Psychrometric Measurement of Total Suction in a Triaxial Compression Test.
Abstract
The shear strength of foundation soils in important in the design of all types of foundations. For soils that are less than full saturated, however, the shear strength is especially difficult to determine. This study was initiated to study the applicability of the thermocouple psychrometric method for measuring negative pore water pressures or suction in less than fully saturated soils during undrained shear strength tests and thus to provide a more accurate basis for determining shear strength. The feasibility for measuring total suction of less than fully saturated soil specimens was demonstrated during triaxial compression tests. Reproducibility is limited to about plus or minus 1/2 atm of suction with current testing techniques; however, precise temperature control is not required, and the range of the thermocouple psychrometric technique extends to at least 50 atm of suction. (Modified author abstract)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- AD0781488
Entities
People
- Lawrence D. Johnson