THE VALUE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF LABORATORY TESTING

Tests for structural foundation design, for earthworks design, pavement design, and for earthworks specification are discussed, and it is noted that with correct site evaluation, better in-situ testing methods and a rationalized approach to laboratory testing, site investigation results will be of greater use than hitherto. For foundation strength, the parameters most frequently required are the undrained shear strength of the soil and the coefficients of volume change and consolidation. The results from laboratory testing indicate soil properties may vary considerably from in-situ values. Testing for earthworks is categorized into testing required for internal and external stability, and settlement estimation. Comments are made on frost susceptibility testing, the California Bearing Ratio tests, the determination of design parameters, and the reporting of results. Earthworks specification define the suitability limits and determine the upper limits of moisture content for the various classifications of soil encountered at the site.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This article appeared in Road Design which is a publication containing the Proceedings of Seminar X held at the University of Warwick, England.
• Corporate Authors:

  Planning and Transport Res and Computation Co Ltd

  167 Oxford Street
  London W1R 1AH,   England 
• Authors:
  • CEARNS, P J
• Publication Date: 1975-7

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 8-19
• Serial:
  • Publication of: International Congress on Automotive Safety
  • Publisher: International Congress on Automotive Safety

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: California bearing ratio; Consolidation; Earthwork; Foundations; Frost susceptibility; Laboratory tests; Moisture content; Pavement design; Soils; Specifications; Undrained shear strength; Volume changes
• Uncontrolled Terms: Site investigation; Soil consolidation
• Old TRIS Terms: Foundations (Structures)
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00145016
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: P131
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 1 1977 12:00AM