Standard Test Methods for
the Determination of the Modulus and Damping Properties
of Soils Using the Cyclic Triaxial Apparatus1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3999; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of the last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the
modulus and damping properties of soils in either undisturbed
or reconstituted states by either load or stroke controlled cyclic
triaxial techniques.
1.2 The cyclic triaxial properties of soil are evaluated
relative to a number of factors including strain level, density,
a number of cycles, material type, saturation, and effective stress.
1.3 These test methods are applicable to both fine-grained
and coarse-grained soils as defined by the unified soil classification system or by Classification D 2487. Test specimens
may be undisturbed or reconstituted by compaction in the
laboratory.
1.4 Two test methods are provided for using a cyclic loader
to determine Young’s modulus (E) and damping (D) properties.
The first test method (A) permits the determination of E and D
using a constant load apparatus. The second test method (B)
permits the determination of E and D using a constant stroke
apparatus. The test methods are as follows:
1.4.1 Test Method A—This test method requires the application of a constant cyclic load to the test specimen. It is used
for determining Young’s modulus and damping under a
constant load condition.
1.4.2 Test Method B—This test method requires the application of a constant cyclic deformation to the test specimen. It
is used for determining Young’s modulus and damping
under a constant stroke condition.
1.5 The development of relationships to aid in interpreting
and evaluating test results is left to the engineer or office
requesting the test.
1.6 Limitations—There are certain limitations inherent in
using cyclic triaxial tests to simulate the stress and strain
conditions of a soil element in the field during an earthquake.
1.6.1 Nonuniform stress conditions within the test specimen
are imposed by the specimen end platens.
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