Bidirectional Shear Wave Velocity Measurements to Track Fabric Anisotropy Evolution of a Crushed Silica Sand during Shearing
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 147, Issue 10
Abstract
Continuous bidirectional shear wave velocity measurements were performed in the vertical () and horizontal () directions to characterize fabric evolution of triaxial soil specimens during shear, wherein, in addition to the vertical direction, two specially designed horizontal bender elements’ housings were mounted on samples using a new measurement technique. The specimens were prepared using moist tamping and water sedimentation methods and then subjected to strain-controlled triaxial compression shear under drained condition. Different sets of stress paths were applied to uncover the evolution of fabric during consolidation and shearing. The magnitudes of the shear wave velocities in different directions highlighted severe soil anisotropy at the critical state. It was found that the shear wave velocities were governed by void ratio, effective stress, and sand fabric. Interpretation of results shows the limited accuracy of the conventional empirical functions to predict the initial shear modulus in the consolidation stage. A fabric function taking into consideration the role of the soil fabric on soil elastic moduli was proposed, and its variations were traced during shear. Variations of the fabric function underline that there exists a unique anisotropic fabric at the critical state.
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Data Availability Statement
All experimental data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. They include the data used to create Figs. 6–12 and Figs. S1 –S3 .
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge the contributions of Global Material Testing Manufacturers (Global MTM Inc.) team for their sincere support and cooperation over equipment setup and accessories development to enable the testing program of this study. Special thanks are due to Farid Shabani for his technical support during different stages of development of the required accessories, and also thanks to Behin Negareh Co. for microscopic images.
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Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 147 • Issue 10 • October 2021
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© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Aug 21, 2020
Accepted: May 26, 2021
Published online: Aug 9, 2021
Published in print: Oct 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Jan 9, 2022
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