SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1978
STP35681S

Triaxial Testing Techniques and Sand Liquefaction

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This investigation examines effects of specimen preparation and testing techniques, that is, loading wave form, degree of saturation, and density variations, on the liquefaction behavior of Monterey No. 0 sand under cyclic loading. The test results indicate that specimen preparation greatly affects the cyclic strength. Specimens prepared moist were 38 to 58 percent stronger than specimens of comparable density prepared dry. Also, specimens prepared using a procedure of undercompaction were approximately 10 percent stronger than comparable specimens prepared without using variable compaction. Loading wave form, as well, affected cyclic strength, with sinusoidal wave forms exhibiting strengths 15 percent stronger than triangular-shaped and 30 percent stronger than rectangular-shaped loading wave forms. An increase in density of 20 kg/m3 (1.2 lb/ft3) caused a 22 to 30 percent increase in strength.

The results showed that changing the diameter of the compaction foot from 0.95 cm (0.375 in.) to 3.56 cm (1.4 in.) or the molding water content from 12.8 percent to 8.0 percent, or testing specimens after a B-value of either 0.98 or 0.91 had been obtained, had no significant effect on the cyclic strength of specimens.

Author Information

Mulilis, JP
Fugro Inc., Long Beach, Calif.
Townsend, FC
Soils and Pavements Laboratory, U. S. Army Engineer Waterways Station, Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg, Miss.
Horz, RC
Soils and Pavements Laboratory, U. S. Army Engineer Waterways Station, Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg, Miss.
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Details
Developed by Committee: D18
Pages: 265–279
DOI: 10.1520/STP35681S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4724-9
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0326-9