Journal Published Online: 01 December 1981
Volume 4, Issue 4

Linearizing Triaxial Test Failure Envelopes

CODEN: GTJODJ

Abstract

Soil variability biases both the best-fit-by-eye and linear regression of p-q triaxial test data plots (where p represents the abscissa of the center of a Mohr circle and q is the radius) to substantially over-estimate the friction angle ø. This is because linear regression of q on p assumes that variability lies in the y-axis direction, whereas if lateral stress σ3' is constant, variability is 45° to the y-axis. A correct regression is quickly performed by converting p-q data points to polar coor-dinates, adding 45° or another angle indicated by the mean stress paths to the coordinate angle, converting back to rectangular coordinates, and performing the linear regression. The correlation coefficient thus obtained is lowered because it correctly assesses data variability. Without correction the error in ø may be as much as 10°.

Author Information

Handy, RL
Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
Pages: 4
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: GTJ10789J
ISSN: 0149-6115
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ10789J