Consolidation Tests - Laboratory

[geot88]

I have an unsaturated MH sample, obtained from above the groundwater level, and I need to have consolidation parameters for design. We normally run consolidation tests of samples under the groundwater level (theoretically fully saturated), so the primary consolidation process takes effect when the water comes out through the pores.

How can we proceed for unsaturated samples (S=80%)? Should we add water to the oedometer to keep the sample under water conditions like we do with a saturated sample? If so, the water content at the end of the test might be greater than the water content before the test.

Thanks for taking the time to help me on this.

 

[fattdad]

run it as a saturated sample. After all, at some normal load (and corresponding strain) you may get saturation.

When in doubt you can always read the ASTM Standard for the consolidation test too!

f-d

ípapß gordo ainÆt no madre flaca!