AASHTO T 208-15 (2019)

This test method covers the determination of the unconfined compressive strength of cohesive soil in the undisturbed, remolded, or compacted condition, using strain-controlled application of the axial load.

This test method provides an approximate value of the strength of cohesive soils in terms of total stresses.

This test method is applicable only to cohesive materials that will not expel bleed water (water expelled from the soil due to deformation or compaction) during the loading portion of the test and that will retain intrinsic strength after removal of confining pressures, such as clays or cemented soils. Dry and crumbly soils, fissured or varved materials, silts, peats, and sands cannot be tested with this method to obtain valid unconfined compressive strength values.

Note 1 - The determination of the unconsolidated, undrained strength of cohesive soils with lateral confinement is covered by T 296. This test method is not a substitute for T 296.