Can an undisturbed soil sample be used to find the strength of soil?

Can an undisturbed soil sample be used to find the strength of soil?

• A. Yes, only if collected using a Shelby tube
• B. No, it cannot be measured
• C. Yes, using any sampler
• D. Yes, if a disturbed sample is mixed

Answer: (A)

An undisturbed soil sample is critical for accurately assessing the strength of soil because it preserves the in-situ conditions and structure of the soil. When a soil sample is collected without disturbance—such as using a Shelby tube—the physical and mechanical properties of the soil remain intact, allowing for reliable laboratory testing. The Shelby tube is specifically designed to minimize disturbance during sampling. Its design allows a cylindrical section of soil to be extracted with minimal alteration to its natural state. This is essential for strength tests such as triaxial, shear, and consolidation tests, where the sample's original structure, moisture content, and density significantly influence the results. Collecting soil samples with tools not designed for undisturbed extraction, or disturbing the sample in any way, can introduce variables and errors into test results. This is why specificity regarding the type of sampler used is crucial in soil sampling practices, making the use of a Shelby tube particularly favored in geotechnical investigations.

An undisturbed soil sample is critical for accurately assessing the strength of soil because it preserves the in-situ conditions and structure of the soil. When a soil sample is collected without disturbance—such as using a Shelby tube—the physical and mechanical properties of the soil remain intact, allowing for reliable laboratory testing.

The Shelby tube is specifically designed to minimize disturbance during sampling. Its design allows a cylindrical section of soil to be extracted with minimal alteration to its natural state. This is essential for strength tests such as triaxial, shear, and consolidation tests, where the sample's original structure, moisture content, and density significantly influence the results.

Collecting soil samples with tools not designed for undisturbed extraction, or disturbing the sample in any way, can introduce variables and errors into test results. This is why specificity regarding the type of sampler used is crucial in soil sampling practices, making the use of a Shelby tube particularly favored in geotechnical investigations.