Assessment of shear strength parameters of moist sands using conventional triaxial tests

ABSTRACT: Shear strength parameters of moist soil are often required for the design of underground structures since the soil around the pipelines is generally moist. The strength parameters for the sand are usually determined from laboratory tests conducted on dry or saturated sand samples. However, the difference between the behavior of moist sand and dry or saturated sands is well-recognized. Researcher employed different methods through modification of conventional direct shear or triaxial test apparatus for testing of moist sands. This approach is usually complicated and time-consuming yet not flawless. In the present study, conventional triaxial test apparatus is used to assess the shear strength parameters of moist sand. The tests are conducted using a locally manufactured sand with varying moisture contents. Total stress analysis is adopted to interpret the test results for determining the strength parameters. Consolidated undrained test is also conducted on a saturated sand for comparison of the test results with the moist sands.