Acquisition of a Vardoulakis-Type Plane Strain Device for Advanced Testing of Soils
Abstract
Plane strain loading conditions are present in many transportation-related geostructures, such as long
embankments and behind retaining walls. However, the mechanical properties of soils are not typically
characterized in plane strain compression. This is due not to lack of interest but because whereas direct shear
and axisymmetric (conventional triaxial) compression equipment is nearly ubiquitous in geotechnical
laboratories, plane strain devices are relatively more rare, primarily because of their complexity and expense.
This report documents the acquisition, set-up, and trial testing of a Vardoulakis-type plane strain device in the
Oregon State University geotechnical laboratory. The device was acquired “used” and “as-is,” and significant
effort was involved in developing, installing, and testing it. The device is now fully functional. This report
serves to document the effort, present sample test results, provide a users’ manual, and outline procedures for
data collection and reduction.