In Situ Lateral Stress Coefficient () from Shear Wave Velocity Measurements in Soils
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 141, Issue 12
Abstract
The at-rest lateral stress coefficient () is an important soil parameter in geotechnical design problems and yet it is quite elusive in our ability to assess its value, either by laboratory or in situ tests. In this study, an innovative geophysics approach toward the evaluation of the in situ profile with depth is obtained by using small-strain stiffness anisotropy ratio () in soils. The newly proposed equation is derived from a database compiled from 12 test sites which have direct measurements, as procured from field tests, either self-boring pressuremeters (SBP) or total stress cells (TSC), and/or laboratory triaxial tests, instrumented consolidometers, and/or suction measurements. The data show a strong relationship between the overconsolidation difference () and stiffness anisotropy ratio, thus enabling a assessment in clays, silts, and sands.
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Acknowledgments
The authors appreciate the support provided by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) at the Savannah River Site (SRS) in Aiken, SC; ConeTec Investigations of Richmond, BC; and the Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE, Grant Number R-302-000-091-133).
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Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 141 • Issue 12 • December 2015
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© 2015 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 3, 2014
Accepted: Apr 24, 2015
Published online: Jun 12, 2015
Discussion open until: Nov 12, 2015
Published in print: Dec 1, 2015
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