This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D2166/D2166M − 16

Standard Test Method for

Unconfined Compressive Strength of Cohesive Soil1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2166/D2166M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the uncon- system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
fined compressive strength of cohesive soil in the intact, values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
remolded, or reconstituted condition, using strain-controlled with the standard.
application of the axial load. 1.6.1 The gravitational system of inch-pound units is used
when dealing with inch-pound units. In this system, the pound
1.2 This test method provides an approximate value of the (lbf) represents a unit of force (weight), while the unit for mass
strength of cohesive soils in terms of total stresses. is slugs. The rationalized slug unit is not given, unless dynamic
1.3 This test method is applicable only to cohesive materials (F = ma) calculations are involved.
which will not expel or bleed water (water expelled from the 1.6.2 It is common practice in the engineering/construction
soil due to deformation or compaction) during the loading profession to concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit
portion of the test and which will retain intrinsic strength after of mass (lbm) and of force (lbf). This implicitly combines two
removal of confining pressures, such as clays or cemented separate systems of units; that is, the absolute system and the
soils. Dry and crumbly soils, fissured or varved materials, silts, gravitational system. It is scientifically undesirable to combine
peats, and sands cannot be tested with this method to obtain the use of two separate sets of inch-pound units within a single
valid unconfined compression strength values. standard. As stated, this standard includes the gravitational
system of inch-pound units and does not use/present the slug
NOTE 1—The determination of the unconsolidated, undrained strength
of cohesive soils with lateral confinement is covered by Test Method unit for mass. However, the use of balances or scales recording
D2850. pounds of mass (lbm) or recording density in lbm/ft3 shall not
1.4 This test method is not a substitute for Test Method be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.
D2850. 1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.5 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
Practice D6026, unless superseded by this standard.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/
recorded and calculated in this test method are regarded as the
2. Referenced Documents
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
significant digits that should generally be retained. The proce- 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider- Fluids
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to D854 Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by
increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to com- Water Pycnometer
mensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of D1587 Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Fine-
this test method to consider significant digits used in analysis Grained Soils for Geotechnical Purposes
methods for engineering design. D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
1.6 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
D2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
(Visual-Manual Procedure)
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.05 on Strength and
2
Compressibility of Soils. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved July 1, 2016. Published July 2016. Originally approved contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
in 1963. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D2166 – 13. DOI: 10.1520/ Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
D2166_D2166M-16. the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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 D2166/D2166M − 16
D2850 Test Method for Unconsolidated-Undrained Triaxial 5.3 If tests on the same sample in both its intact and
Compression Test on Cohesive Soils remolded states are performed, the sensitivity of the material
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies can be determined. This method of determining sensitivity is
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as suitable only for soils that can retain a stable specimen shape
Used in Engineering Design and Construction in the remolded state.
D4220 Practices for Preserving and Transporting Soil NOTE 2—For soils that will not retain a stable shape, a vane shear test
Samples or Test Method D2850 can be used to determine sensitivity.
D4318 Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and NOTE 3—The quality of the result produced by this standard is
Plasticity Index of Soils dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent
Data and objective testing/sampling/inspection. Users of this standard are
D6913 Test Methods for Particle-Size Distribution (Grada- cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself ensure
tion) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740
D7263 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Den- provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
sity (Unit Weight) of Soil Specimens
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in 6. Apparatus
ASTM Test Methods 6.1 Compression Device—The compression device may be
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to a platform weighing scale equipped with a screw-jack-
Determine the Precision of a Test Method activated load yoke, a hydraulic loading device, or any other
compression device with sufficient capacity and control to
3. Terminology provide the rate of loading prescribed in 8.1. The compression
3.1 Definitions: device shall be capable of measuring the compressive stress to
3.1.1 For definitions of common technical terms in this three significant digits at the maximum stress, or within 1 kPa
standard, refer to Terminology D653. [0.01 ton/ft2], whichever is larger.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: 6.2 Sample Extruder, capable of extruding the soil core from
3.2.1 unconfined compressive strength (qu)—the compres- the sampling tube at a uniform rate in the same direction of
sive stress at which an unconfined cylindrical specimen of soil travel in which the sample entered the tube, and with negligible
will fail in a simple compression test; in this test method, disturbance of the sample. Conditions at the time of sample
unconfined compressive strength is taken as the maximum load removal may dictate the direction of removal, but the principal
attained per unit area or the load per unit area at 15 % axial concern is to reduce the potential for additional disturbance
strain, whichever is secured first during the performance of a beyond that incurred during initial sampling.
test. 6.3 Deformation Indicator—The deformation indicator shall
3.2.2 shear strength (su)—for unconfined compressive be a dial indicator graduated to 0.03 mm [0.001 in.] or better
strength test specimens, the shear strength is calculated to be and having a travel range of at least 20 % of the length of the
1⁄2 of the compressive stress at failure, as defined in 3.2.1.
test specimen, or some other measuring device, such as an
electronic deformation measuring device, meeting these re-
4. Summary of Test Method
quirements.
4.1 In this test method, a cylindrical soil specimen is
6.4 Dial Comparator, or other suitable device, for measur-
unconfined laterally while loaded axially at an axial strain rate
ing the physical dimensions of the specimen to within 0.1 % of
between 0.5 to 2 %/min. Measurements are made of elapsed
the measured dimension.
time, axial deformation, and axial load. The unconfined com-
pressive stress, qu, is calculated as the compressive stress at NOTE 4—Vernier calipers are not recommended for soft specimens,
failure. The shear strength, su, is one half of the unconfined which will deform as the calipers are applied on the specimen.
compressive strength. 6.5 Timer—A timing device indicating the elapsed testing
time to the nearest second shall be used for establishing the rate
5. Significance and Use of strain application prescribed in 8.1.
5.1 The primary purpose of the unconfined compression test 6.6 Balance—The balance used to weigh specimens shall
is to quickly obtain a measure of compressive strength for determine the mass of the specimen to within 0.1 % of its total
those soils that possess sufficient cohesion to permit testing in mass.
the unconfined state.
6.7 Equipment, as specified in Test Method D2216.
5.2 Samples of soils having slickensided or fissured
structure, samples of some types of loess, very soft clays, dry 6.8 Miscellaneous Apparatus, including specimen trimming
and crumbly soils and varved materials, or samples containing and carving tools, remolding apparatus, water content cans,
significant portions of silt or sand, or both (all of which usually and data sheets, as required.
exhibit cohesive properties), frequently display higher shear
strengths when tested in accordance with Test Method D2850. 7. Preparation of Test Specimens
Also, unsaturated soils will usually exhibit different shear 7.1 Specimen Size—Specimens shall have a minimum diam-
strengths when tested in accordance with Test Method D2850. eter of 30 mm [1.3 in.] and the largest particle contained within

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 D2166/D2166M − 16
the test specimen shall be smaller than one tenth of the remold to the same void ratio as the intact specimen, and to
specimen diameter. For specimens having a diameter of 72 mm preserve the natural water content of the soil. Form the
[2.8 in.] or larger, the largest particle size shall be smaller than disturbed material into a mold of circular cross section having
one sixth of the specimen diameter. If, after completion of a dimensions meeting the requirements of 7.1. After removal
test on an intact specimen, it is found, based on visual from the mold, determine the mass and dimensions of the test
observation, that larger particles than permitted are present, specimens.
indicate this information in the remarks section of the report of 7.4 Reconstituted Specimens—Specimens shall be prepared
test data (Note 5). The height-to-diameter ratio shall be to the predetermined water content and density prescribed by
between 2 and 2.5. Determine the average height and diameter the individual assigning the test (Note 6). After a specimen is
of the test specimen using the apparatus specified in 6.4. Take formed, trim the ends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis,
a minimum of three height measurements (approximately 120° remove from the mold, and determine the mass and dimensions
apart), and at least three diameter measurements at approxi- of the test specimen.
mately the quarter points of the height.
NOTE 6—Experience indicates that it is difficult to compact, handle, and
NOTE 5—If large soil particles are found in the specimen after testing, obtain valid results with specimens that have a degree of saturation that is
a particle-size analysis performed in accordance with Test Method D6913 greater than 90 %.
may be performed to confirm the visual observation and the results
provided with the test report. 8. Procedure
7.2 Intact Specimens—Prepare intact specimens from large 8.1 Place the specimen in the loading device so that it is
samples or from samples secured in accordance with Practice centered on the bottom platen. Adjust the loading device
D1587 and preserved and transported in accordance with the carefully so that the upper platen just makes contact with the
practices for Group C samples in Practices D4220. Tube specimen. Zero the deformation indicator or record the initial
specimens may be tested without trimming except for the reading of the electronic deformation device. Apply the load so
squaring of ends, if conditions of the sample justify this as to produce an axial strain at a rate of 1⁄2 to 2 % ⁄min. Record
procedure. Handle specimens carefully to reduce the potential load, deformation, and time values at sufficient intervals to
for additional disturbance, changes in cross section, or loss of define the shape of the stress-strain curve (usually 10 to 15
water content. If compression or any type of noticeable points are sufficient). The rate of strain should be chosen so that
disturbance would be caused by the extrusion device, split the the time to failure does not exceed about 15 min (Note 7).
sample tube lengthwise or cut it off in small sections to Continue loading until the load values decrease with increasing
facilitate removal of the specimen with minimal disturbance. strain, or until 15 % strain is reached. Indicate the rate of strain
Prepare carved specimens with minimal disturbance, and in the report of the test data, as required in 10.3.6. Determine
whenever possible, in a humidity-controlled room. Make every the water content of the test specimen using the entire
effort to prevent a change in water content of the soil. specimen, unless representative trimmings are obtained for this
Specimens shall be of uniform circular cross section with ends purpose, as in the case of intact specimens. Indicate on the test
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the specimen. When report whether the water content sample was obtained before or
carving or trimming, remove any small pebbles or shells after the shear test, as required in 10.3.1.
encountered. Carefully fill voids on the surface of the specimen
with remolded soil obtained from the trimmings. When pebbles NOTE 7—Softer materials that will exhibit larger deformation at failure
should be tested at a higher rate of strain. Conversely, stiff or brittle
or crumbling result in excessive irregularity at the ends, cap the materials that will exhibit small deformations at failure should be tested at
specimen with a minimum thickness of plaster of paris, a lower rate of strain.
hydrostone, or similar material. When sample condition
8.2 Make a sketch, or take a photo, of the test specimen at
permits, a vertical lathe that will accommodate the total sample
failure showing the slope angle of the failure surface if the
may be used as an aid in carving the specimen to the required
angle is measurable.
diameter. Determine the mass and dimensions of the test
specimen. If the specimen is to be capped, its mass and 8.3 A copy of a example data sheet is included in Appendix
dimensions should be determined before capping. If the entire X1. Any data sheet can be used, provided the form contains all
test specimen is not to be used for determination of water the required data.
content, secure a representative sample of trimmings for this
purpose, placing them immediately in a covered container. The 9. Calculation
water content determination shall be performed in accordance 9.1 Calculate the axial strain, ε1, to the nearest 0.1 %, for a
with Test Method D2216. Initial dry density determination given applied load, as follows:
shall be performed in accordance with Test Method D7263. ∆L
ε 15 3 100
7.3 Remolded Specimens—Specimens may be prepared ei- L0
ther from a failed intact specimen or from a disturbed sample,
where:
providing it is representative of the failed intact specimen. In
the case of failed intact specimens, wrap the material in a thin ∆L = length change of specimen as read from deformation
rubber membrane and work the material thoroughly with the indicator or computed from the electronic device, mm
fingers to assure complete remolding. Avoid entrapping air in [in.], and
the specimen. Exercise care to obtain a uniform density, to L0 = initial length of test specimen, mm [in.].

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 D2166/D2166M − 16
9.2 Calculate the average cross-sectional area, A, for a given 10.3.8 Liquid and plastic limits, if determined, in accor-
applied load, as follows: dance with Test Method D4318,
A0 10.3.9 Failure sketch or photo,
A5 10.3.10 Stress-strain graph, if prepared,
S 12
ε1
100 D 10.3.11 Sensitivity, if determined,
10.3.12 Particle size analysis, if determined, in accordance
where: with Test Method D6913, and
A0 = initial average cross-sectional area of the specimen, 10.3.13 Remarks—Note any unusual conditions or other
mm2 [in.2], and data that would be considered necessary to properly interpret
ε1 = axial strain for the given load, expressed as a percent. the results obtained, for example, slickensides, stratification,
9.3 Calculate the compressive stress, σc, to three significant shells, pebbles, roots, or brittleness, the type of failure (that is,
figures or nearest 1 kPa [0.01 ton/ft2], for a given applied load, bulge, diagonal shear, etc.).
as follows: 11. Precision and Bias
σ c 5 ~ P/A !
11.1 Precision—Criteria for judging the acceptability of test
where: results obtained by this test method on rigid polyurethane foam
P = given applied load, kN [lbf], (density about 0.09 g/cm3) is given in Table 1. These estimates
A = corresponding average cross-sectional area mm2 [in.2]. of precision are based on the results of the interlaboratory
program conducted by the ASTM Reference Soils and Testing
9.4 Graph—If desired, a graph showing the relationship Program.3 The precision estimates will vary with the material/
between compressive stress (ordinate) and axial strain (ab- soil type being tested, and judgement is required when apply-
scissa) may be plotted. Select the maximum value of compres- ing these estimates to soil.
sive stress, or the compressive stress at 15 % axial strain, 11.1.1 The data in Table 1 are based on three replicate tests
whichever is secured first, and report as the unconfined performed by each test laboratory. The single-operator and
compressive strength, qu. Whenever it is considered necessary multilaboratory standard deviation shown in Table 1, Column
for proper interpretation, include the graph of the stress-strain 4, were obtained in accordance with Practice E691. Results of
data as part of the data reported. two properly conducted tests performed by the same operator
9.5 If both the intact and remolded compressive strengths on the same material, using the same equipment, and in the
are measured, determine the sensitivity, ST, as follows: shortest practical period of time should not differ by more than
q u ~ intact specimen! the single-operator d2s limits shown in Table 1, Column 5. For
ST 5
q u ~ remolded specimen! definition of d2s see Footnote D in Table 1. Results of two

10. Report: Test Data Sheet(s)/Form(s)

3
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
10.1 The methodology used to specify how data are re- be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D18-1014. Contact ASTM Customer
corded on the test data sheet(s)/form(s), as given below, is Service at [email protected].
covered in 1.5.
TABLE 1 Summary of Test Results from Each Laboratory
10.2 Record as a minimum the following general informa- (Compressive Strength Data on Rigid Polyurethane Foam
tion (data): (density about 0.09 g/cm3))
10.2.1 Identification and visual description of the specimen, (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
including soil classification, symbol, and whether the specimen Number of
Test Average Standard
Acceptable
Triplicate Test Range of Two
is intact, remolded, reconstituted, etc. Also include specimen Laboratories
ParameterA ValueB DeviationC
ResultsD
identifying information, such as project, location, boring Single-Operator Results (Wiithin-Laboratory Repeatability):
number, sample number, depth, etc. Visual descriptions shall 22 Strength, kPa 989 42 120
22 Strain, % 4.16 0.32 0.9
be made in accordance with Practice D2488. Multilaboratory Results (Between- Laboratory Reproducibility):
10.3 Record as a minimum the following test data: 22 Strength, kPa 989 53 150
22 Strain, % 4.16 0.35 1.0
10.3.1 Initial dry density and water content (specify if the A
Strength = peak compressive stress and strain = axial strain at peak compressive
water content specimen was obtained before or after shear, and stress.
whether from trimmings or the entire specimen), B
The number of significant digits and decimal places presented are representative
10.3.2 Degree of saturation (Note 8), if computed, of the input data. In accordance with Practice D6026, the standard deviation and
acceptable range of results can not have more decimal places than the input data.
C
Standard deviation is calculated in accordance with Practice E691 and is
NOTE 8—The specific gravity determined in accordance with Test
referred to as the 1s limit.
Method D854 is required for calculation of the degree of saturation. D
Acceptable range of two results is referred to as the d2s limit. It is calculated as
10.3.3 Unconfined compressive strength and shear strength, 1.960œ2·1s, as defined by Practice E177. The difference between two properly
conducted tests should not exceed this limit. The number of significant digits/
10.3.4 Average height and diameter of specimen, decimal places presented is equal to that prescribed by this test method or
10.3.5 Height-to-diameter ratio, Practice D6026. In addition, the value presented can have the same number of
decimal places as the standard deviation, even if that result has more significant
10.3.6 Average rate of strain to failure, %, digits than the standard deviation.
10.3.7 Strain at failure, %,

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 D2166/D2166M − 16
properly conducted tests performed by different operators and 12. Keywords
on different days should not differ by more than the multilabo- 12.1 cohesive soil; sensitivity; strain-controlled loading;
ratory d2s limits shown in Table 1, Column 5. strength; stress-strain relationships; unconfined compression
11.2 Bias—There is no accepted reference value for this test
method, therefore, bias cannot be determined.

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 D2166/D2166M − 16

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. EXAMPLE DATA SHEET

X1.1 See Fig. X1.1.

FIG. X1.1 Example Data Sheet

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 D2166/D2166M − 16

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

In accordance with Committee D18 policy, this section identifies the location of changes to this standard since
the last edition (2013) that may impact the use of this standard. (July 1, 2016)

(1) Removed the sentence from 7.2 regarding the prevention of

capillary forces.

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