Laboratory techniques for measuring unconfined compressive strength are standardized by testing groups (e.g., American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials), often requiring technologically complex and expensive equipment. However, much of this technology is not available in developing countries. We describe the construction, operation, calibration, and application of a modified hydraulic jack for determining unconfined compressive strength. Three calibration curves are presented to provide options for laboratories with varying technological capabilities. Application shows that variation in measurements comes from natural variation within materials rather than from the modified jack. Our modified jack is simple, inexpensive, and precise. Testing shows it to have a high correlation to standard laboratory techniques ( R 2 = 0.89) and establishes it as a reliable measure of unconfined compressive strength.
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Cook et al. (1998) studied this question.