Nature and Mechanism of Sample Disturbance

Laboratory handling and testing—disturbance in the lab can be significant due to any of the following processes  

Lengthy storage or aging of samples before testing 

Improper sealing, especially if stored in nonhumid rooms 

Improper extrusion and trimming of samples during preparation for testing 

Excessive rates of strain or stress applied during testing that may immaturely destroy the structure of the soils and thus distort the measured parameters 

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