Total stresses when measured in a triaxial cell are more complex in their nature. Numerous parameters may be measured including back, pressure, pore water pressure and volume change. From these values various engineering properties can be calculated. 
Triaxial cell is used to apply total stress. The sample is subjected to an alround confining pressure. Load is then applied through piston of triaxial cell on a pressure pad on the top of the specimen. In a triaxial cell, sample is confined in a rubber membrane. Triaxial cells are manufactured from carefully selected material. The cells are manufactured to accomodate different sizes of specimen. Universal triaxial cell accommodates samples of diameters 38 MM to 100 MM.

Suitable for testing 38mm, 50mm, 75mm and 100mm diameter specimens. The equipment comprises the following : Perspex cell with anvil and loading plunger. The cell can be easilly opened by releasing the nuts and is leakproof upto 10kg/cm. sq. fluid pressure. An oil plug which can also be used as an air vent is provided for introducing a thin layer of oil over water. This provides effective sealing at the plunger for long duration tests. The cell is fitted with four sleeve packed valves of no volume change type on the base. Brass Pedestals for 38mm, 50mm, 75mm and 100mm dia specimen. Perspex Loading pads for 38mm, 50mm, 75mm & 100 mm dia specimen. Pairs of plain discs 38mm, 50mm, 75mm & 100mm dia. Pairs of porous stones one each for 38mm, 50mm, 75mm & 100mm dia samples. Spilit sand formers for 38mm, 50mm, 75mm & 100mm dia specimen. Sheath stretcher for 38mm, 50mm, 75mm & 100mm dia specimen. One dozen rubber sheaths for 38mm, 50mm, 75mm & 100mm dia specimen. Four rubber ‘O’ rings each for 38mm, 50mm, 75mm & 100mm dia specimen. Set of four slotted ring spacers for sand formers and four pairs of polythene drainage tubes.