Improved multiple-stage triaxial test method for soft rock

The triaxial test has usually been employed to characterize the mechanical properties of rock-like materials in a laboratory. This conventional method, called the single-stage triaxial test (SST) provides only a pair of peak and residual strengths from a single specimen Therefore, it is very inconvenient in achieving the whole spectrum of mechanical characteristics of rock specimens whose amount is so limited due to the geological conditions, etc..