FABRICATION OF TRIAXIAL EQUIPMENT FOR ROCK STRENGTH DETERMINATION

ABSTRACT This project showcases the fabrication of a low-cost triaxial testing apparatus, built from locally available materials to assess how rocks respond to stress and deformation under conditions that mimic the subsurface environment. Engineered in line with ASTM and ISRM standards, the system combines a confining chamber, loading frame, pressure controls, and precision measurement devices assembled from easily sourced components. Once constructed, the unit was calibrated and put through simulated triaxial compression tests, producing clear stress–strain and pore pressure patterns typical of dense soils and brittle rocks, including a peak deviator stress of about 125 kPa at 4% strain followed by strain softening. Its successful performance confirms the device’s accuracy and dependability for academic and research purposes, offering a practical, affordable alternative to expensive imported systems and providing a vital bridge between classroom theory and real-world training in rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering.