Measuring total volumetric strains during triaxial tests on frozen soils: a new approach

Abstract

A triaxial cell has been modified to permit measurement of volumetric strains during deformation-rate-controlled and stress-controlled triaxial tests on frozen soils. In the system described here, a volume change in the soil sample alters the level of fluid in the triaxial cell. The fluid level can be monitored during the test using a sloping tube volumeter. Theoretical accuracy with this arrangement can exceed 0.1% of the sample volume.