The primary purpose of the Triaxial Test is to assess:

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The Triaxial Test is a vital laboratory procedure used in geotechnical engineering to evaluate the shear strength of soil under controlled conditions. During the test, a cylindrical soil specimen is subjected to varying levels of confining pressure while axial loads are applied. This setup allows for the determination of shear strength parameters, such as cohesion and internal friction angle, for different types of soils and under different drainage conditions (drained or undrained).

The controlled nature of the Triaxial Test makes it particularly beneficial because it can mimic the in-situ conditions that a soil will experience in the field. By varying the confining pressure and the drainage conditions, engineers can obtain a comprehensive understanding of the soil's behavior under stress, which is essential for proper design and stability analysis of structures such as foundations, retaining walls, and embankments.

While other testing methods may focus on different aspects of soil properties—like permeability, moisture content, or plasticity—the primary objective of the Triaxial Test remains firmly rooted in measuring shear strength, making it an essential tool in geotechnical investigations.

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