Why is unconfined compressive strength used as a S/S performance standard?
Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) is a commonly used performance standard for S/S treatment. Compressive strength of a material may be defined as the measured maximum resistance of a material to axial loading. Put very simply how much weight can the material support. It is generally expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or in the metric term—pascals (Pa). UCS is used as a performance standard in S/S treatment generally for a couple of reasons. One reason is to ensure that S/S-treated material has at least as much bearing strength as surrounding material at the disposal site. So in the case of an in-situ S/S treatment project the treated material should be as strong as the surrounding soil or even stronger depending on the planned use of the site. A second reason for UCS as a performance specification is rooted in the use of S/S for treatment of waste containing free liquids. Free liquids are prohibited from land disposal. S/S is often used to a treat free liquid-containing wast
