The UCS (Unconfined Compressive Strength) Test is a laboratory test used to determine the compressive strength of cohesive soils without lateral confinement. It is widely used in Geotechnical Engineering. UCS is the maximum axial compressive stress that a soil specimen can withstand under unconfined conditions (i.e., no lateral pressure). Suitable Soil • Clay (cohesive soil) • Not suitable for sand (cohesionless soil) Applications 1. Determination of shear strength of cohesive soils 2. Design of foundations 3. Stability analysis of slopes 4. Design of embankments and earth dams 5. Evaluation of soil bearing capacity 6. Quality control in construction 7. Assessment of soil consistency (soft, stiff, hard clay)