Unconfined Compression Test and Sensitivity of Soil

Unconfined Compression Test is a laboratory test conducted to determine the shear strength of a soil sample. The test is conducted by applying a vertical load on an unrestrained cylindrical sample of known dimensions until failure occurs. The test is typically conducted on remolded soil samples, but it can also be performed on undisturbed soil samples.

Sensitivity of Soil

Sensitivity of soil refers to the ease with which a soil can be deformed or compressed when subjected to external loads. Soils with high sensitivity tend to deform or compress more easily and are generally considered to be more susceptible to instability and failure.

Unconfined Compression Test and Sensitivity of Soil

The sensitivity of a soil can be determined by conducting unconfined compression tests on remolded soil samples. The test involves applying a vertical load on a cylindrical sample of known dimensions until failure occurs. The results of the test are used to determine the shear strength of the soil sample, which is an indicator of its sensitivity.

Undisturbed soil samples are not suitable for conducting unconfined compression tests to determine the sensitivity of soil. This is because undisturbed soil samples have not been subjected to any external loads or disturbances and, therefore, do not represent the actual conditions under which the soil will behave in the field.

Conclusion

In conclusion, unconfined compression tests are conducted to determine the shear strength of a soil sample. The sensitivity of soil can be determined by conducting unconfined compression tests on remolded soil samples. Undisturbed soil samples are not suitable for conducting unconfined compression tests to determine the sensitivity of soil.