The Fully Softened Shear Strength of High Plasticity Clays

Previous research has shown that cyclic wetting and drying can reduce the shear strength of compacted highly plastic clays to the fully softened shear strength. Consolidated-undrained triaxial testing procedures were used to determine the fully softened shear strength of Eagle Ford Shale, which is a highly plastic clay found in central Texas. The measured secant friction angles of Eagle Ford Shale were also compared to a graphical relationship and an equation for computing the fully softened secant friction angle to verify the applicability of these correlations for the purpose of selecting strengths for design. Slope stability analyses were also performed to determine the pore water pressures and shear strength conditions that existed at the time of failure in the slope where the Eagle Ford Shale was obtained.

Record URL:
Corporate Authors:
University of Texas, Austin

Center for Transportation Research, 3208 Red River Street
Austin, TX United States 78705

Texas Department of Transportation

Research and Technology Implementation Office, P.O. Box 5080
Austin, TX United States 78763-5080

Federal Highway Administration

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC United States 20590
Authors:
- Wright, Stephen G
- Zornberg, Jorge G
- Aguettant, Jennifer E
Publication Date: 2007-2

Language

English

Media Info

Media Type: Web
Edition: Technical Report
Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
Pagination: 132p

Subject/Index Terms

TRT Terms: Compacted clays; Plasticity; Pore water pressures; Shale; Shear strength; Slope stability; Triaxial shear tests; Wetting and drying tests
Uncontrolled Terms: Friction angle
Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; I42: Soil Mechanics;

Filing Info

Accession Number: 01055770
Record Type: Publication
Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/TX-07/0-5202-3, Report No. 0-52-2-3
Contract Numbers: 0-5202
Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
Created Date: Aug 28 2007 10:14AM