CPTu-Based Model Development and Accuracy Assessment for Shear Strength of Clay
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 17, Issue 9
Abstract
During the last decade, extensive research has been performed to improve shear strength models. Improvements in accuracy are the result of accounting for measurement errors of the cone penetration test with pore-water pressure measurement (CPTu), reducing uncertainties in testing procedures, applying methods of reliability analysis, and accounting for the variability in the soils. Generalized equations always reflect some error due to site-specific conditions (e.g., stress history, geologic conditions, variability in soils). CPTu data and consolidated undrained triaxial test data were used here to develop a CPTu-based model that can accurately predict the effective shear strength of clay. Measurements of fat clay with Coastal Plain sedimentary origin were used. Two alternative shear strength models were developed: one based on the concepts of the Mohr-Coulomb strength theory, which is referred to as the theoretical model, and one developed for the effective friction angle and the effective cohesion to estimate the shear strength. The second model is referred to as the parametric model. Both shear strength models showed good agreement with the measured data. The data and models were used to develop tolerance limits and confidence intervals for both shear strength alternatives. A comparison of available empirical model forms and the proposed models are also presented. To assess the uncertainty of shear strength estimates, a methodology based on fuzzy logic was used.
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Published In
International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 17 • Issue 9 • September 2017
Copyright
© 2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 20, 2016
Accepted: Feb 6, 2017
Published online: May 8, 2017
Published in print: Sep 1, 2017
Discussion open until: Oct 8, 2017
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