational
ional
three specimens are tested at different effective consolidation system of inch-pound units and does not use/present the slug
stresses to define a strength envelope. unit for mass. However, the use of balances or scales recording
3
1.4 The determinat
determination
ion of stre
strength
ngth envelopes
envelopes and the devel- pounds of mass (lbm) or recording density in lbm/ft shall not
be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.
opment of relationships to aid in interpreting and evaluating
test results are beyond the scope of this test method and must 1.6.3
1.6 .3 The terms density
density and uni
unitt wei
weight
ght are oft
often
en use
used
d
interchangeably. Density is mass per unit volume whereas unit
be performed by a qualified, experienced professional.
weight
wei ght is for
force
ce per unit vol
volume
ume.. In thi
thiss sta
standa
ndard
rd den
densit
sity
y is
1.5 All observed
observed and calculated
calculated values shall conform
conform to the given only in SI units. After the density has been determined,
guideliness for signi
guideline significant
ficant digits and roundrounding
ing esta
establis
blished
hed in the unit weight is calculated in SI or inch-pound units, or both.
Practice D6026
D6026..
1.7 This standar
standard d doe
doess not purport
purport to add
addres
resss all of the
1.5.1 The methods
methods used to specspecify
ify how data are collcollected
ected,,
safety
safety co
conc
ncer
ernsns,, if an
anyy, as
asso
soci
ciat
ated
ed wi
with
th it
itss us
use.
e. It is th
thee
calculated, or rec
record
orded
ed in thi
thiss sta
standa
ndard
rd are regarded
regarded as the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
priate safety
safety,, health, and environment
environmental
al practices and deter-
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce-
dures
dures use
usedd do not con
consid
sider
er mat
materi
erial
al var
variat
iation
ion,, pur
purpos
posee for mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.8 This international
international standard
standard was devel
developed
oped in accor
accor--
obtaining the data, special purpose studies or any consideration
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
of en
endd us
use.
e. It is be
beyo
yond
nd th
thee sc
scop
opee of ththis
is te
test
st me
meth
thod
od to
izatio
ization
n est
establ
ablish
ished
ed in the DecDecisi
ision
on on Pri
Princi
nciple
pless for the
consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engi-
Development of International Standar
Standards,
ds, Guides and Recom-
neering design.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.6 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded Barriers to Trad
Tradee (TBT) Committee.
as standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for
information only and are not considered standard. Reporting of 2. Referenced Documents
Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
1
This test method is under the jurisdi
jurisdiction
ction of ASTM Commit
Committee
tee D18 on Soil and
Rock and is the direct respon
responsibility
sibility of Subcommittee
Subcommittee D18.05 on Strength and
2
Compressibility of Soils. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Curren
Currentt edi
edition
tion app
approv
roved
ed Apr
April
il 1, 202
2020.
0. Pub
Publish
lished
ed Apr
April
il 202
2020.
0. Orig
Original
inally
ly contact ASTM
ASTM Custom
Customer
er Service at service@
service@astm.o rg. For Annual Book of ASTM
astm.org.
approved
approv ed in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as D476 D4767–1
7–11.
1. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D4767-11R20. the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 D4767 − 11 (2020)

D422 Te
Test
st Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils (With- 4.2 In this test method,
method, the shear characteris
characteristics
tics are mea-
3
drawn 2016) sured under undrained
undrained condi
conditions
tions and is appl
applicabl
icablee to field
D653 Te
Termin
rminology
ology Relating to Soil
Soil,, Rock, and Conta
Contained
ined conditions where soils that have been fully consolidated under
Fluids one set of stresses are subjected to a change in stress without
D854 Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by timee for fur
tim furthe
therr con
consol
solida
idatio
tion
n to tak
takee pla
place
ce (un
(undra
drain
ined
ed
Water Pycnometer condition), and the field stress conditions are similar to those in
D1587/D1587M Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of the test method.
Fine-Grained Soils for Geotechnical Purposes NOTE 1—If the strength is required for the case where the soil is not
D2166/D2166M Test Method for Unconfined Compressive consolidated during testing prior to shear
consolidated shear,, refer to Test Method D2850 or
Strength of Cohesive Soil Test Method D2166/D2166M
D2166/D2166M..
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water 4.3 Using the pore-water pressure
pressure measured during
during the test,
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass the shear strength determined
determined from this test method can be
D2435/D2435M Test Meth Methods
ods for One-D
One-Dimen
imensiona
sionall Con- expressed in terms of effective stress. This shear strength may
solidation Properties of Soils Using Incremental Loading be applied to field conditions where full drainage can occur
D2850 Test Method for Unconsolidated-Undrained Triaxial (drain
(drained
ed con
condit
dition
ions)
s) or whe
where
re por
poree pre
pressu
ssures
res ind
induce
ucedd by
Compression Test on Cohesive Soils loading can be estimated, and the field stress conditions are
D3740 Prac
Practice
tice for Mini
Minimum
mum Requi
Requireme
rements
nts for Agencies similar to those in the test method.
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
4.4 The shear strength
strength determined from
from the test expressed
expressed in
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
D4220/D4220M Pra Practic
ctices
es for Prese
Preserving
rving and Tr Transpo
ansportin
rting
g terms of tot
terms total
al str
stress
esses
es (un
(undra
draine
ined
d con
condit
dition
ions)
s) or ef
effec
fectiv
tivee
stresses (drained conditions) is commonly used in embankment
Soil Samples
stability analyses, earth pressure calculations, and foundation
D4318 Test Meth
Methods
ods for Liqui
Liquid
d Limi
Limit, t, Plas
Plastic
tic Limi
Limit,t, and
design.
Plasticity Index of Soils

D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal- NOTE

tained in 2—Notwithstanding
this test method. The the statements
precision ontest
of this precision
methodand bias con-
is dependent
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
on the compe
competence
tence of the personn
personnel
el performing
performing it and the suitability of the
Construction Materials Testing
equipment and facilities used. Agencies which meet the criteria of Practice
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical D3740 are generally considered capable of competent testing. Users of
Data this test method are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does
not ensure reliable testing. Reliable testing depends on several factors;
3. Terminology Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
3.1 Definitions—For standard definitions of common tech- 5. Appar
Apparatus
atus
nical terms, refer to Terminology D653
D653..
5.1 The req
requir
uireme
ements
nts for equ
equipm
ipment
ent nee
needed
ded to per
perfor
form
m
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: satisfactory tests are given in the following sections. See Fig.
3.2.1 back pre ssure—a pre
pressure— pressu
ssure
re app
applie
lied
d to the spe
specim
cimen
en 1 and Fig. 2
pore-water to cause air in the pore space to compress and to
5.2 Axial Loading Device—The axial loading device shall
passs int
pas into
o sol
soluti
ution
on in the por
pore-w
e-wate
aterr the
thereb
reby
y inc
increa
reasin
sing
g the
be a screw jack driven by an electric motor through a geared
percent saturation of the specimen.
transmission, a hydraulic loading device, or any other com-
3.2.2 effective consolidation stress—the difference between pression device with sufficient capacity and control to provide
the cell pressure and the pore-water pressure prior to shearing the rate of axial strain (loading) prescribed in 8.4.2
8.4.2.. The rate of
the specimen. advance of the loading device shall not deviate by more than
61 % from the selected value. Vibration due to the operation
3.2.3 failure—a max maximu
imum-s
m-stre
tress
ss con
conditdition
ion or str
stress
ess at a
defined
defi ned strain
strain for a tes
testt spe
specim
cimen.
en. Fai
Failur
luree is oft
often
en tak
takenen to of the loading device shall be sufficiently small to not cause
correspond to the maximum principal stress difference (maxi- dimensional changes in the specimen or to produce changes in
mum deviator stress) attained or the principal stress difference pore-water pressure when the drainage valves are closed.
(deviator stress) at 15 % axial strain, whichever is obtained first NOTE 3—A loading device may be judged to produce sufficiently small
during the performance of a test. Depending on soil behavior vibrations if there are no visible ripples in a glass of water placed on the
and field appli
applicatio
cation,
n, other suitable
suitable fail
failure
ure criteria
criteria may be loading platform when the device is operating at the speed at which the
defined
defi ned,, suc
suchh as max
maximu
imum m efeffec
fectiv
tivee str
stress
ess obl
obliqu ity,, (σ1 '/
iquity test is performed.
σ3')max, or the principal stress difference (deviator stress) at a 5.3 AxAxial
ial Load
Load-Me
-Measu
asurin
ring
g DevDevice
ice——ThThee ax
axia
iall lo
load
ad--
selected axial strain other than 15 %. measuring
measurin g devic
devicee shall be an elec
electroni
tronicc load cell, hydr
hydraulic
aulic
load cell, or any other load-measuring device capable of the
4. Signi
Significanc
ficancee and Use accuracy prescribed in this paragraph and may be a part of the
4.1 The shear strength
strength of a saturated
saturated soil in triaxial
triaxial com- axial loading device. The axial load-measuring device shall be
pression depends on the stresses applied, time of consolidation, capable of measuring the axial load to an accuracy of within
strain rate, and the stress history experienced by the soil. 1 % of the axial load at failure. If the load-measuring device is
located
located insi
inside
de the triaxial compression
compression chamber,
chamber, it shal
shalll be
3
Thee las
Th lastt app
appro
roved
ved ver
versio
sion
n of th
this
is hi
histo
storic
rical
al sta
stand
ndard
ard is ref
refere
erenc
nced
ed on insensitive
insensitive to horiz
horizonta
ontall forc
forces
es and to the magn
magnitude
itude of the
www.astm.org. chamber pressure.

2
 D4767 − 11 (2020)

FIG. 1 Schematic Diagram of a Typical Consolidated Undrained Triaxial Apparatus

FIG. 2 Filter Strip Cage

5.4 Triaxi al Compression Chamber—The triaxial chamber

Triaxial specimen base and to the cap to allow saturation and drainage
shall have a working chamber pressure equal to the sum of the of the specimen when required. The chamber shall provide a
effect
effective
ive conso
consolida
lidation
tion stress and the back pressure.
pressure. It shall connection to the cap.
consist of a top plate and a base plate separated by a cylinder.
5.5 Axial Load Piston—The piston passing through the top
The cylinder may be constructed of any material capable of
of the chamber and its seal must be designed so the variation
withst
wit hstand
anding
ing the app
applie
lied
d pre
pressu
ssures
res.. It is des
desira
irable
ble to use a
in axial load due to friction does not exceed 0.1 % of the axial
transparent material or have a cylinder provided with viewing
load at failure and so there is negligible lateral bending of the
ports so the behavior of the specimen may be observed. The top
piston during loading.
plate shall have a vent valve such that air can be forced out of
the chamber as it is filled. The baseplate shall have an inlet NOTE 4—The use of two linear ball bushings to guide the piston is
through which to fill the chamber, and inlets leading to the recommended to minimize friction and maintain alignment.

3
 D4767 − 11 (2020)

NOTE 5—A minimum piston diameter of 1⁄6 the specimen diameter has pressure, and record the volume change.
been used successfully in many laboratories to minimize lateral bending.
5.9 Volume Change Measurement Device—The volume of
5.6 Pre
Pressure
ssure and Vacuum-Contr
acuum-Control ol Devices—The chamchamber
ber
water entering or leaving the specimen shall be measured with
pressure and back pressure control devices shall be capable of an accur
accurac
acy
y of withi
withinn 60.0.05
05 % of the total
total volum
volumee of the
applyi
app lying
ng and control
controllin
ling
g pressure
pressuress to wit
within
hin 62 kPa (0.25
2 specimen. The volume measuring device is usually a burette
lb/in. ) for effective consolidation pressures less than 200 kPa connected to the back pressure but may be any other device
(28 lbf/ in.2) and to within
lbf/in. within 61 % for effec
effectiv
tivee consolid
consolidati
ation
on
pressures
pres sures greater than 200 kPa. The vacuuvacuum-co
m-control
ntrol device meeting the accuracy requirement. The device must be able to
withstand the maximum back pressure.
shall be capable of applying and controlling partial vacuums to
within 62 kPa. The devices shall consist of pressure/volume 5.10 Deformation Indicator—The vert vertical
ical deformation
deformation of
controllers pneumatic pressure regulators, combination pneu- the specimen is usually determined from the travel of the piston
maticc pres
mati pressure
sure and vacuu
vacuumm regul
regulator
ators,
s, or any other devi
device
ce acting on the top of the specimen. The piston travel shall be
capable of applying and controlling pressures or partial vacu- measu
me asured
red with an acc
accura
uracy
cy of at lea
least
st 0.2
0.25
5 % of the initial
initial
ums to the required tolerances. These tests can require a test specimen height. The deformation indicator shall have a range
duration of several day. Therefore, an air/water interface is not of at least 15 % of the initial height of the specimen and may
recommended for either the chamber pressure or back pressure be a dia
diall ind
indica
icator
tor or oth
other
er mea
measur
suring
ing dev
device
ice me
meeti
eting
ng the
systems, unless isolated from the specimen and chamber (for requirements for accuracy and range.
example, by long tubing).
5.11 Specimen Cap and Base—The specimen cap and base
5.7 PrPressur
essure-
e- and Vacuum
acuum-Meas
-Measur urement
ement Devic es—The
Devices— shall be designed to provide drainage from both ends of the
chamber
cham ber press
pressure-,
ure-, back pres
pressure-
sure-,, and vacuu
vacuum-me
m-measuri
asuring
ng specimen. They shall be constructed of a rigid, noncorrosive,
device
dev icess sha
shall
ll be cap
capabl
ablee of mea
measur
suring
ing pre
pressu
ssures
res or par
partia
tiall impermeable material, and each shall, except for the drainage
vacuums to the tolerances given in 5.6 5.6.. They may consist of provision
prov ision,, have a circ
circular
ular plane surface
surface of contact with the
electronic pressure transducers, or any other device capable of porous disks and a circular cross section. It is desirable for the
measuring
measurin g pres
pressures
sures,, or part
partial
ial vacuums to the stated tole
toler-
r- mass of the specimen cap and top porous disk to be as minimal
ances.. If separate
ances separate devic
devices
es are used to meas
measure
ure the chamb
chamber er as possible. However, the mass may be as much as 10 % of the
pressure
pres sure and back pressure,
pressure, the devices must be cali
calibrat
brated
ed axial load at failure. If the mass is greater than 0.5 % of the
simultaneously and against the same pressure source. Since the applied axial load at failure and greater than 50 g, the axial load
chambe
cha mberr and bac
backk pre
pressu
ssure
re are the pressure
pressuress tak
taken
en at the must be corrected for the mass of the specimen cap and top
mid-height of the specimen, it may be necessary to adjust the porous disk. The diameter of the cap and base shall be equal to
calibration of the devices to reflect the hydraulic head of fluids the initial diameter of the specimen. The specimen base shall
in the chamber and back pressure control systems. be connected to the triaxial compression chamber to prevent
5.8 Pore-Water Pressure-Measurement Device—The speci- late
latera
rall mo
motition
on or ti
tilt
ltin
ing,
g, an
andd th
thee sp
spec
ecim
imen
en ca
cap
p sh
shal
alll be
men pore-water pressure shall also be measured to the toler- designed
desi gned such that eccentricity
eccentricity of the pist
piston-to
on-to-cap
-cap conta
contact
ct
ances
anc es giv
given
en in 5.6
5.6.. Durin
Duringg undra
undrained
ined shear,
shear, the pore
pore-wate
-waterr relative to the vertical axis of the specimen does not exceed 1.3
pressure shall be measured in such a manner that as little water mm (0.05 in.). The end of the piston and specimen cap contact
as possible is allowed to go into or out of the specimen. To area shall be designed so that tilting of the specimen cap during
achiev
ach ievee thi
thiss req
requir
uirem
ement
ent,, a ver
very
y sti
stifff ele
electr
ctroni
onicc pre
pressu
ssure
re the test is minimal. The cylindrical surface of the specimen
transduce
tran sducerr or null
null-indi
-indicatin
catingg devic
devicee must be used
used.. With an base and cap that contacts the membrane to form a seal shall be
electronic pressure transducer the pore-water pressure is read smooth and free of scratches.

dire
directly
ctly.
contin
con . W
tinuou
uouslyith adj
sly a usted
null-ind
null
adjusted-indicati
toicating
ngntain
mainta
mai device
devic
in a e con
a pres
pressure
constantsure
stant control
cont
level
lev rolthe
el of is 5.12 Porous Discs—Two rigid porous disks shall be used to
provide drainage at the ends of the specimen. The coefficient of
water/mercury interface in the capillary bore of the device. The
permeability of the disks shall be approximately equal to that
pressure required to prevent movement of the water is equal to −4 −5
of fine sand (1 × 10 cm/s (4 × 10 in./s)). The disks shall be
the pore-water pressure. Both measuring devices shall have a
regularl
regu larly
y clean
cleaned
ed by ultra
ultrasonic
sonic or boil
boiling
ing and brush
brushing
ing and
compli
com plianc
ancee of all the ass assem
emble
bled
d par
parts
ts of the porpore-w
e-wate
aterr
checked to determine whether they have become clogged.
pressure-measurement system relative to the total volume of
the specimen, satisfying the following requirement: 5.13 Filter-Paper Strips and Disks— Filter-paper strips are
~∆ V / V ! / ∆ u , 3.2 3 102 6 m /kN ~
2
2.2 3 102 5 in. /lb!
2
(1 ) used by many laboratories to decrease the time required for
testing. Filter-paper disks of a diameter equal to that of the
where: specimen may be placed between the porous disks and speci-
∆V = change
change in vol
volume
ume of the por pore-w
e-wateaterr mea
measur
sureme
ement
nt men to avoid clogging of the porous disks. If filter strips or
3 3
system due to a pore pressure change, mm (in. ), disks are used, they shall be of a type that does not dissolve in
3 3
V = total volu
volume
me of
of the
the specim
specimen,
en, mm (in. ), and water. The coefficient of permeability of the filter paper shall
2
∆u = chang
changee in pore press
pressure,
ure, kPa
kPa (lbf/in.
(lbf/in. ). not be less than 1 × 10 −5 cm/
cm/ss (4 × 10−6 in./s) for a normal
NOTE 6—T
6—To o meet the complia
compliance
nce requirement,
requirement, tubing between the 2
pressure of 550 kPa (80 lbf/in. ). To avoid hoop tension, filter
specimen and the measuring device should be short and thick-walled with
small bores. Thermoplastic, copper, and stainless steel tubing have been stri
strips
ps sh
shou
ould
ld co
cove
verr no mo
more
re th
than
an 50 % of th thee sp
spec
ecim
imen
en
used successfully.
successfully. To measu
measure
re this compli
compliance,
ance, assemble the triaxi
triaxial
al cell periphery.
periphery. Filt
Filter-s
er-strip
trip cages have been succe
successful
ssfully
ly used by
without
without a spec
specime
imen.n. The
Then,
n, ope
openn the app
approp
ropria
riate
te val
valves
ves,, incr
increas
easee the many laboratories
laboratories.. An equat
equation
ion for corre
correcting
cting the prin
principal
cipal

4
 D4767 − 11 (2020)

stress difference (deviator stress) for the effect of the strength or by any other method that will satisfy the requirement for
of vertical filter strips is given in 10.4.3.1
10.4.3.1.. satura
saturatin
ting
g the spe
specim
cimen
en wit
within
hin the lim
limits
its im
impos
posed
ed by the
available maximum back pressure and time to perform the test.
NOTE 7—G
7—Gra rade
de No
No.. 54 FiFilte
lterr Pa
Pape
perr ha
hass be
been
en fo
found
und to me
meet
et th
thee
permeability and durability requirements. 5.21 TTesting
esting Environment
Environment— —The conconsol
solida
idatio
tion
n and sheshear
ar
5.14 Rubber Membr ane—The rub
Membrane— rubber
ber mem
membra
brane
ne use
used
d to portion of the test shall be performed in an environment where
encase the specimen shall provide reliable protection against temperat
temp erature
ure fluctu
fluctuatio
ations
ns are less than 64°C (67.2°F
7.2°F)) and
and there
leakage. Membranes shall be carefully inspected prior to use is no direct contact with sunlight.
and if any flaws or pinholes are evident, the membrane shall be 5.22 Miscell
Miscellaneous
aneous Appar atus—Spe
Apparatus— Specim
cimen
en tri
trimmi
mming
ng and
discarded
discarded.. To of
offer
fer mini
minimum
mum restraint
restraint to the spec
specimen
imen,, the carving
carv ing tool
toolss inclu
including
ding a wire saw, steel stra
straighte
ightedge,
dge, mite
miterr
unstretched membrane diameter shall be between 90 and 95 % box, vertical trimming lathe, apparatus for preparing reconsti-
of tha
thatt of the spe
specim
cimen.
en. The mem
membrabrane
ne thi
thickn
ckness
ess shall not tuted specimens, membrane and O-ring expander, water con-
exceed 1 % of the diameter of the specimen. The membrane tent cans, and data sheets shall be provided as required.
shall
shall be sea
sealed
led to the specimen
specimen cap and base wit with
h rub
rubber
ber
O-rings for which the unstressed inside diameter is between 75 6. Test Specimen Preparation
and 85 % of the diameter of the cap and base, or by other
mean
me anss th
that
at wi
will
ll pr
prov
ovid
idee a po
posi
siti
tive
ve se
seal
al.. An eqequa
uati
tion
on fo
forr 6.1 Specimen Size—Specimens shall be cylindrical and have
correcting the principal stress difference (deviator stress) for a minimum diameter of 33 mm (1.3 in.). The average height-
the effect of the stiffness of the membrane is given in 10.4.3.2
10.4.3.2.. to-ave
to-averag
ragee dia
diame
meter
ter rat
ratio
io sha
shall
ll be bet
betwee
ween 2.5.. The
n 2 and 2.5
1
larges
largestt par
partic
ticle
le siz
sizee sha
shall
ll be sma
smalle
llerr tha
than
n ⁄ 6 the spec
specimen
imen
5.15 Valves—Changes in volume due to opening and closing diameter. If, after completion of a test, it is found based on
valves may result in inaccurate volume change and pore-water visual observation that oversize particles are present, indicate
pressure measurements. For this reason, valves in the specimen this information in the report of test data (11.2.23
(11.2.23).
).
drainage system shall be of the type that produce minimum
NOTE 10—If oversize particles are found in the specimen after testing,
vo
volu
lume
me ch
assumed chan
toange
gess du
produce dueeminimum
to th
thei
eirr volume
oper
operat
atio
ion.
n. A va
changevalv
iflve
e ma
mayy be
opening or a par
particl
ticle-s
e-size
ize analysis
analysis may be per
perfor
formed
med on the tested specimen
specimen in
accordance with Test Method D422 to confirm the visual observation and
closing
closing the valve in a clos closed,
ed, satur
saturated
ated pore-water
pore-water pres
pressure
sure the results provided with the test report (11.2.4
( 11.2.4).
).
system does not induce a pressure change of greater than 0.7
2 6.2 Intact Specimens—Prepare intact specimens from large
kPa (60.1 lbf
lbf/in
/in.. ). All valves must be be capable of withstanding
withstanding
intact sampl
intact samples es or from samples
samples secusecured
red in accor
accordanc
dancee with
applied pressures without leakage.
Practice D1587/D1587M or other acceptable intact tube sam-
NOTE 8—Ball valves have been found to provide minimum volume- pling procedures. Samples shall be preserved and transported
change characteristics; however, any other type of valve having suitable
in acc
accord
ordanc
ancee wit
with
h the practice
practicess for Group C sam sample
pless in
volume-chang
volume-changee chara
characterist
cteristics
ics may be used.
Practices D4220/D4220M
D4220/D4220M.. Specimens obtained by tube sam-
5.16 Specimen-Size Measurement
Measurement Devices—Devices used to pling may be tested without trimming except for cutting the
determ
determine
ine the hei
height
ght and dia
diame
meter
ter of the spe
specim
cimen
en sha
shall
ll end surfaces plane and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of
measure the respective dimensions to four significant digits and the specimen,
specimen, provi
provided
ded soil chara
character
cteristi
istics
cs are such that no
shall be constructed such that their use will not disturb/deform significant
signi ficant dist
disturba
urbance
nce resul
resultsts from samp
sampling
ling.. Handl
Handlee spec
speci-
i-
the specimen. menss car
men carefu
efully
lly to min
minim
imize
ize dis
distur
turban
bance,
ce, cha
change
ngess in cro
cross
ss
NOTE 9—C
9—Circumf
ircumferenti
erential
al measu
measuring
ring tapes are recom
recommende
mended
d over section, or change in water content. If compression or any type
calipers for measuring the diameter. of notic
noticeable
eable disturbance
disturbance would be cause caused d by the extrusion
extrusion
device
dev ice,, spl
split
it the sample
sample tubtubee len
length
gthwis
wisee or cut the tub tubee in
5.17ofSample
pable Extruder—The sam
extruding the soil coresample
plethe
from extrud
ext ruder
er sha
shall
sampling ll be at
tube ca-
a suitable
suita ble sections to facil
facilitat
itatee remo
removalval of the specimen with
unifor
uni form
m rat
ratee in the same dir
direct
ection
ion of tra
travel
vel as the sample
sample minim
min imum
um disdistur
turban
bance.
ce. Pre
Prepar
paree tri
trimm
mmed ed spespecim
cimens
ens,, in an
entered the tube and with minimum disturbance of the sample. environment such as a controlled high-humidity room where
If the soil core is not extruded vertically, care should be taken soil water cont
content
ent change is miniminimize
mized. d. Where removal
removal of
to avoid bending stresses on the core due to gravity. Conditions pebbles or crumbling resulting from trimming causes voids on
at the time of samsample
ple removal
removal may dictate
dictate the dir
direct
ection
ion of the sur
surfac
facee of the spespecim
cimen,
en, car
carefu
efully
lly fill the voi voids
ds wit
with
h
removal, but the principal concern is to minimize the degree of remolded soil obtained from the trimmings. If the sample can
disturbance. be trimmed with minimal disturbance, a vertical trimming lathe
may be used to reduce the specimen to the required diameter.
5.18 Timer—A timing device indicating the elapsed testing After obtaining the required diameter, place the specimen in a
time to the nearest 1 s shall be used to obtain consolidation data miter box, and cut the specimen to the final height with a wire
(8.3.3). saw or other suitable device. Trim the surfaces with the steel
5.19 Balance—A balance
balance or sca
scale
le con
confor
formin
mingg to the re- straightedge. Perform one or more water content determina-
quirements of Specification D4753 readable to four significant tions on material trimmed from the specimen in accordance
digits. with Test Method D2216 D2216..
5.20 W
Water D evice—The amount of diss
ater Deaeration Device— dissolved
olved 6.3 Reconsituted Specimens—Soil required for reconstituted
gas (air) in the water used to saturate the specimen shall be specimens shall be thoroughly mixed with sufficient water to
decreased by boiling, by heating and spraying into a vacuum, produce the desired water content. If water is added to the soil,

5
 D4767 − 11 (2020)

store the material in a covered container for at least 16 h prior thickness of filter disks if they are used) so that the appropriate values may
to compa
compaction
ction.. Recon
Reconsitu
situted
ted spec
specimen
imenss may be prepaprepared
red by be subtracted from the measurements.
compacting material in at least six layers using a split mold of 7.2.1 Wet Mounting Method:
circular cross section having dimensions meeting the require- 7.2.1.1
7.2.1.1 Fill the specimen
specimen drai
drainage
nage lines and the pore-
pore-water
water
ments enumerated in 6.1 6.1.. Specimens may be reconstituted to
pressure measurement device with deaired water.
the desired
desired dendensit
sity
y by eit
either
her:: (1) kne
kneadi
ading
ng or tam
tampin
ping
g eac
each
h
7.2.1.2
7.2.1.2 Satur
Saturate
ate the porous disks by boil
boiling
ing them in water
layer until the accumulative mass of the soil placed in the mold
is reconsti
reconstituttuted
ed to a knoknownwn vol
volume
ume;; or ( 2) by adjadjust
usting
ing the for at least 10 min and allow to cool to room temperature.
number of layers, the number of tamps per layer, and the force 7.2.1.3
7.2.1.3 If filt
filter-
er-pap
paper
er dis
disks
ks are to be pla
placed
ced bet
betwee
weenn the
per tamp. The top of each layer shall be scarified prior to the porous disks and specimen, saturate the paper with water prior
additi
add ition
on of mamater
terial
ial for the next lay layer
er.. The tam
tamper
per use
usedd to to placement.
compact the material shall have a diameter equal to or less than 7.2.1.4
7.2.1.4 Place a saturated
saturated porous disk on the specimen base
1
⁄ 2 the diameter of the mold. After a specimen is formed, with and wipe away all free water on the disk. If filter-paper disks
the ends perpeperpendicu
ndicular
lar to the longitudinal
longitudinal axis, remoremoveve the are used, placed on the porous disk. Place the specimen on the
mold and determine the mass and dimensions of the specimen disk. Next, place another filter-paper disk (if used), porous disk
using the devices described in 5.16 and 5.19 5.19.. Perform one or and the specimen cap on top of the specimen. Check that the
more water content determinations on excess material used to specimen cap, specimen, filter-paper disks (if used) and porous
prep
pr epar
aree th
thee sp
spec
ecim
imenen in ac
acco
cord
rdanance
ce wi
with
th Tes
estt Me
Meththod
od D2216. disks are centered on the specimen base.
6.4 Deter
Determine
mine the mass and dime
dimensio
nsions
ns of the spec
specimen
imen 7.2.1.5 If filter-paper
filter-paper strips
strips or a filte
filterr-pape
-paperr cage are to be
using the devices described in 5.16 and 5.19
5.19.. A minimum of used, saturate the paper with water prior to placing it on the
three
three hei
height
ght mea
measur
sureme
ements
nts (12
(120°
0° apa
apart)
rt) and at lea
least
st thr
three
ee specimen. To avoid hoop tension, do not cover more than 50 %
diameter measurements at the quarter points of the height shall of the specimen periphery with vertical strips of filter paper.
be made to determine the average height and diameter of the 7.2.1.6 Proce
Proceed
ed with 7.3
7.3..
specimen. An individual measurement of height or diameter 7.2.2 Dry Mounting Method:
shall not vary from average by more than 5 %. 7.2.2.1
7.2.2.1 Dry the spe
specim
cimen
en dra
draina
inage
ge sys
system
tem.. Thi
Thiss ma
mayy be
NOTE 11—It is common for the density or unit weight of the specimen
accomplished by allowing dry air to flow through the system
after removal
removal from the mold to be less than the value based on the volume
of the mold. This occurs as a result of the specimen swelling after removal prior to mounting the specimen.
of the lateral confinement due to the mold. 7.2.2.2 Dry the porous
porous disks in an oven and then place the
disks
disks in a des
desicc
iccato
atorr to coo
cooll to roo
room
m tem
temper
peratu
ature
re pri
prior
or to
7. Mount
Mounting
ing Specimen
Specimen mounting the specimen.
7.1 Preparations—Bef Before
ore mou
mounti
nting
ng the spe
specim
cimen
en in the 7.2.2.3 Place a dry porous disk on the specimen
specimen base and
triaxial chamber, make the following preparations: place the specimen on the disk. Next, place a dry porous disk
7.1.1 Inspe
Inspect
ct the rubber membrane
membrane for flaws, pinholes,
pinholes, and and
and ththee sp
spec
ecim
imen
en ca
capp on ththee sp
spec
ecim
imen
en.. Ch
Chec
eck
k th
that
at ththee
leaks. specimen cap, porous disks, and specimen are centered on the
7.1.2 Place the membrane
membrane on the memb
membrane
rane expander
expander or,
or, if specimen base.
it is to be rolled onto the specimen, roll the membrane on the
NOTE 13—If desired, dry filter-paper disks may be placed between the
cap or base. porous disks and specimen.
7.1.3 Check that the porou
porouss disks and specimen drainage
drainage
tubes are not obstructed by passing air or water through the 7.2.2.4 If filter-paper
filter-paper strips
strips or a filte
filterr-pape
-paperr cage are to be
appropriate lines. used, the cage or strips may be held in place by small pieces of
7.1.4 Attach the pressure-control
pressure-control and volume-measurement
volume-measurement tape at the top and bottom.
system and a pore-pressure measurement device to the cham- 7.3 Place the rubber membrane
membrane around the specispecimen
men and
ber base. seal it at the cap and base with two rubber O-rings or other
7.2 Depen
Depending
ding on whether the saturation
saturation portion
portion of the test positive
positive seal at each end.
end. A thin coating
coating of silicon
silicon grease on the
willl be ini
wil initia
tiated
ted with eit
either
her a wet or dry drainage
drainage system,
system, vertical surfaces of the cap and base will aid in sealing the
mount the specimen using the appropriate method, as follows membrane. If filter-paper strips or a filter-paper cage are used,
in either 7.2.1 or 7.2.2
7.2.2.. The dry mounting method is strongly do not apply grease to surfaces in contact with the filter-paper.
recommend
recom mendeded for spec
specimen
imenss with initial saturation
saturation less than
7.4 Attac
Attach
h the top drainage line and checkcheck the alignment
alignment of
90 %. The dry mounting method removes air prior to adding the specimen
specimen and the spe specim
cimen
en cap
cap.. If the dry mou
mounti
nting
ng
backpressure and lowers the backpressure needed to attain an
method
met hod has bee
been
n use
used,
d, app
applyly a par
partia
tiall vac
vacuum
uum of app
approx
roxi-
i-
adequate percent saturation. mately
mat ely 35 kPa (5 lbf /in.. 2) (no
lbf/in (nott to exc
exceed
eed the con
consol
solida
idatio
tion
n
NOTE 12—It is recommended that the dry mounting method be used for stress) to the specimen through the top drainage line prior to
specimens of soils that swell appreciably when in contact with water. If checking the alignment. If there is any eccentricity, release the
the wet mounting method is used for such soils, it will be necessary to
partial vacuum, realign the specimen and cap, and then reapply
obtain the specimen dimensions after the specimen has been mounted. In
such cases, it will be necessary to determine the double thickness of the the partial vacuum. If the wet mounting method has been used,
membrane, the double thickness of the wet filter paper strips (if used), and the alignment of the specimen and the specimen cap may be
the combined height of the cap, base, and porous disks (including the checked and adjusted without the use of a partial vacuum.

6
 D4767 − 11 (2020)

8. Procedur
Proceduree between
betwee n the pore pre
pressu
ssure
re mea
measur
sured
ed at the bottom
bottom of the
8.1 Prio
Priorr to Satu
Saturat ion—Afte
ration— Afterr asse
assembl
mbling
ing the tritriaxia
axiall specimen and the pressure at the top of the specimen should be
allowed to equalize. When the pore pressure at the bottom of
chamber, perform the following operations:
8.1.1
8. 1.1 Bring
Bring th
thee ax
axia
iall lo
load
ad pi
pist
ston
on in
into
to co
cont
ntac
actt wi
with
th th
thee the specimen stabilizes, proceed with back pressuring of the
specimen
spec imen pore-water
pore-water as descr
described
ibed in 8.2.3.1
8.2.3.1.. To ch
chec
eck
k fo
forr
specim
spe cimen
en cap sev
severa
erall tim
times
es to per
permit
mit pro
proper
per sea
seatin
ting
g and
alignment of the piston with the cap. During this procedure, equalizat
equal ization,
ion, close the drainage valves to the specimen and
measure the pore pressure change until stable. If the change is
take care not to apply an axial load to the specimen exceeding less than 5 % of the chamber pressure, the pore pressure may
0.5 % of the estimated axial load at failure. When the piston is
be assumed to be stabilized.
brought
broug ht into contact,
contact, recor
recordd the reading of the deformation
deformation
indicator to three significant digits. NOTE 14—For saturated clays, percolation may not be necessary and
8.1.2
8.1.2 Fill
Fill th
thee ch
cham
ambe
berr wi
with
th th
thee ch
cham
ambe
berr li
liqu
quid
id,, be
bein
ing
g water can be added simultaneously at both top and bottom.
carefu
carefull to avo
avoid
id tra
trappi
pping
ng air or lea
leavin
ving
g an air space
space in the 8.2.2 Startin
Startingg with Init
Initiall
iallyy Satu
Saturated
rated Drain
Drainage
age Syst
System—
em—
chamber. After filling the burette connected to the top of the specimen
8.2 Saturation—The objective of the saturation phase of the with
wit h dea
deaire
iredd wat
water
er,, app
apply
ly a cha
chambe
mberr pre
pressu
ssure
re of 35 kPa (5
2
testt is to fill all voids in the specime
tes specimen n wit
with h wat
water
er without
without lbf/in. ) or less and open the specimen drainage valves. When
undesirab
undes irable
le prest
prestressi
ressingng of the spe specim
cimenen or all allowi
owing
ng the the por
poree pre
pressu
ssure
re at the bot
bottom
tom of the spe specim
cimen
en sta
stabil
bilize
izes,
s,
specim
spe cimenen to swe
swell
ll.. Sat
Satura
uratio
tion
n is usuusuall
ally
y accaccomp
omplis
lished
hed by according to the method described in 8.2.1 8.2.1,, or when the burette
applying back pressure to the specimen pore water to drive air reading stabilizes, back pressuring of the specimen pore-water
into solution after saturating
saturating the system by either: either: (1) applying may be initiated.
vacuum to the specimen and dry drainage system (lines, porous 8.2.3 Back-Pressure Saturation—To saturate the specimen,
4
disks, pore-pressure device, filter-strips or cage, and disks) and back pressuring is usually necessary. Fig. 3 provides guidance
then allowing deaired water to flow through the system and on bac
backk pre
pressu
ssure
re req
requir
uired
ed to attattain
ain sat
satura
urati
tion.
on. Add
Additi
itiona
onall
specimen
spec imen while maintaini
maintaining ng the vacuu
vacuum; m; or (2) satusaturati
rating
ng the guidance on the back-pressure process is given by Black and
draina
dra inage
ge sys
system
tem by boi boilin
ling
g the porous
porous dis disks
ks in wat
waterer and Lee5 and Head6 (See Note 15 on references).
allowing water to flow through the system prior to mounting NOTE 15—Th
15—Thee refer
references
ences presented are for inform
informationa
ationall purpose
purposess
the specimen
specimen.. It shoshould
uld be notnoted
ed tha
thatt pla
placin
cing
g the air intinto
o only.
solution is a function of both time and pressure. Accordingly, 8.2.3.1 Applyi
Applying
ng Back Pr Pressur
essure—e—Simultaneousl
Simultaneously y increase
removi
rem oving
ng as muc
much h air as pos possib
sible
le pri
prior
or to appapplyi
lying
ng bac
backk the chamber and back pressure in steps with specimen drainage
pressure will decrease the amount of air that will have to be valves opened so that deaired water from the burette connected
placed into solution and will also decrease the back pressure to th
thee to
top
p an
and
d bo
bottttom
om of ththee sp
spec
ecim
imen
en ma
mayy flo
floww ininto
to th
thee
requir
req uired
ed for satsatura
uratition.
on. In add
additi
ition,
on, air rem remain
aining
ing in the specimen. To avoid undesirable prestressing of the specimen
specim
spe cimenen and dradraina
inagege sys
system
tem jus
justt pri
prior
or to appapplyi
lying
ng bac
backk while applying back pressure, the pressures must be applied
pressure will go into solution much more readily if deaired incrementally with adequate time between increments to per-
water is used for saturation. The use of deaired water will also mit equalization of pore-water pressure throughout the speci-
decrease the time and back pressure required for saturation. men. The size of each increment may range from 35 kPa (5
Many procedures have been developed to accomplish satura- 2 2
lbf/in. ) up to 140 kPa (20 lbf/in. ), depending on the magni-
tion. The following are suggested procedures: tudee of the des
tud desire
ired
d ef
effec
fectiv
tivee con
consol
solida
idatio
tion
n str
stress
ess,, and the
8.2.1 Starting with Initially Dry Drainage System—Increase percent saturation of the specimen just prior to the addition of
thee pa
th part
rtia
iall va
vacu
cuum
um ac acti
ting
ng on to topp of th thee sp
spec
ecim
imen
en to ththee the increment. The difference between the chamber pressure
maximum avai
maximum available
lable vacuu
vacuum.m. If the efeffect
fective
ive cons
consolida
olidation
tion and the bac
back k pre
pressu
ssure
re dur
during
ing bac
back
k pre
pressu
ssurin
ring
g sho
should
uld not
stress under which the strength is to be determined is less than exceed 35 kPa unless it is deemed necessary to control swelling
the maximum partial vacuum, apply a lower partial vacuum to of the specimen during the procedure. The difference between
the cha
chambe
mberr. The dif differ
ferenc
encee bet
betwee
weenn the parpartia
tiall vac
vacuum
uum the chamber and back pressure must also remain within 65 %
applied to the specimen and the chamber should never exceed when
whe n the pre
pressu
ssures
res are rai
raised
sed and wit
within
hin6 2 % wh when
en th
thee
the effective consolidation stress for the test and should not be pressures are constant. To check for equalization after appli-
lesss tha
les than lbf/in.2 ) to al
n 35 kPa (5 lbf/in. allo
low
w fo
forr flo
floww ththro
roug
ugh
h th
thee cation of a back pressure increment or after the full value of
sample. After approximately 10 min, allow deaired water to back pressure has been applied, close the specimen drainage
percolate from the bottom to the top of the specimen under a valves and measure the change in pore-pressure over a 1-min
2
differential vacuum of less than 20 kPa (3 lbf/in. ) (Note 14). 14). interval. If the change in pore pressure is less than 5 % of the
8.2.1.1 There should always be a positive effective
effective stress of
2
at least 13 kPa (2 lbf/in. ) at the bottom of the specimen during
4
this part of the procedure. When water appears in the burette Lowe, J., and Johnson, T. C., “Use of Back Pressure to Increase Degree of
Saturation of Triaxial Test Specimens,” Proceedings, ASCE Research Conference
Conference on
connected to the top of the specimen, close the valve to the Shear Strength of Cohesive Soils , Boulder, CO, 1960
bottom of the specimen and fill the burette with deaired water. 5
Black, A. W. and Lee, K. L. (1973), “Saturating Laboratory Samples by Back
Next, reduce the vacuum acting on top of the specimen through Pressure,” Journal of the Soil Mechanics and Foundation Division, ASCE, Vol. 99,
No. SM1, Proc. Paper 9484, Jan., pp. 75–93.
the bur
burett
ettee to atm
atmosp
ospher
heric
ic pre
pressu
ssure
re whi
whilele sim
simult
ultane
aneous
ously
ly 6
Head, K. H., (1986), Manual of Soil Laboratory Testing, Volume 3: Effective
increasin
increasing
g the cha
chambe
mberr pre
pressu
ssure
re by an equ
equal
al amo
amount
unt.. Thi
Thiss Tests, Pentech Press Limited, Graham Lodge, London, United Kingdom, pp.
Stress Tests,
process should be performed slowly such that the difference 787–796.

7
 D4767 − 11 (2020)

FIG. 3 Pressure to Attain Various Degrees of Saturation

differenc
differencee bet
betwee
ween
n the cha
chambe
mberr pre
pressu
ssure
re and the bac
back
k ∆σ 3 = chang
changee in the
the chamber
chamber pressu
pressure.
re.
pressure, another back pressure increment may be added or a
measurement may be taken of the pore pressure Parameter B 8.2.4.1 Close the specimen drainage drainage valves, record the pore
pressu
pre ssure,
re, to the nearest
nearest 0.7 kPa (0.1 psi psi),
), and increase
increase the
(see 8.2.4
8.2.4)) to determine if saturation is completed. Specimens 2
shalll be conside
shal considered
red to be
be saturate
saturated
d if the
the value
value of B is equal
equal to chamber pressure by 70 kPa (10 lbf/in. ).
or greater
greater than 0.95,
0.95, or if B rema
remains
ins unchan
unchanged
ged with
with additio
addition
n 8.2.4.2 After approximately
approximately 2 min, determine
determine and record the
of back pressure increments. maximum value of the induced pore pressure to the nearest 0.7
kPa (0.(0.1
1 psi
psi),.
),. For manmany y spe
specim
cimens
ens,, the por
poree pre
pressu
ssurere may
NOTE 1616—T
—The he re
rela
lati
tion
onsh
ship
ipss pre
prese
sent
nted
ed in Fi
Fig.
g. 3 ar
aree ba
base
sed
d on th
thee decrea
dec rease
se aft
after
er the imm immediediate
ate res
respon
ponsese and the thenn inc
increa
rease
se
assumption that the water used for back pressuring is deaired and that the
slightly
slig htly with time
time.. If this occur
occurs,s, values
values of ∆u shoul
should d be plot
plotted
ted
only source for air to dissolve into the water is air from the test specimen.
If air pressure is used to control the back pressure, pressurized air will with time and the asymptotic pore pressure used as the change
dissolve into the water, thus reducing the capacity of the water used for in pore
pore press
pressure
ure.. A lar
large
ge incre
increase
ase in
in ∆u wit
withh time
time or value
valuess of
back pressure
pressure to dissolve air located in the pores of the test specimen. The ∆u greater than ∆σ 3 indicate a leak of chamber fluid into the
problem is minimized by using a long (>5 m) tube that is impermeable to specim
spe cimen.en. Dec
Decreareasin
sing valuess of ∆u wit
g value withh time
time may
may indi
indicat
catee a
air between the air-water interface and test specimen, by separating the
back-pressure water from the air by a material or fluid that is relatively leak
lea k in thathatt par
partt of the por
poree pre
pressu
ssure
re mea
measur
sureme
ementnt sys
system
tem
impermeable to air, by periodically replacing the back-pressure water with located outside of the chamber.
deaired water, or by other means. 8.2.4.3 Calcu
Calculatelate the B-value using Eq 2.
NOTE 17—Al
17—Although
though the
the pore pressure
pressure Param
Parameter
eter B is used to determ
determine
ine
8.2.4.4 Reapp
Reapply ly the same effective
effective consolidati
consolidation on stre
stress
ss as
adequa
adequatete saturation,
saturation
saturation satura
of thetion, the B
sample is-value
%is
100 %, alsoB-value
also
, the a function of soil nt
measurement
measureme stif
stiffness.
fness.
will If the
increa th
increasesee existed
exis ted prior
prior to the B-val-value
ue by reducing
reducing the chamber
chamber pressure
pressure
with decreasing soil stiffness. Therefore, when testing soft soil samples, a by 70 kPa (10 lbf/in. 2) or by alternatively, increasing the back
B-value of 95 % may indicate a saturation less than 100 %. pres
pr essu
sure
re by 70 kPa. kPa. If B is cont contininui
uing
ng to in incr
crea
easese with
with
NOTE 18—T
18—The he bac
backk pre
pressur
ssuree req
require
uired
d to sat
satura
urate
te a recreconst
onstitut
ituted
ed increasing back pressure, continue with back pressure satura-
specimen may be higher for the wet mounting method than for the dry
mounting method and may be as high as 1400 kPa (200 lb/in. 2).
tion.
tion. If B is equ
equal al to or grea
greater
ter tha
thann 0.95
0.95 or
or if
if a plo
plott of
of B ver
versus
sus
NOTE 19—Many laboratories use differential pressure regulators and back pressur
pressuree indicates
indicates nono further
further increas
increasee in B with increas
increasing
ing
transducers
transducers to achiev
achievee the requir
requirements
ements for small differences
differences between back pressure, initiate consolidation.
chamber and back pressure.
8.3 Consolidation—The obj object
ective
ive of th
thee con
consol
solida
idatio
tion
n
8.2.4 M
Meas
easur
ureme
ement
nt of the Por
Poree PrPress
essur
uree Par
Parame
ameter
ter phase of the test is to allow the specimen
phase specimen to reac
reachh equil
equilibri
ibrium
um
B—Determine the value of the pore pressure Parameter B in in a drained state at the effective consolidation stress for which
accordanc
accordancee with 8.2.4.1 through 8.2.4.4
8.2.4.4.. The pore pre
pressu
ssure
re a strength determination is required. During consolidation, data
Parameter B is defined by the following equation: is obt
obtain
ained
ed for use in det determ
ermini
ining
ng whe
when
n con
consol
solida
idatio
tion
n is
B 5 ∆ u / ∆σ3 (2 ) complete and for computing a rate of strain to be used for the
shear portion
portion of the test
test.. The consolidation
consolidation procedure
procedure is as
where:
follows:
∆u = chang
changee in the
the specimen
specimen pore press
pressure
ure that
that occurs
occurs as
as a
8.3.1 When the saturation
saturation phase of the test is compl
completed,
eted,
result of adrainage
specimen change in the chamber
valves pressure
are closed, and when the bring the axial load piston into contact with the specimen cap,
and record the reading on the deformation indicator to three

8
 D4767 − 11 (2020)

significant digits. During this procedure, take care not to apply 8.4 Shear—During shear, the chamber pressure shall be kept
an axial load to the specimen exceeding 0.5 % of the estimated constant
consta nt whi
whilele adv
advanc
ancinging the axi
axialal loa
load
d pis
piston
ton dow
downwa
nwardrd
axial
axial loa
loadd at fai
failur
lure.
e. Aft
After
er rec
record
ording
ing the rea
readin
ding,
g, rai
raise
se the against the specimen cap using controlled axial strain as the
piston a small distance above the specimen cap, and lock the loading criterion. Specimen drainage is not permitted during
piston in place. shear.
8.3.2 With the speci
specimen
men drainage valves closed,
closed, hold the 8.4.1 Prior to Axial Loading— Before initiating shear, per-
form the following:
maxi
maximum
mum
pressure back
until thepress
pressure
ure const
difference constant
ant and
between the incr
increase
ease the
chamber chamber
cham
pressure ber
and 8.4.1.1 By opening or closing
closing the appropriate valves, isolate
the back press
pressure
ure equal
equalss the desir
desired
ed ef
effect
fective
ive conso
consolida
lidation
tion the specimen
specimen so that during shear the spec specimen
imen pore-water
pore-water
pressure.
pressure. Consolidatio
Consolidation n in stag
stages
es is requi
required
red when the final pressure will be measured by the pore-pressure measurement
2
effective consolidation stress is greater than 40 kPa (5.8 lb/in. ) device and no drainage will occur.
and filter strips for radial drainage are used. The load increment 8.4.1.2 Place the chamber
chamber in positposition
ion in the axial loading
loading
ratio shall not exceed two. device. Be careful to align the axial loading device, the axial
8.3.3 Obtain an initial
initial reading on the volume
volume change device,
device, load-measuring device, and the triaxial chamber to prevent the
and, then open appropriate drainage valves so that the speci- application of a lateral force to the piston during shear.
men may drain from both ends into the volume change device. 8.4.1.3
8.4.1.3 Bring the axial load pis piston
ton into concontac
tactt wit
withh the
At increasing intervals of elapsed time (0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, specimen cap to permit proper seating and realignment of the
15, and 30 min and at 1, 2, 4, and 8 h, and so forth) observe and piston
piston wit
with
h the capcap.. Dur
During
ing thi
thiss pro
proced
cedure
ure,, car
caree sho
should
uld be
record
record the vol
volume
ume cha
change
nge rea
readin
dings,
gs, and
and,, aft
after
er the 15-
15-min
min taken not to apply an axial load to the specimen exceeding
reading, record the accompanying deformation indicator read- 0.5 % of th thee es
esti
tima
matetedd ax
axia
iall lo
loadad at fafail
ilur
ure.
e. If ththee ax
axia
iall
ings obtained by carefully bringing the piston in contact with load-
loa d-me
meas
asur
urin
ingg dev
devicicee is lolocat
cated
ed out
outsi
side
de of the tr tria
iaxi
xial
al
the specimen cap. If volume change and deformation indicator chamber, the chamber pressure will produce an upward force
readings are to be plotted against the square root of time, the on the piston that will react against the axial loading device. In
time intervals at which readings are taken may be adjusted to this ca
this casese,, st
starartt sh
shea
earr wiwith
th ththee pipist
ston
on slslig
ight
htly
ly ab
abov
ovee ththee
those that have easily obtained square roots, for example, 0.09, specimen cap, and before the piston comes into contact with
0.25, 0.49, 1, 4, and 9 min, and so forth. Depending on soil the specimen
specimen cap, eit either
her ( 1) mea
measursuree and record
record the initial
initial
type
type,, ti
time
me in
inte
terv
rval
alss may be cha
may change
ngedd to con
conven
venien
ientt tim
timee piston friction and upward thrust of the piston produced by the
intervals which allow for adequate definition of volume change chamber pressure and later correct the measured axial load, or
versus time. (2) adjust the axial load-measuring device to compensate for
thee fr
th fric
ictition
on an and d ththru
rust
st.. Th
Thee vavaririat
atio
ion
n in th thee ax
axia
iall lo
load
ad--
NOTE 20—In cases where significant amounts of fines may be washed
from the spe
from specim
cimenen bec
becaus
ausee of high initial
initial hydr
hydrauli
aulicc gra
gradien
dients,
ts, it is measu
me asurin
ring g dev
deviceice reareadin
dingg sho
should
uld not exc exceed
eed 0.1 % of the
permissible to gradually increase the chamber pressure to the total desired estimated failure load when the piston is moving downward
pressure over a period with the drainage valves open. If this is done, prio
pr iorr to co contntac
acti
ting
ng th thee sp
spec
ecim
imenen cacap.
p. If th thee ax
axia
iall lo
load
ad--
record
recording
ing of dat
dataa sho
should
uld beg
begin
in imm
immedia
ediately
tely after the tota
totall pre
pressu
ssure
re is measuring device is located inside the chamber, it will not be
reached.
necessary to correct or compensate for the uplift force acting
8.3.4
8.3 .4 Plo
Plott the vol
volumeume cha
change
nge and def
deform
ormati
ation
on ind
indica
icator
tor on the axial loading device or for piston friction. However, if
readings versus either the logarithm or square root of elapsed an internal load-measuring device of significant flexibility is
time. Allow consolidation to continue
continue for at least one log cycle used in combination with an external deformation indicator,
of time or one overnight period after 100 % primary consoli- correction of the deformation readings may be necessary. In
dation has been achieved as determined in accordance with one both cases, record the initial reading on the pore-water pressure
of the procedures outlined in Test Method D2435/D2435M
D2435/D2435M.. A measu
me asurem
rement ent devdevice
ice to the nea neares
restt 0.7 kPa (0. (0.1
1 lbf /in.. 2)
lbf/in
marked deviation between the slopes of the volume change and immediately prior to when the piston contacts the specimen cap
deformation indicator curves toward the end of consolidation and the reading on the deformation indicator to three signifi-
based on deformation indicator readings indicates leakage of cant digits when the piston contacts the specimen cap.
fluid from the chamber into the specimen, and the test shall be 8.4.1.4 Check for pore pres pressure
sure stabilizati
stabilization.
on. Recor
Record d the
2
terminated. pore pressure to the nearest 0.7 kPa (0.1 lbf/in. ). Close the
8.3.5 Deter
Determine
mine the time for 50 % prim
primary
ary consolidatio
consolidation,
n, drainage valves to the specimen, and measure the pore pressure
t50, in accordance with one of the procedures outlined in Test chan
ch angege un unti
till st
stab
able
le.. If ththee ch
chanangege is leless
ss ththan
an 5 % of th thee
Method D2435/D2435M
D2435/D2435M.. If the specimen swells or does not chamb
cha mberer pre pressu
ssure,
re, the pore pre pressussure
re may be ass assume
umed d to be
consolidate at the final effective consolidation stress, determine stabilized.
the reason for this behavior and verify that it is not equipment 8.4.2 AxiaAxiall Loadi
Loading—ng—AppApply ly axi
axial
al loa
loadd to the specimen
specimen
malfunct
malf unction.
ion. If simi
similar
lar specimens
specimens are bein
beingg test
tested
ed at highe
higherr using
usi ng a rat ratee of axi axialal str
strain
ain tha
thatt wil
willl pro
produc
ducee appapprox
roxima
imate te
final effective consolidation stress and have consolidation data, equali
equ alizat
zationion of por poree pre
pressu
ssures
res thrthroug
oughou
houtt the spe specim
cimenen at
use the t 50 from these tests. If no other data is available, use a failure. Assuming failure will will occur after 4 %, a suitable rate rate of
strain
stra in rate of 1 % ⁄hr
⁄hr.. strain, εε̇˙ , may be determined from the following equation:

9
 D4767 − 11 (2020)

ε
ε̇
˙5 4 % / ~ 10 t 50 ! (3 ) and initial dry unit weight. Calculate
Calculate the specimen
specimen volum
volumee
from values measured in 6.46.4.. Calculate the volume of solids by
where:
dividing the dry mass of the specimen by the specific gravity of
t50 = tim
imee va
valu
luee ob
obta
tain
ineed in 8.3.5. the solids (Not
Notee 22) and divi
dividin
ding
g by the dendensit
sity
y of wat
water
er..
If, however, it is estimated that failure will occur at a strain Calculate the void ratio by dividing the volume of voids by the
value lower than 4 %, a suitable strain rate may be determined volume of solids where the volume of voids is assumed to be
using Eq 3 by replacing 4 % with the estimated failure strain. the difference between the specimen volume and the volume of
This rate of strain will provide for determination of accurate the solids. Calculate dry density by dividing the dry mass of the
effective stress paths in the range necessary to define effective specimen by the specimen volume.
strength envelopes.
NOTE 22—The specific gravity of solids can be determined in accor-
8.4.2.1 At a minimum, record load and deformation
deformation to three
dance with Test Method D854 or it may be assumed based on previous test
significant digits, and pore-water pressure values to the nearest results.
2
0.7 kPa (0.1 lbf/in. ), at increments of 0.1 to 1 % strain and,
10.3 Specim
Specimen
en Pr
Propert
operties
ies After Conso
Consolida tion—Calculate
lidation—
thereafter, at every 1 %. Take sufficient readings to define the
the specimen height and area after consolidation as follows:
stress
stress-st
-strai
rain
n cur
curve;
ve; hen
hence,
ce, mor
moree fre
freque
quent
nt rea
readin
dings
gs may be
requ
requirired
ed in ththee ea
earl
rlyy st
stag
ages
es of th
thee te
test
st an
and
d as fafail
ilur
uree is 10.3.1 Height of specimen
specimen after consolidation,
consolidation, H c, is deter-
approa
app roache
ched.
d. Con
Contin
tinue
ue the loa
loadin
ding
g to 15 % str strain
ain,, exc
except
ept mined from the following equation:
loading may be stopped when the principal stress difference Hc 5 Ho 2 ∆ H o (4 )
(devia
(de viator
tor str
stress
ess)) has dro
droppe
pped
d 20 % or whewhen n 5 % add
additi
itiona
onall
where:
axial strain occurs after a peak in principal stress difference
(deviator stress). Ho = init
initial
ial height
height of specim
specimen,
en, mm or cm,
cm, and
∆H o = change in height of specimen at
at end of consolidation,
consolidation,
NOTE 21—The use of a manually adjusted null-indicating device will mm or cm.
require nearly continuous attention to ensure the criterion for undrained

shear. 10.3.2
10.3.2 The
The Acro
crossss-se
-sect
ctio
ional
nal ar
area
ea of the spe
speci
cime
menn aft
after
er
consolidation, c, shall be computed using one of the following
9. Remo
Removing
ving Specimen
Specimen methods. The choice of the method to be used depends on
9.1 When shear is completed,
completed, perform the following:
following: whether shear data are to be computed as the test is performed
9.1.1
9.1.1 Rem
Remove
ove the axi
axial
al loa
load
d and reduce
reduce the chamber
chamber and (in which case Method A would be used) or on which of the
back pressures to zero. two
tw o me
meththod
ods,
s, in ththee op
opin
inio
ion
n of a qu
qual
alifi
ified
ed pe
pers
rson
on,, yi
yiel
eld
d
9.1.2 Wi
With
th the specimen drainage valves remaining closed, closed, specimen conditions considered to be most representative of
quickly remove the specimen from the apparatus so that the those after consolidation. Alternatively, the average of the two
specimen will not have time to absorb water from the porous calculated areas may be appropriate.
disks. 10.3.2.1 Method A:
9.1.3 Remove the rubbe
rubberr memb
membrane rane (and the filter-paper
filter-paper Ac 5 ~ V o2 ∆ V sat 2 ∆ V c !/ H c (5 )
strips
strips or cag
cagee fro
from
m the specime
specimen n if the
they
y wer
weree use
used),
d), and
determin
dete rminee the water cont
content
ent of the total specimen in accor accor-- where:
2 2
dance with the procedure in Test Method D2216 D2216.. (Free water Ac = conso
consolidat
lidation,
ion, cm or m,
remainin
rema ining
g on the specimen
specimen afte
afterr remo
removal
val of the membrane
membrane Vo = init
initial
ial volum
volumee of spec imen,, cm3 or m,3
specimen
∆Vc = chang
changee in v volum
olumee of speci
specimen
men durin
during
g consoli
consolidatio
dation
n
should be blotted away before obtaining the water content.) In
cases where there is insufficient material from trimmings for as indicated by burette readings, cm3 or m,3 and
index property tests, that is, where specimens have the same ∆Vsat = change
change in volume
3 3of specim
specimen
en during
during saturatio
saturation
n as
diameter as the sampling tube, the specimen should be weighed follows, cm or m :
∆Vsat = 3Vo [ ∆H s/Ho ]
prior
pri or to rem
removi
oving
ng mat
materi
erial
al for ind
index
ex pro
proper
perty
ty tes
tests
ts and a
representative portion of the specimen used to determine its where:
final water content. Prior to placing the specimen (or portion ∆H s = change
change in heig
height
ht of the specimen
specimen during
during saturation,
saturation,
thereof) in the oven to dry, sketch or photograph the specimen mm, cm, or m.
showing the mode of failure (shear plane, bulging, or other).
10.3.2.2 Method B:
10. Calculations Ac 5 ~ Vwf 1 Vs ! / H c (6 )
10.1 Calculations are
are only shown using SI units. Other units
units where:
are permissible, provided the appropriate unit conversions are
Vwf = final volume
volume of water
water (based on final
final water content)
content),,
used to maintain consistency of units throughout the calcula- 3 3
cm or m, and
tions. See 1.6.1 – 1.6.3 for additional comments on the use of Vs = volu
volume
me of solid
solids,
3 3
s, cm or m, as follows:
inch-pound units. Measurements and calculations shall contain Vs = w s/(G spw)
a minimum of three significant digits.
where:
10.2 Initial Specimen Properties—Using the dry mass of the
total specimen, calculate and record the initial water content, s
Gs =
w = spec
specimen
specimen
specific grdry
ific gravitymass
avitymass,
, g,
of solids,
solids, and
and
volume of solids, initial void ratio, initial percent saturation,

10
 D4767 − 11 (2020)

pw = densi
density
ty of water
water at 20 °C, 0.9982 g/cm.3
°C, 0.9982 where:
∆(σ1 − σ3 ) fp = filter-pape
filter-paperr correction
correction to be subtr
subtracted
acted from
10.3.3 Usi
10.3.3 Using
ng the cal
calcul
culate
ated
d dim
dimens
ension
ionss of the spe
specim
cimen
en
the measured principal stress difference (de-
after consolidation, and assuming that the water content after 2
consolidation is the same as the final water content, calculate viator stress), kN/m = kPa,
Kfp = loa
load
d car
carri
ried
ed by filt
filter-
er-pap
paper
er str
strips
ips per uniunitt
the consolidated void ratio and percent saturation.
length
length of perim
perimeter
eter cover
covered
ed by filtefilter-pap
r-paper
er,,
NOTE 23—The specimen will absorb water from the porous disks and kN/mm or kN/m (See Note 26),
drainage lines during the time it is being removed from the apparatus. Pfp = perimeter
perimeter cover
covered
ed by filte
filter-pap
r-paper
er,, mm or m,
When
Whe n this ef
effec
fectt is sign
signific
ificant
ant,, Met
Method
hod A will yie
yield
ld mor
moree rea
reason
sonable
able
and
values.
NOTE 24— In this test method,
method, the equation
equationss are written
written suc
such
h that Ac = cr
cros
oss-
s-se
sect
ctio
iona
nall area
area ofof spec
specimimenen aft
after
er
2 2
compression
compre ssion and consoli
consolidation
dation are conside
considered
red positive
positive.. consolidation, cm or m.
10.4 Shear Data: (2) For va
valu
lues
es of ax
axia
iall st
stra
rain
in of 2 % or le
less
ss,, us
usee th
thee
10.4.1 Calculate the axial strain, ε 1, for a given applied axial following equation to compute the correction:
load as follows: ~
∆ σ1 2 σ3 !fp 5 50ε K fpP fp/ Ac
1
(11)
ε1 5 ∆H / H c (7 ) where:
where: 50 = limiting
limiting axial
axial strain
strain decimal
decimal format
format,, and
∆H = chan
change
ge in he
heig
ight
ht of sp
spec
ecim
imen
en du
duri
ring
ng lo
load
adin
ing
g as ε1 = axia
axiall strain
strain (decimal
(decimal format)
format) for the given
given axial load,
load,
determined from deformation indicator readings, mm and
and otothe
herr te
term
rmss ar
aree th
thee sa
same
me as th thos
osee de
defin
fined
ed in
or cm, and subparagraph (1) of 10.4.3.1.
Hc = heig
height
ht of specime
specimen
n after
after consolidat
consolidation,
ion, mm or
or cm. NOTE 26—F
26—Foror filter-
filter-paper
paper generally used in triaxia
triaxiall testing
testing,, Kfp is
approximately 0.00019 kN/mm or 0.19 kN/m (1.1 lbf/in.).
10.4.2 Calcul
10.4.2 Calculate
ate the cross-s
cross-sect
ection
ional
al area,
area, A, for a giv
given
en
10.4.3.2 Correction for Rubber Membrane—Use the follow-
applied axial load as follows:
ing equation to correct the principal stress difference (deviator
A 5 Ac / ~ 1 2 ε 1! (8 ) stress) for the effect of the rubber membrane if the error in
where: principal stress difference (deviator stress) due to the strength
of the membrane exceeds 5 %:
Ac = averag
averagee cro
cross-
ss-sec
sectio
tional
nal are
areaa of the spe
specim
cimen
en aft
after
er
2
consolidation, cm or m, and
2
~
∆ σ12 σ3 !m 5 ~ 4 E mt mε ! / D c (12)
ε1 = axia
axiall strain
strain (decimal
(decimal format)
format) for
for the given
given axial load.
load. where:
NOTE 25—The cross-sectional area computed in this manner is based on
the ass
assumpt
umption
ion that the spe
specim
cimen
en def
deform
ormss as a righ
rightt cir
circula
cularr cyl
cylinde
inderr ∆(σ1 − σ3 ) m = membra
membrane ne cor
correc
rectio
tion
n to be sub
subtra
tracte
cted
d fro
from
m
during shear.
shear. In cases where there is localiz
localized
ed bulging, it may be possible the measured principal stress difference (de-
2
to det
determ
ermine
ine mor
moree acc
accura
urate
te val
values
ues for the areareaa bas
baseded on spespecim
cimen
en viator stress), kN/m = kPa,
dimension measurements obtained after shear. Dc =
=4 A c /π5
10.4.3 Calculate
Calculate the meas
measured
ured princ
principal
ipal stre
stress
ss dif
differe
ference
nce diameter of specimen after consolidation, mm
(deviator stress), σ1 − σ 3, fo
forr a gi
give
ven
n ap
appl
plie
ied
d ax
axia
iall lo
load
ad as or cm,
follows: Em = Young’s
Young’s modulus for the membrane material,
2
σ1 2 σ 3 5 P/A (9 ) kN/m = kPa
tm = thickness
thickness of the memb
membrane,
rane, mm or cm, and
where: ε1 = axial stra
strain
in (dec
(decimal
imal form
form).
).
σ1 − σ3 = measured
measured principal
principal stre
stress
ss dif
differe
ference
nce or devi
deviator
ator (1) The Young’s
Young’s modulus of the membrane material may be
2
stress, kN/m = kPa, determined by hanging a 15-mm (0.5-in.) circumferential strip
P = give
givenn appli
applied
ed axial load (cor
(correcte
rectedd for upli
uplift
ft and
of membrane using a thin rod, placing another rod through the
piston friction if required as obtained in 10.4.3.1
10.4.3.1),
),
bottom of the hanging membrane, and measuring the force per
kN, and
unit strain obtained by stretching the membrane. The modulus
A = corr
correspon
esponding
ding cros
cross-se
s-section
ctional area,, cm2 or m.2
al area
value may be computed using the following equation:
10.4.3.1 Corr
Correcti
ection
on for Filt
Filter-Pa
er-Paper
per Stri ps—For vert
Strips— vertical
ical
Em 5 ~F / A m! / ~ ∆ L / L ! (13)
filter-
filt er-pap
paper
er str
strips
ips whi
whichch ext
extend
end ove
overr the tot
total
al len
length
gth of the
specimen, apply a filter-paper strip correction to the computed where:
2
values of the principal stress difference (deviator stress), if the Em = Young’s modulus
modulus of the membrane
membrane material,
material, kN/m =
error in principal stress difference (deviator stress) due to the kPa (See Note 27)
strength of the filter-paper strips exceeds 5 %. F = forc
forcee applied
applied to
to stretch
stretch the membr
membrane,
ane, N or kN,
kN,
(1) For values
values of axia
axiall strain above 2 %, use the following
following L = unstr
unstretche
etched
d length
length ofof the memb
membrane
rane,, mm or
or cm,
cm,
equation to compute the correction: ∆L = cha
change
nge in leng
length
th of
of the
the membr
membrane
ane due to the
the forc
force,
e, F,
mm or cm, and
~
∆ σ 1 2 σ3 ! fp 5 Kfp P fp/ A c (10)

11
 D4767 − 11 (2020)

Am = are
areaa of the membranee = 2 t m Ws , mm 2 or cm.2
membran σ 3f 5 σ 3f 2 ∆u f,
'
and (2 0)

where:
'
σ1 5 σ 1 2 σ
f ~ 3
!cf1 σ '
3f
(21)

tm = thickness
thickness of the memb
membrane,
rane, mm
mm or cm,
cm, and where ∆uf is the induced pore-water pressure at failure.
Ws = wid
width
th of cir
circum
cumfer
ferent
ential
ial strip
strip of mem
membra
brane,
ne, 15 mm 10.8 Mohr Stress Circles—If desired, construct Mohr stress
(0.5 in.). circles at failure based on total and effective stresses on an
NOTE 27—A typical value of E m for latex membranes is 1400 kPa (200 arithmetic plot with shear stress as ordinate and normal stress
lbf/in.).
as abscissa using the same scales. See Fig. 4. 4. The circle based
NOTE 28—The corrections for filter-paper strips and membranes are
based on simplified assumptions concerning their behavior during shear. on total stresses is drawn with a radius of one half the principal
Their actual behavior is complex, and there is not a consensus on more stress difference (deviator stress) at failure with its center at a
exact corrections. value equal to one half the sum of the major and minor total
10.4.3.3 Corrected Principal Stress Difference— This value principal
principal stresses.
stresses. The Mohr stress circ
circle
le based on efeffecti
fective
ve
is as follows: stresses is drawn in a similar manner except that its center is at
a value equal to one half the sum of the major and minor
P
~σ 2 σ3 !c 5 ~
2 σ 1 2 σ3 !ƒ p 2 ~ σ 2 σ3 !m (14) effective principal stresses.
1 1
A

where: 11. Report: Test

Test Data Sheet(s)/Form(
Sheet(s)/Form(s)
s)
(σ1 – σ3 )c = corrected principal
principal stress
stress difference
difference or deviator 11.1 The met
method
hodolo
ology
gy use
used
d to spe
specif
cify
y how data are re-
stress, kN/m2 = kPa, corded on the data sheet(s)/form(s), as given below, is covered
' in 1.5.1
1.5.1..
10.4.4 Calculate the effective
effective minor principal stress,
stress, σ3 for
a given applied axial load as follows: 11.2
11.2 Recor
Record d as a mini
minimum
mum the foll
following
owing general
general infor
informa-
ma-
'
tion (data):
σ 3 5 σ 3 2 ∆u (15)
11.2
1.2.1
.1 Identi
Identifica
ficatio
tion
n dat
dataa and vis visual
ual des
descri
cripti
ption
on of
where: specimen, including soil classification and whether the speci-
σ3' = effective
effective minor principal
principal stress at the given
given axial load, men is intact, reconstituted, or otherwise prepared,
kPa, 11.2.2 Values of plastic limit and liquid limit, if determined
σ3 = mino
minorr principa
principall stress
stress at the
the given
given axial
axial load,
load, kPa, and in accordance with Test Method D4318 D4318,,
∆u = ind
induce
ucedd por
pore-w
e-wate
aterr pre
pressu
ssure
re at the given
given axi
axial
al load 11.2.3 Value of specific gravity of solids and notation if the
(tot
(total
al po
pore
re-wa
-wateterr pr
pres
essur
suree mi
minu
nuss th
thee to
tota
tall bac
back
k value was determined in accordance with Test Method D854 or
pressure), kPa. assumed,
11.2.4
11.2.4 Parti
Particle-
cle-size
size anal
analysis,
ysis, if dete
determin
rmined,
ed, in accor
accordance
dance
10.5 Prin
Principal
cipal Stress
Stress Dif
Differe
ference
nce (Devi
(Deviator
ator Str
Stress)
ess) and In-
with Test Method D422D422,,
duced PorPore-W
e-Water
ater Pr
Pressur
essuree vers
versus
us Strai
Strain
n Curve s—Prepare
Curves—
11.2.5
11.2.5 Initi
Initial
al specimen dry unit weight, void ratiratio,
o, water
graphss showi
graph showingng relat
relationsh
ionships
ips betwe
between
en princ
principal
ipal stre
stress
ss dif
differ-
fer-
content, and percent saturation, (specify if the water content
ence (devi
(deviator
ator stress) and indu
induced
ced pore-
pore-water
water pressure with
specimen was obtained from cuttings or the entire specimen),
axiall stra
axia strain,
in, plot
plotting
ting deviator stress and indu
induced
ced pore-
pore-wate
waterr
pressure as ordinates and axial strain as abscissa. Select the NOTE 29—Th
29—Thee specifi
specificc gravity determined
determined in accord
accordance
ance with Test
principal stress difference (deviator stress) and axial strain at Method D854 is required for calculation of the saturation. An assumed
specific gravity may be used provided it is noted in the test report that an
failure in accordance with 3.2.3
3.2.3..
assumed value was used.
10.6 p' − q Diagram—Prepare a graph showing the relation-
ship
ship betw
between
een p' and
and q, plotting q aass ordinate
ordinate and p' as abscis
abscissa
sa 11.2.6 Initi
11.2.6 Initial
al heig
height
ht and diameter
diameter of spec
specimen,
imen,
11.2.7 Method followed for specimen
specimen saturation (that
(that is, dry
using the same scale. The values of p' and and q fo
forr a gi
give
ven
n axi
axial
al or wet method),
load may be computed as follows: 11.2.8 Total back pressure,
pressure,
~~ σ 1
2 σ ! c 12σ !
3
'
3
~σ '
1
1σ
'
3
! 11.
1.2.
2.9
9 The po pore
re pr
pres
essu
sure
re Pa
Para
rame
meteterr B at th thee en
endd of
p' 5 5 (16)
2 2 saturation,
~σ 2 σ3 !c 11.2.10 Effe
Effective
ctive consolidation stress,
1
q5 (17) 11.2.11 Tim
Timee to 50 % primary consolidation,
consolidation,
2
11.2.12 Specimen dry unit weight, void ratio, ratio, water content,
where: and percent saturation after consolidation,
(σ1 − σ 3 )c = corrected
corrected principal
principal stre
stress
ss dif
differen
ference
ce (devi
(deviator
ator 11.2.13
11.2.13 Speci
Specimen
men cross
cross-sec
-section
tional
al area afte
afterr cons
consolida
olidation
tion
stress), kPa, and and method used for determination,
σ'3 = effective
effective mino
minorr prin
principal
cipal stre
stress,
ss, kPa. 11.2.14 Failure criterion
criterion used,
10.7 Dete
Determin
rminee the major and mino
minorr prin
principal
cipal stresses
stresses at 11.2.15 The value of the principal stress difference
difference (deviator
stress) at failure and the values of the effective minor and major
failure based on total stresses, σ 1f and σ3f respectively, and on
effecti
effective
ve stre
stresses,
sses, σ'1f and σ'3f respectively, as follows: principal stresses at failure, (indicate when values have been
corrected for effects due to membrane or filter strips, or both),
σ 3f5 effective consol
oliida
dati
tio
on st
strress
ss,, ( 18) 11.2.16 Axial strain
11.2.16 strain at failure,
failure, perce
percent,
nt,
~ !
σ 1 f 5 σ 1 2 σ 3 cf1 σ3 f , (19) 11.2.17
11.2.17 Rate of strain, percent
percent per minu
minute,
te,

12
 D4767 − 11 (2020)

FIG. 4 Const
Constructi
ruction
on of Mohr Stres
Stress
s Circle

11.2.18
11 .2.18 Princ
Principal
ipal stress dif
differen
ference
ce (devi
(deviator
ator stress) and in- either not feasible or too costly at this time to have ten or more
duced pore-water
pore-water pressure versus axial stra strain
in curv
curveses as de- labora
laborator
tories
ies par
partic
ticipa
ipate
te in a rou
round-
nd-rob
robin
in tes
testin
ting
g pro
progra
gram.
m.
scribed in 10.5
10.5,, Subcommittee D18.05 is seeking any data from users of this
11.2.19
11 .2.19 The p' − q diagram as described in 10.6 10.6,, test method that might be used to make a limited statement on
11.2
1.2.20
.20 Moh
Mohrr strstress
ess cir
circle
cless bas
baseded on tottotal
al and ef effec
fectiv
tivee precision.
stresses, (optional),
11.2.21
11 .2.21 Slope of anglanglee of the fail
failure
ure surface (optional
(optional),), 12.2 Bias—There is no accepted reference value for this test
11.2.22
11 .2.22 Failu
Failurere sketch or photo
photograph
graph of the specimen,
specimen, and method, therefore, bias cannot be determined.
11.2.23
11 .2.23 Remar
Remarks ks and notations
notations regarding
regarding any unusual con-
ditions
ditions such as slic slickensi
kensides,
des, stra
stratific
tification
ation,, shell
shells,
s, pebbl
pebbles,es, 13. Keyw
Keywords
ords
roots, and so forth, or other information necessary to properly 13.1 back press
pressure
ure satu
saturati
ration;
on; cohe
cohesive
sive soil; consolidated
consolidated
interpret
inte rpret the resu
results
lts obtai
obtained,
ned, incl
including
uding any depa
departure
rturess from undrained strength; strain-controlled loading; stress-strain re-
the procedure outlined. lationships; total and effective stresses
12. Prec
Precision
ision and Bias
Bias
12.1 Precision—Test data on precision is not presented due
to the nature of the soil materials tested by this procedure. It is

13
 D4767 − 11 (2020)
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