Failure uniaxial compression methods

The failure function can be measured directly in a number of ways. Some are rather complex and still under development, like the new plane strain biaxial tester with flexible boundaries30, but the simplest method so far is the uniaxial compression test. Only the version developed by Williams et al,24 gives results close to those obtained indirectly with the Jenike shear cell, the other versions yield relative measurements only. 

Uniaxial Compression - Williams Method This method was developed by Williams, Birks and Bhatta-charya24. A compact is first formed in a split mould by applying an axial compressive force, the mould is then removed to leave a cylindrical specimen with its axis vertical. The compressive vertical stress needed to cause failure of the specimen is then found and this is the unconfined yield stress for the consolidating stress used in the compaction of the specimen. The failure function is found by forming a number of compacts under different consolidating stresses and finding the unconfined yield stress for each specimen. 

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