What is a cyclic triaxial test?
November 28th, 2009
The cyclic triaxial test is used to determine the ability of a soil surface to withstand shear stresses caused by earthquakes and other types of cyclic loading. It is also a common tool to establish cyclic soil strength. The most important use for this kind of test is to determine the liquefaction point of soils. Soil liquefaction is more common in loose to moderately saturated granular soils that do not drain well. During earthquakes, loose sand decrease in volume with a subsequent increase in porewater pressure. The result is a decrease of the shear strength of the soil. The most famous example of soil liquefaction was manifested in the destruction of San Francisco’s Marina district during the earthquake of Loma Prieta in 1989. Structural design must incorporate the risk of soil liquefaction especially in urban areas. A common occurrence of soil liquefaction is the quicksand. Trapped water in sand creates liquefied soil that is barely able to support weight.
Entry Filed under: Technology