Biaxial testing on the properties of pre-cracked partially saturated clay

Abstract

This paper presents the result of the biaxial testing on the properties of precrack partially saturated clay specimen. A modification of the conventional triaxial apparatus was used in this study. Cell pressure from the triaxial compression test and a rigid loading platen are used to apply the minor and major principle stresses to the specimen. A high air-entry disc (HAED) was used as the interface between the partially saturated soil and the pore water pressure measuring system. Experimental results proved that the existence of crack or fissure in soil influence the mechanical properties of the specimen tested.