ISSN: 0149-6115
Published Online: 1 September 2006
Page Count: 9

Modified Ring Shear Apparatus for Unsaturated Soils Testing

Sedano, JAI
Ph.D. Candidate,University of Ottawa,

Vanapalli, SK
Assistant Professor,University of Ottawa,

Garga, VK
Professor,University of Ottawa,

(Received 4 October 2005; accepted 25 April 2006)

Abstract

This paper presents the design details of an automated modified ring shear apparatus for the testing of unsaturated soils using the axis-translation technique. The components of this automated system are described, as well as the types of tests that it can be used for. The key cell components include a flushing system and a precise volume gage system. The paper presents typical test results including the continuous monitoring of water as the test proceeds. A methodology to correct the water content measurements for the effect of air infiltration and evaporation or condensation of water is included.

Keywords:
modified ring shear, unsaturated soils, shear strength, residual strength, axis translation

Paper ID: GTJ100002
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ100002
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