Students then perform a thorough analysis on a complete set of consolidation data provided by the instructor. Unconfined Compression Test Lab - Students perform an unconfined compression test on a cohesive soil at four different moisture contents. Students prepare the specimen at various moisture contents, compact the specimen using a Harvard Miniature Device, and load the specimen to failure in the unconfined compression test apparatus. Direct Shear Test on Sand - Students prepare a cohesionless soil specimen and test it to failure at three different normal stresses using a direct shear test apparatus. The test is strain controlled.
Students use the results to determine the strength parameters of the soil and the failure envelope.
Lab Summary Report. Word-processing using Microsoft Word is also required for all reports. At a minimum students reduce and graph lab data on a spreadsheet. Regression of lab data is also required. Spreadsheets are also used to compute settlements, design retaining walls, and design shallow foundations.