Strength Testing of Sandstone Under Multi-Axial Stress States

A true triaxial apparatus was designed and fabricated to achieve multi-axial stress states with prismatic specimens. The device, which is a modification of the University of Minnesota plane-strain apparatus, is equipped with piston assemblies that generate the intermediate principal stress. A closed-loop, servo-hydraulic load frame is used to control the major principal stress, while the minor principal stress is developed by fluid pressure. A...