AS 1289.6.6.1:2020 pdf Methods of testing soils for engineering purposes
1 Scope
This Method describes a procedure for determining the rate and magnitude of consolidation of soil
when it is restrained laterally and loaded and drained axially, using either manual loading or automated equipment. The Method gives the most reliable results when used on saturated clay soils, which the consolidation theory applies.
NOTE The result of any test reached in accordance with this procedure requires interpretation in relation to the nature of the soil and the way in which the specimen was obtained and prepared.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document.
NOTE Documents referenced for informative purposes are listed in the Bibliography.
AS 1289.2.1.1, Methods of testing soils for engineering purposes, Method 2.1.1: Soil moisture content tests
— Determination of the moisture content of a soil — Oven drying method (standard method)
AS 1289.3.5.1, Methods of testing soils for engineering purposes, Method 3.5.1: Soil classification tests —Determination of the soil particle density of a soil — Standard method
3 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are listed in this document.
4 Apparatus
The following apparatus shall be used:
(a) Load device — suitable for applying vertical loads to the specimen. The device shall be capable
of maintaining specified loads for long periods of time with an accuracy of ± 2 % of the applied
load, and permit application of a given load increment within a period of 10 s without impact.
In any increment, if the time to apply the load exceeds 10 s the time it took shall be reported.
NOTE 1 Some automated devices may require adjustment of the rate of load application to ensure
the load increment is applied within the 10 s limit.
(b) Consolidation cell — a device to hold the specimen in a ring which is either fixed (to the base
of the consolidation cell) or floating (supported by friction on the periphery of the specimen)
with porous plates on each face of the specimen. The consolidation cell shall also provide
means for inundating the specimen with water, for transmitting the vertical load, and for
measuring the change in thickness of the specimen. The consolidation ring shall meet the
following requirements:
(i) The ring shall be metallic with a cutting edge to aid in specimen preparation having
a minimum wall thickness of 3 mm and be corrosion resistant in relation to the soil
to be tested. The inner surface of the ring shall be smooth.
NOTE 2 Suitable grease — Silicone or “PTFE” (Polytetrafluoroethylene).
(ii) Minimum ring diameter, 50 mm; minimum ring height, 15 mm.
NOTE 3 Specimens containing inert materials with particle sizes greater than 10 times
the diameter may influence the results and should be noted in the reporting.
(iii) Minimum internal ring diameter: height ratio is 3:1.
(c) Two porous plates of silicon carbide, aluminium oxide, or metal which is not attacked by the
soil or soil moisture. The porous plate shall have a permeability not less than 20 times the
permeability of the soil. The following requirements shall be met:
(i) Plates shall be a minimum of 0.3 mm and no more than 0.5 mm smaller in diameter
than the ring to minimize extrusion of soil between the inner face of the ring
and the plate.
(ii) Top plate shall be loaded through a corrosion-resistant loading cap of sufficient
rigidity to prevent breakage of the plate.
AS 1289.6.6.1:2020 pdf Methods of testing soils for engineering purposes
