Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) Test

Introduction:
Unconfined Compressive Test (UCT) is a simple laboratory testing method to assess the
mechanical properties of rocks and fine-grained soils. It provides a measures of the undrained
strength and the stress- strain characteristics of the rock or soil.
Specimens of laboratory mixed stabilized material or freshly mixed stabilized materials from the
site, are prepared by compacting the material into cubic moulds. After demoulding the specimens
are cured at constant moisture content and temperature for a set period to allow the stabilizer to
harden. At the end of the curing period the specimens are crushed and the compressive strength
calculated from the crushing force and cross sectional area of the cubes.
This is a quick test to obtain the shear strength parameters of cohesive (fine grained) soils either
in undisturbed or remoulded condition. The test is not applicable to cohesionless or coarse
grained soils. The test is strain controlled and when the soil sample is loaded rapidly, the pore
pressures (water within the soil) undergo changes that do not have enough time to dissipate.
Hence the test is representative of soils in construction sites where the rate of construction is very
fast and the pore waters do not have enough time to dissipate.
The test results provide an estimate of the relative consistency of the soil. Almost used in all
geotechnical engineering designs (eg. design and stability analysis of foundations, retaining
walls, slopes and embankments) to obtain a rough estimate of the soil strength and viable
construction techniques. Also the test results can be used to determine Undrained Shear Strength
or Undrained Cohesion ((SU or CU) = qU/2).
Objectives:

Objective of this test is to determine the unconfined compressive strength (qU) of the soil.

Apparatus:
The following apparatus are required (Figure 1).
1. 5 mm, 20 mm and 27.5 mm test sieve, for fine, medium and coarse grained material
respectively.
2. A balance of 10.0 kg minimum capacity, readable to 1.0 g.
3. Moulds, suitable for casting 150 mm cubes.
4. A hammer consists of 4.5 kg weight, 45 mm squire face and 450 mm controlled height.
5. A plasterer's steel trowel.
6. An unconfined compression testing machine (Triaxial Machine), capable of exerting
sufficient force for the tests and of providing a uniform rate of increase of stress in the
test specimen of approximately 3.5 Mpa/min.
7. A palette kife.

Figure 1 - Apparatus used in standard Proctor compaction test.

Procedure:
1. The mixed material is sieved on the 5 mm test sieve for fine grained materials, the 20 mm
test sieve for medium grained materials or the 37.5 mm test sieve for coarse grained
materials and use only the fraction passing the appropriate sieve for the preparation of the
specimens.
2. For preparation of first sample, 8 kg of soil (as prepared in above) is measured and it is
mixed with 800 ml water (to achieve the optimum water content) using a plasterer's steel
trowel .
3. For preparation of second sample, 8 kg of soil is mixed with 400 g cement and 800 ml
water (to achieve the optimum water content) using a plasterer's steel trowel.
4. Two samples size 150 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm cubes are prepared separately using the
above mixtures one at a time as explain in the below.
5. Mold is greased and wrapped with cellophane paper to minimize the evaporation.
6. The soil mixture is compacted into the mold in three layers of approximately equal mass.
(Each layer shall be compacted by 35 blows). Blows must be distributed uniformly over
the surface of each layer so that the hammer always falls freely. The amount of soil must
be sufficient to fill the mold, leaving not more than 6 mm to be struck off when the
compaction is completed.
7. The surface of the mould is even out.
8. Curing of samples is done by wrapping with cellophane papers.

9. After the curing period (7 days and 28 days) samples are crushed using an unconfined
compression testing machine (Triaxial Machine) under 2.5 4.5 Mpa/min load.
Observation:
Calculations and result:
For the stabilized soil
Initial weight of specimen

= 6.40 kg

Weight of specimen after 7 days

Moisture

7 days compressive strength

For the pure soil

Weight of empty mould

= 14.75 kg

Initial weight of mould + Specimen

= 21.05 kg

Initial weight of Specimen

= 6.30 kg

Weight of mould + Specimen after 7 days

Weight of specimen after 7 days

Moisture

7 days compressive strength

Discussion:
1) Discuss the importance of soil stabilization in highway construction.
Highway soil stabilization is concerned with any process by which a soil may be improved and
made more stable. Soil will improved by increasing its strength, controlling volume-change
tendencies and reducing the possibility of settlement and, usually, minimizing changes in
moisture content.
Soil stabilization can be used for a number of activities in highway construction. These include,
improving poor sub grade conditions, upgrading base materials, recycling old roads containing
marginal materials, dust control, working platform for construction activities and temporary
wearing surfaces.
Stabilization can enhance the properties of road materials and pavement layers in following
ways:
* A substantial proportion of their strength is retained when they become saturated with water.
* Surface deflections are reduced.
* Resistance to erosion is increased.
* Materials in the supporting layer cannot contaminate the stabilized layer.
* The effective elastic moduli of granular layers constructed above stabilized layers are
increased.
* Lime-stabilized material is suitable for use as a capping layer or working platform when the in
situ material is excessively wet or weak and removal is not economical.
The continued and high demand for aggregates in highway construction has resulted in acute
shortage in localities, which previously had adequate supplies. In this situation also soil
stabilization can be used as a solution.
Many natural materials can be stabilized to make them suitable for road pavements. Due to the
urbanization, most highway paths are planned to construct on marshy areas and paddy lands,
where soil do not meet the various requirement of grading, strength, plasticity and durability.
Therefore, it is very important that these soils can be improved using soil stabilization methods.

2) Discuss the factors that would be effected the compressive strength of stabilized soil.
(stabilizer, method of curring, moisture content)

The compressive strength of stabilized soil can be effected by the stabilizer. A wide variety of
materials are used as stabilizers, such as cement, lime, bitumen and other admixtures ( Fly ash,
Chloride, Rice husk, ash, chemical stabilizers). It is very important to select the most appropriate
stabilizer for the particular soil. Selecting the stabilizer type depends on a number of factors,
including, gradation and plasticity index (PI) of soil, availability and cost of the stabilizer and
appropriate construction equipment. Lime is suitable for clayey and silty soils and cement can be
used in sandy and clay soils.
One of the other factors that effects the compressive strength of stabilized soil is the moisture
content. During the curring period it is very important to maintain the moisture content at
constant value. If the required moisture content is not available, the cement will not fully hydrate,
and the strength will be reduced from what it should be.
Curring is also effects the compressive strength of stabilized soil. Proper curing is very important
for three reasons:
* It ensures that sufficient moisture is retained in the layer so that the stabilizer can continue
to hydrate.
* It reduces shrinkage.
* It reduces the risk of carbonation from the top of the layer.
Curring of samples is done by wrapping with cellophane papers and keeping seven days in
normal room temperature. During the curing period it is essential that the specimens do not lose
any water. Thereby samples are allowed to develop the strength. After seven days if the weight
lost of soil samples is more than 25 g the test must be repeated.
In addition to the above following factors also can be effected the compressive strength of
stabilized soil.
* Method and degree of compaction of stabilized soil layers.
* Delay between mixing and compaction of stabilized soil.