The combination of splitting tensile strength and unconfined compression tests on unsaturated soils to measure the evolution of unsaturated shear strength

The paper presents experimental results from unconfined compression and splitting tensile tests used in combination order to estimate the cohesion intercept of unsaturated soils. Samples different soils form slurry were subjected various suction values using axis translation technique a pressure plate extractor then these samples removed tests. Mohr’ circles for two loading conditions drawn tangents plotted obtain each soil suction. Cohesion was against angle shear strength increase due estimated compared value shearing resistance fully saturated soil. method allowed insight into evolution slurried fine-grained soils, seems be an interesting low-cost alternative established controlled methods strength, yet it is based on assumptions: first that failure envelope linear range between zero vertical stress corresponding loading, second applied does not change significantly moment sample until loading. former assumption fair one given involved; latter investigated by conducting test with measurement during This indicated too. Furthermore, relative φ b normalised indicating reasonable relation valid.