Anisotropy Evolution and Irrecoverable Deformation in Triaxial Stress Probes
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 138, Issue 2
Abstract
This paper presents the results and analysis of experimental investigations of compressible Chicago clays with regard to the evolution of stiffness anisotropy. The experimental program was conducted on high-quality block samples obtained from the excavation for the Block 37 project in Chicago. The specimens were consolidated to in situ stresses via a recompression technique and then were subjected to directional stress probes. On-specimen LVDTs and an internal load cell with high accuracy were used for stress-strain response of the specimen. The stiffness and stiffness anisotropy ratio at very small strains were obtained synchronously from bender element tests during the consolidation and stress probes. The structural change as anisotropy evolves within a specimen is discussed. The results of the experimental program showed that compressible Chicago clay is an initially cross-anisotropic material under the in situ stresses. This anisotropy changes at the onset of irrecoverable deformation at stresses defined by previously established yield surfaces.
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Acknowledgments
Financial support for this work was provided by National Science Foundation grant NSFCMMI-0928184 and the Infrastructure Technology Institute of Northwestern University. The support of Dr. Richard Fragaszy, program director at NSF, is greatly appreciated.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 138 • Issue 2 • February 2012
Pages: 155 - 165
Copyright
© 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 30, 2010
Accepted: Jun 7, 2011
Published online: Jun 8, 2011
Published in print: Feb 1, 2012
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