SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1985
STP36342S

Static Behavior of Variably Cemented Beach Sands

Source

The surface of the seafloor is covered by sediments consisting of or containing calcareous, siliceous, or argillaceous soils. These sediments are frequently exposed by tectonic uplift or sea level lowering and usually exhibit a degree of cementation. In coastal areas and in a consolidated form they can stand at steep angles and in bluffs as high as 150 m. Although apparently strong, they tend to lose most, if not all, of their strength at the time of failure resulting in sudden and complete collapse.

This paper presents selected test results obtained during laboratory investigation concerning the effects of cementation on the behavior of soils. Utilizing block sampling techniques, naturally occurring cemented soils were sampled from the bluffs along the Pacific coast south of San Francisco, CA. The sands are of quaternary and tertiary marine origin and are classified as weakly or moderately cemented. Static strain-controlled drained and undrained triaxial tests were performed on samples confined under different pressures. Thin sections and electron micrographs were prepared to assess agents of cementation.

Author Information

Rad, NS
Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, Sovsveien 72, Oslo
Clough, GW
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
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Details
Developed by Committee: D18
Pages: 306–317
DOI: 10.1520/STP36342S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4947-2
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0431-0