Cyclic Loading Response of Silt with Multiple Loading Events
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 143, Issue 10
Abstract
The evolution of cyclic resistance with multiple loading events is evaluated for nonplastic and low-plasticity silts with plasticity indices of 0 and 6, respectively. A series of direct simple shear tests with multiple cyclic loading and reconsolidation stages is performed on young slurry-sedimented specimens. Evolution of cyclic strength with a series of multiple loading events is examined with respect to densification from postcyclic reconsolidation, shear strain–induced fabric, and initial consolidation history. Initially normally consolidated specimens of both silts develop progressive increases in cyclic strength with prior strain history, with cyclic resistance ratios ultimately exceeding 0.6. Specimens consolidated with an initial overconsolidation ratio of 2 experience an 18–32% loss of cyclic strength following the first stage of cyclic shearing and reconsolidation. The two silts develop similar magnitudes of reconsolidation strain, but the low-plasticity silt requires more volumetric strain (and therefore more loading events) to develop large cyclic strengths. Implications for future advances in liquefaction triggering correlations and engineering practice are discussed.
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Acknowledgments
Portions of the work presented herein were derived from studies supported by the California Department of Water Resources (contract 4600009751) and the National Science Foundation (grants CMMI-1138203 and CMMI-1300518). Any opinions, findings, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the official policies, either expressed or implied, of either organization. Ana Maria Parra Bastidas performed the one-dimensional compression tests presented herein. The authors are grateful for this assistance and support.
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Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 143 • Issue 10 • October 2017
Copyright
©2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Sep 16, 2016
Accepted: Apr 11, 2017
Published online: Aug 10, 2017
Published in print: Oct 1, 2017
Discussion open until: Jan 10, 2018
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