Drainage controlled uniaxial swelling cell

Abstract

A modified oedometer apparatus, the drainage controlled uniaxial swelling cell, is described. While inward vertical and radial flow paths are effectively adjustable, a drainage controlled uniaxial swelling cell can be applied to measure the vertical swelling pressure value at a predetermined drain path, when integrated with a closed-loop mechanical testing load frame. Aiming for calibration of the cell, a set of validation standard constant volume swell tests (ASTM D4546) is conducted on remoulded unsaturated expansive clay specimens. The results revealed an upper bound for the ultimate vertical swelling pressure under multilateral drainage condition.