Folding, Destructuring, and Strength Changes in Overconsolidated Varved Clay under Embankment Loading
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 139, Issue 10
Abstract
Evidence of the lateral compression of the Earth’s crust is apparent from folds and faults observed in rock, and the mechanics describing their development is well established in the fields of structural geology and tectonics. This paper describes similar structures in soils that developed in multilayered varved clay under the side slopes and toe of an embankment due to the nonuniform loading. Using analytical methods derived for the buckling of thin plates of alternating high and low moduli, predictions of wavelengths and the critical stresses to initiate folding were determined, and found to correlate with field and laboratory measurements. When these conditions occur, the resulting fabric changes have implications for slope stability modeling and the interpretation of field monitoring observations. This includes the ability of the clay to sustain large strains as it transitions from a highly anisotropic macrofabric to a relatively homogeneous material, without undergoing shear failure.
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Acknowledgments
Drilling was performed by Boart-Longyear; Summit Drilling; and Jersey Boring and Drilling. Laboratory testing was by French and Perillo Engineers; TRC Engineers; and TerraSense. Ms. A. Fyodorova, P.G. of Yu and Associates, and T. W. Biolsi, P.G., formerly of EA Engineering, oversaw the field investigations and provided helpful insights.
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Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 139 • Issue 10 • October 2013
Pages: 1738 - 1744
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 24, 2011
Accepted: Feb 1, 2013
Published online: Feb 4, 2013
Published in print: Oct 1, 2013
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