OEDOMETER Meaning and
Definition
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Oedometer, also known as consolidation apparatus or consolidation test, is a device used in geotechnical engineering to measure the consolidation properties of soils. It is used to determine the rate and extent of settlement that occurs when a soil sample is subjected to an applied load.
The oedometer test involves applying a vertical load to an undisturbed or remolded soil sample placed inside a cylindrical cell. The load is applied incrementally, and the resulting settlement of the soil is measured over time. The oedometer device consists of a loading frame with a loading plate that applies the vertical load to the soil sample, and a dial gauge or electronic transducer to measure the settlement.
The oedometer test is based on the principle of one-dimensional consolidation, which occurs when excess pore water pressure is dissipated due to the compression of the soil particles. This process takes place over time and results in the settlement of the soil.
The data obtained from the oedometer test is used to determine the compression and swelling characteristics of the soil, as well as its coefficient of consolidation, which indicates its ability to consolidate under load. This information is crucial in assessing the stability and settlement behavior of soils, particularly in the design and construction of structures such as buildings, dams, and embankments.
Common Misspellings for OEDOMETER
Etymology of OEDOMETER
The word "oedometer" is derived from the Greek terms "oîdos" meaning "swelling" or "increase" and "metron" meaning "measure". Therefore, "oedometer" can be understood as a device used to measure swelling or increase, which is primarily used in geotechnical engineering to evaluate the consolidation properties of soils.
