ISSN: 1945-7545
CODEN: GTJODJ
Page Count: 5

Twin-Cell Stress Path Apparatus for Testing Unsaturated Soils

Sivakumar, R
Research Student, Queen's University Belfast, School of Civil Engineering, Belfast,

Sivakumar, V
Senior Lecturer, Queen's University Belfast, School of Civil Engineering, Belfast,

Blatz, J
Assistant Professor, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Vimalan, J
Director, V J Tech Ltd, Reading,

(Received 11 January 2005; accepted 10 October 2005)

Abstract

Determination of specific volume changes of unsaturated soils remains a challenging issue in soil testing for a number of reasons. Various attempts have been made over the years to improve the techniques of sample volume change measurement. This technical note reports the benefit of using a fully automated twin-cell stress path apparatus for measuring sample volume change and hence determining the specific volume. The system requires calibration for apparent volume change due to expansion of plastic tubes and connections. The results have shown excellent repeatability of the apparent volume change during the loading and unloading process.

Keywords:
Unsaturated soils, suction, compressibility, volume change device, experimental techniques, triaxial test, stress path cell

Paper ID: GTJ14014
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ14014
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