Journal Published Online: 25 July 2011
Volume 34, Issue 5

Strength and Small-Strain Stiffness Characteristics of Unsaturated Sand

CODEN: GTJODJ

Abstract

Experiments were performed to investigate the effects of initial matric suction and net confining pressure on the small-strain stiffness and shear strength of reconstituted unsaturated sand. A series of constant water content tests was carried out using a modified triaxial apparatus equipped with local displacement transducers and bender elements. Reconstituted sand specimens were allowed to equalize at the required matric suction under net confining pressure using the axis- translation technique before shearing. After reaching matric suction equilibrium, shear wave velocities were measured prior to shearing. Multi-stage shearing tests were performed in order to investigate the effect of initial matric suction using the same specimen. The experimental results showed that at each net confining pressure, small-strain stiffness and peak shear strength showed a nonlinear relationship with matric suction with the change point near the air-entry value of the soil-water characteristic curve. Relationship between small-strain stiffness and net confining pressure was observed to be similar for saturated and unsaturated sands.

Author Information

Nyunt, T.
Nanyang Technological Univ., Singapore
Leong, E.
Nanyang Technological Univ., Singapore
Rahardjo, H.
Nanyang Technological Univ., Singapore
Pages: 11
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: GTJ103589
ISSN: 0149-6115
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ103589