A Simple Ko Triaxial Cell

The need to reproduce the same stress path in the laboratory as in the field is emphasized, especially for initial consolidation, which in most cases is under K o conditions. A simplified K o triaxial cell is described, which permits initial K o consolidation without any adjustments. A loading system is described, which permits a variety of stress paths during shear (either passive or active, compression or extension, by strain control or stress control loading, under drained or undrained conditions).The ease of sample preparation and test procedure is pointed out and characteristics of the new apparatus are described. Typical data are presented during both consolidation and loading under all possible stress paths, which demonstrates the consistency of results, the flexibility of the new apparatus, and the variation in soil behavior as a function of stress path.