SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1981
STP28752S

Lateral Stress Measurements in Direct Simple Shear Device

Source

Monitoring lateral stresses in a soil specimen during monotonic or cyclic shear tests significantly increases the amount of information obtained from these tests. A technique is described for interpreting lateral stress data during consolidation (the initial phase of either type of shear test) and determining the lateral stress level at the start of the shear test. In addition, the coefficient of lateral earth pressure at rest (K0) is determined.

The Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) Direct Simple Shear Device was used in this study. Lateral stress measurements were made with calibrated wire-reinforced membranes (acting as strain gages).

Two undisturbed samples of soft marine clay were investigated: a Gulf of Mexico and a Gulf of Alaska sample. The samples were obtained from a depth of about one metre below the sea floor. Large vertical specimen strains were encountered even though the applied consolidation stresses were small (a maximum vertical stress of 0.518 kg/cm2). The technique described includes methods for eliminating possible sources of substantial error at these low stress levels. The values of K0 as determined from the lateral stress measurements agree well with values determined indirectly.

Author Information

Dyvik, R
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N.Y.
Zimmie, TF
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N.Y.
Floess, CHL
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N.Y.
Price: $25.00
Contact Sales
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Developed by Committee: D18
Pages: 191–206
DOI: 10.1520/STP28752S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4806-2
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0789-2