Assessment of the Dynamic Properties of Holocene Peat
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 146, Issue 7
Abstract
The dynamic behavior of a peat deposit in the north of the Netherlands is described. The organic content ranges from 70% to 95%, which is high compared to the organic content generally presented in publications on the dynamic behavior of peats. Shear wave velocities and correspondingly small-strain shear moduli closely match values stated in the literature. Correlations stated in the literature for predicting proved to be applicable. Resonant column and cyclic direct simple shear tests were performed to establish the shear modulus reduction curves and damping curves. Excess pore pressure development during testing indicates dilatant behavior. The general trend shows nearly flat shear modulus reduction and damping curves at small strains regardless of organic content. Cyclic direct simple shear tests on humified material showed a larger pore pressure buildup than found in tests on non-to-moderately humified material. Differences in degree of humification did not result in significant differences in the shear modulus reduction curve, including values. Large scatter was found in the damping curves. For the humified material, tested at low stress level, a discontinuity in the damping curve is found at shear strain of 3%, which corresponds to a rapid pore pressure buildup in the tests.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to express their gratitude to Professor Tom Schanz for his significant contribution to this work. Professor Schanz passed away during the drafting of this paper. The authors would also like to thank NAM for financing this research. Thanks are also due to Sieb de Vries and Peter Vos for providing the geological background and classification of the tested material. Furthermore, the authors acknowledge the valuable comments given by the reviewers.
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Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 146 • Issue 7 • July 2020
Copyright
©2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 12, 2018
Accepted: Jan 8, 2020
Published online: Apr 23, 2020
Published in print: Jul 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Sep 23, 2020
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