Study of Undrained Shear Strength of Laponite for Use as Transparent Clay Surrogate
Publication: Geo-Congress 2023
ABSTRACT
The use of so-called “transparent soils” as proxy geotechnical materials has allowed for the non-intrusive observation of a variety of models representing different engineered systems. Laponite is one such soft clay surrogate that has seen increased usage in recent years. However, this material has yet to be subjected to a thorough characterization and quantification of its physical and mechanical properties. The study presented herein followed a systematic approach towards the identification of the undrained shear strengths of laponite mixtures across a wide range of mixes and additive dosages. Results from vane shear tests showed that the undrained shear strength increased with (1) increasing laponite colloid content, (2) decreasing additive dosage, and (3) aging time. The base geotechnical characteristics and mechanical properties of the clay surrogate as provided in this study are expected to facilitate proper interpretation of the behavior of this surrogate material in geotechnical physical models involving transparent clays.
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Geo-Congress 2023
Pages: 283 - 292
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Published online: Mar 23, 2023
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