ASTM D5311/D5311M-25 PDF

Full title and description

St ASTM D5311/D5311M-25 — Standard Test Method for Load Controlled Cyclic Triaxial Response of Soil. This 2025 ASTM standard specifies load-controlled cyclic triaxial test procedures for evaluating the cyclic (undrained) response of saturated soils under controlled axial loading histories, including measurement and reporting of axial strains, excess pore‑water pressure, and cyclic stress conditions.

Abstract

This test method describes performing load-controlled cyclic undrained triaxial tests on saturated soil specimens (intact or reconstituted) to assess cyclic response characteristics such as development of axial strains, excess pore pressures, number of cycles to specified strain or pore‑pressure limits, and the influence of stress magnitude and offset. Tests are intended to simulate essentially undrained field conditions produced by earthquake or other cyclic loading and to provide laboratory data for evaluation of cyclic strength and liquefaction potential.

General information

• Status: Active (most recent edition).
• Publication date: January 1, 2025.
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 13.080.20 (Physical properties of soils); 13.080.05 (Examination of soils); related to geotechnical/earthworks categories such as 93.020.
• Edition / version: D5311/D5311M-25 (2025 edition).
• Number of pages: 17 pages.

Scope

The standard covers load‑controlled cyclic triaxial testing conducted under undrained conditions on saturated specimens to evaluate cyclic response and cyclic strength (often used in liquefaction assessment). It specifies specimen preparation and saturation requirements, application of cyclic axial loading (including magnitude and offset), measurement of axial strain and pore pressure, criteria for defining failure or limiting conditions (for example a limiting axial strain or a 100% pore‑pressure ratio), and reporting conventions in SI units. The method is intended for laboratory simulation of undrained field behaviour during earthquakes or other cyclic loadings.

Key topics and requirements

• Load‑controlled cyclic undrained triaxial test procedures.
• Specimen preparation: intact or reconstituted saturated specimens and saturation checks.
• Consolidation (where applicable), target effective stress state, and application of cyclic axial load with defined magnitude, offset and frequency.
• Instrumentation and measurement of axial strain, axial stress, and excess pore‑water pressure.
• Definition of failure or end‑of‑test criteria (limiting axial strain, pore‑pressure ratio criteria, or number of cycles).
• Data reporting requirements, units (SI preferred) and test uncertainty considerations.
• Notes on test limitations, safety, and dependence on operator competence and equipment.

Typical use and users

Used by geotechnical laboratories, earthquake‑engineering researchers, consulting geotechnical engineers, and academic groups to evaluate cyclic behaviour and liquefaction susceptibility of cohesionless and other saturated soils. Typical applications include seismic design, ground improvement assessment, liquefaction hazard analysis, and research into cyclic soil properties.

Related standards

Related and complementary standards include earlier ASTM D5311 historical versions and withdrawn editions, triaxial and undrained test procedures such as ASTM D2850 and D4015, and international equivalents/specifications such as ISO 17892 (laboratory triaxial testing of soils). Other referenced soil property methods (e.g., specific gravity and saturation checks) such as ASTM D854/D5550 may also be relevant when preparing specimens and reporting results.

Keywords

cyclic triaxial; load‑controlled; undrained; saturated soils; cyclic response; liquefaction potential; axial strain; pore‑water pressure; geotechnical testing; ASTM D5311/D5311M-25.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D5311/D5311M-25 is the 2025 ASTM test method that specifies load‑controlled cyclic triaxial procedures to evaluate the cyclic (undrained) response of saturated soils in laboratory conditions.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation and saturation, application of load‑controlled cyclic axial stresses, measurement of axial strain and excess pore‑water pressure, criteria for test termination or failure, and reporting requirements to assess cyclic strength and behaviour relevant to seismic or cyclic loading scenarios.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Geotechnical testing laboratories, consulting geotechnical engineers, researchers in earthquake engineering and liquefaction studies, and organizations performing laboratory evaluations for seismic design and ground‑improvement projects.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The D5311/D5311M-25 (2025) edition is the most recent active edition; earlier historical versions (for example the D5311/D5311M-13 family and earlier) are superseded or listed as historical/withdrawn. Users should check their laboratory accreditation or project specifications for edition requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of ASTM’s suite of geotechnical laboratory test methods for triaxial and dynamic soil testing and is often used alongside other ASTM test methods and relevant ISO triaxial test standards (for example ISO 17892 series) when characterizing soil behaviour.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Cyclic triaxial, load‑controlled, undrained, saturated soil, axial strain, pore‑pressure, liquefaction, geotechnical testing, ASTM D5311.