Simplified triaxial apparatus to test agricultural soils

A simplified cell for triaxial testing of soil samples has been developed. The apparatus allows the initial volume of the sample and the changes in volume that take place during both hydrostatic and triaxial compression tests to be measured, with an accuracy of 0.1 cm3. All samples prepared have been obtained and precompacted using a standardized procedure and the results plotted in diagrams. Thus, the behaviour of agricultural soil and how it reacts to principal stress could be determined. The results of triaxial tests on different samples, specifically prepared with loose sandy soil of given composition and water content, using the simplified apparatus, are examined. The equipment was not expensive and easy to use and it also had the same degree of accuracy as other commercially available equipment.