Small-Strain Nonlinearity of Normally Consolidated Clay

This paper addresses the small-strain undrained shear behavior of clays based on an extensive testing program conducted on normally consolidated resedimented Boston blue clay (RBBC). The uniformity and reproducibility in the behavior of this soil permit a detailed study of the role of consolidation stress level, preshear consolidation stress path, preshear lateral stress ratio (K), rate of shear, and duration of laboratory aging on the small-strain (e and subscript a≤0.1%) nonlinearity in undrained triaxial compression. The small-strain behavior of normally consolidated (NC) RBBC is measured using a LVDT-based device that is capable of resolving on-specimen axial strains smaller than 0.0001% strain over a 10% strain range, thus allowing full description of the small-strain nonlinearity. The testing program relies on a multistage testing approach developed to minimize specimen variability and reduce testing time. The small-strain nonlinearity of NC RBBC is found to be virtually independent of void ratio or stress level, all other testing conditions being equal. K and subscript 0-consolidated RBBC presents the smallest linear region and the most rapid stiffness degradation (decrease in Young's modulus). Increases in K, strain rate and aging all cause a reduction in the small-strain nonlinearity of the soil.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/3519342
• Authors:
  • Santagata, Marika
  • Germaine, John T
  • Ladd, Charles C
• Publication Date: 2007-1

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 72-82
• Serial:
  • Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
  • Volume: 133
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 1090-0241
  • Serial URL: http://ojps.aip.org/gto

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aging (Materials); Clay soils; Compression; Consolidation; Laboratory tests; Measuring instruments; Sedimentation; Shear rate; Soil consolidation test; Soil tests; Specimens; Stiffness; Strain (Mechanics); Strain measurement; Stress ratio; Triaxial shear tests; Undrained shear strength; Void ratios; Young's modulus
• Uncontrolled Terms: Boston blue clays; Nonlinearity; Small-strain measurement
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; I42: Soil Mechanics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01042738
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 24 2007 7:55AM