SYMPOSIA PAPER
Published:
01 January 1981
STP28780S
Discussion of Soil Testing Practices
SourceSix questions concerning the advantages and limitations of equipment for measuring shear strength of soils, and related test errors, were posed to the author. The responses are given in this paper. Emphasis is placed on the need to understand the shape of the stress-strain curve when selecting the apparatus. This need arises in soil testing because the soil type, soil structure, state, and stress path all have a strong influence on the stress-strain curves. Details of testing that are discussed are: (1) used of undisturbed or compacted specimens, (2) when to test partially saturated soils, (3) backpressure saturation, and (4) membrane penetration effects. Some suggestions for needed research are given.
Author Information
Poulos, SJ
Geotechnical Engineers, Inc., Winchester, Mass.
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Details
Developed by Committee: D18
Pages: 659–666
DOI: 10.1520/STP28780S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4806-2
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0789-2