Standard Oedometer Test

standard (or standards) for consolidation testing of very soft materials in the near

future.

The modified oedometer test procedure is outlined in Appendix D of

EM 1110-2-5027 (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) 1987). The self-

weight consolidation test and its interpretation and use have been described by

Poindexter (1988) and Poindexter-Rollings (1990). Both of these consolidation

tests will be briefly discussed below. For additional information and exact

testing procedures, the reader is referred to the following documents: ASTM D

2435, USACE (1986), USACE (1987), Cargill (1986).

Standard Oedometer Test

The standard oedometer (consolidometer) test can be used to conduct con-

solidation tests on dredged materials and foundation soils, as shown in Figure I1

(USACE 1986). Due to the soft, often fluidlike consistency of the sediment

samples normally tested, the fixed ring consolidometer should be used, instead

of the floating ring device, since extrusion of the sample from the device will be

less likely in the fixed ring consolidometer. Sample preparation and loading

method constitute the only modifications necessary for testing of dredged mate-

rial in this device. Consolidation test procedures for use with soft dredged

materials are outlined below; more detailed procedures are provided in USACE

(1987), Poindexter (1988), Poindexter-Rollings (1990), and Palermo, Mont-

gomery, and Poindexter (1978), and troubleshooting tips are provided in

Rollings and Rollings (1996). Although the foundation soils under dredged

Figure I1. Standard oedometer testing device

Appendix I Consolidation Testing