Oedometric

Oedometric refers to a type of laboratory test used in soil mechanics to measure the one-dimensional compressibility and consolidation characteristics of a soil sample. The test is conducted using an apparatus called an oedometer, which consists of a cylindrical ring into which a soil specimen is placed. The specimen is then subjected to a series of incremental vertical loads, and the resulting vertical deformation is measured over time.

The primary purpose of the oedometric test is to determine the soil's compressibility parameters, such as the coefficient of consolidation (c_v), the coefficient of volume compressibility (m_v), and the pre-consolidation pressure (p'_c). These parameters are crucial for predicting the settlement of structures built on soil foundations. The test is typically performed on undisturbed or reconstituted soil samples.

During the test, the soil specimen is confined laterally within the oedometer ring, allowing only vertical drainage. The applied loads are increased incrementally, and readings of dial gauge displacement are taken at specific time intervals. This data is then used to plot curves of deformation versus time and deformation versus applied stress. The analysis of these curves provides insights into how the soil compresses under load and how quickly it consolidates.

The oedometric test is a fundamental tool in geotechnical engineering for assessing the settlement behavior of soils under applied loads, which is essential for designing safe and stable foundations.