ISSN: 1945-7545
CODEN: GTJODJ
Published Online: 1 August 2012
Page Count: 5

A New Laser Sensor Volume Measurement System for the Triaxial Testing of Unsaturated Soils

Zhang, X.
Faculty of Engineering, Science and the Built Environment, London South Bank Univ., SE1 0AA,

Mavroulidou, M.
Faculty of Engineering, Science and the Built Environment, London South Bank Univ., SE1 0AA,

Sutton, J.
Global Digital Systems Ltd, Hook, Hampshire,

Cabarkapa, Z.
Geotechnical Consulting Group, London,

Gunn, M. J.
Faculty of Engineering, Science and the Built Environment, London South Bank Univ., SE1 0AA,

(Received 12 December 2011; accepted 14 May 2012)

Abstract

The paper demonstrates a novel non-contacting volume change measurement system for triaxial soil testing. The system uses an ultra high accuracy laser displacement sensor that measures water volume changes resulting from the volume change of the specimen during testing. The paper presents the design, working principles, system calibrations, and the validation of the system through comparative measurements of volume changes of soil specimens during triaxial shearing, against results of conventional volume measurement techniques.

Keywords:
volume measurement, unsaturated soils, triaxial testing

Paper ID: GTJ104613
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ104613
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