Effects of stress reduction on geomechanical and acoustic relationship of overconsolidated sands

Relationship between different geomechanical and acoustic properties measured from seven laboratory-tested unconsolidated natural sands with different mineralogical compositions and textures were presented. The samples were compacted in the uniaxial strain configuration from 0.5 to 30 MPa effective stress. Each sand sample was subjected to three loading–unloading cycles to study the influence of stress reduction. Geomechanical, elastic and acoustic parameters are different between normal compaction and overconsolidation (unloaded and reloaded). Stress path (K₀) data differ between normal consolidated and overconsolidated sediments. The K₀ value of approximately 0.5 is founded for most of the normal consolidated sands, but varies during unloading depending on mineral compositions and textural differences. The K₀ and overconsolidation ratio relation can be further simplified and can be influenced by the material compositions. K₀ can be used to estimate horizontal stress for drilling applications. The relationship between acoustic velocity and geomechanical is also found to be different between loading and unloading conditions. The static moduli of the overconsolidated sands are much higher than normal consolidated sands as the deformation is small (small strain). The correlation between dynamic and static elastic moduli is stronger for an overconsolidation stage than for a normal consolidation stage. The results of this study can contribute to geomechanical and acoustic dataset which can be applied for many seismic-geomechanics applications in shallow sands where mechanical compaction is the dominant mechanism.     

Key factors affecting prediction of seismic pore water pressures in silty sands based on damage parameter

The paper provides insight into factors affecting the prediction of seismic pore-water pressure build up in clean sands and sand–silt mixtures for modeling purposes. Laboratory pore pressure measurements were conducted using stress-controlled undrained cyclic simple shear (CSS) tests carried out on both reconstituted and undisturbed specimens of silty sands under different initial conditions (density state, effective vertical stress, initial fabric and fines content). Test results were interpreted by using a damage concept-based model which is actually implemented for clean sands in non-linear time domain site response analysis codes. In the present work, such a model was properly modified for sands having fines contents higher than 35%. The general applicability of the modified procedure for predicting pore water pressure response of silty sands under irregular shear stress loading using data from stress-controlled CSS tests was also verified and all factors affecting calibration parameters of the model were throughly analyzed.     

Influence of cyclic loading history on small strain shear modulus of saturated clays

Small strain shear modulus G_max is an essential parameter in soil dynamics, and it is usually estimated based on the Hardin and Richart equation. However, many previous researches on sands have indicated that the Hardin and Richart equation does not consider the influences of cyclic loading history on G_max. In this paper, effects of cyclic loading history on G_max of saturated clays under undrained conditions are studied using a combination device of piezoelectric-ceramic bender element system and cyclic triaxial apparatus. The dynamic pre-loading includes both relatively high amplitudes of cyclic stresses and cyclic strains. G_max without cyclic loading history is also investigated for the comparison purpose. Test results show that, at the same effective stress, both cyclic strain history and cyclic stress history will induce reduction of G_max compared to the corresponding G_max values with non-cyclic loading effects. In strain-controlled tests, the reduction of G_max is slight and relatively stable; while in stress-controlled tests, the reduction of G_max increases suddenly and remarkably when the effective stresses degrade to a certain degree. The comparison between double amplitude axial strain and residual excess pore water pressure behaviors show that the remarkable reduction of G_max can demonstrate the cyclic failure of saturated clays.     

Liquefaction potential and strain dependent dynamic properties of Kasai River sand

The availability of efficient numerical techniques and high speed computation facilities for carrying out the nonlinear dynamic analysis of soil-structure interaction problems and the analysis of ground response due to earthquake loading increase the demand for proper estimation of dynamic properties of soil at small strain as well as at large strain levels. Accurate evaluation of strain dependent dynamic properties of soil such as shear modulus and damping characteristics along with the liquefaction potential are the most important criteria for the assessments of geotechnical problems involving dynamic loading. In this paper the results of resonant column tests and undrained cyclic triaxial tests are presented for Kasai River sand. A new correlation for dynamic shear damping (D_s) and maximum dynamic shear modulus (G_max) are proposed for the sand at small strain. The proposed relationships and the observed experimental data match quite well. The proposed relationships are also compared with the published relationships for other sands. The liquefaction potential of the sand is estimated at different relative densities and the damping characteristics at large strain level is also reported. An attempt has been made to correlate the G_max with the cyclic strength of the soil and also with the deviator stress (at 1% strain) from static triaxial tests.     

Effects of fabric anisotropy on elastic shear modulus of granular soils

The fabric anisotropy of a granular soil deposit can strongly infl uence its engineering properties and behavior. This paper presents the results of a novel experimental study designed to examine the effects of fabric anisotropy on smallstrain stiffness and its evolution with loading on the elastic shear modulus of granular materials under a K0 condition. Two primary categories of fabric anisotropy, i.e., deposition-induced and particle shape-induced, are investigated. Toyoura sand deposits with relative densities of 40% and 80% were prepared using deposition angles oriented at 0o and 90o. Piezoelectric transducers were used to obtain the elastic shear modulus in the vertical and horizontal directions(Gvh and Ghh). The measurements indicate distinct differences in the values of G with respect to the different deposition angles. Particle shapeinduced fabric anisotropy was examined using four selected sands. It was concluded that sphericity is a controlling factor dominating the small-strain stiffness of granular materials. The degree of fabric anisotropy proves to be a good indicatorin the characterization of stress-induced fabric evolution during loading and unloading stress cycles. The experimental data were used to calibrate an existing micromechanical model, which was able to represent the behavior of the granular material and the degree of fabric anisotropy reasonably well.     

On the influence of the grain size distribution curve on P-wave velocity,constrained elastic modulus Mmax and Poisson's ratio of quartz sands

The paper presents an experimental study on the influence of the grain size distribution curve on dynamic soil properties. More than 160 resonant column tests with additional P-wave measurements have been performed on 27 different grain size distribution curves of a quartz sand. While the small-strain shear modulus G_max has been discussed by Wichtmann and Triantafyllidis [1] the present paper focusses on P-wave velocity v_P, on the small-strain constrained elastic modulus M_max and on Poisson's ratio ν$\nu$. It is demonstrated that while v_P and M_max do not significantly depend on mean grain size d₅₀ in the investigated range, they decrease with increasing coefficient of uniformity C_u=d₆₀/d₁₀ of the grain size distribution curve. Poisson's ratio does also not depend on d₅₀ but increases with increasing C_u. An empirical formula similar to Hardin's equation has been developed for M_max, considering the influence of the grain size distribution curve. It predicts quite well the experimental data.     

Impact and cyclic shaking on loose sand properties in laminar box using gap sensors

This paper focuses on using high-frequency GAP-SENSORs (GSs), accelerometers, and load cells in a laminar shear box (LSB) filled with loose Toyoura sand to understand the effects of impact loads and cyclic shaking at 1-G on soil properties. The shear wave velocity at small strain (V_s) was calculated directly from first arrival reference using displacement time-history of two GSs under impact loading. Moreover, from first peak using the reduced deformation amplitude technique, damping ratio was calculated. In addition, shaking table tests were performed under harmonic loading with amplitude of acceleration inside the model ground varying from 0.02 g to 1 g. The frequencies of excitation varied from 1 Hz to 10 Hz. GSs and inside accelerometers were used to directly measure the outside lateral deformation and shear stress at different elevations of LSB, respectively. Results show that the shear modulus (G) and the damping ratio (D) behavior of model sand are generally consistent with the behavior presented by similar tests using only accelerometers. In addition, damping ratio increases as frequency loading increases. Characteristic changes in two shear stress components in shaking loading conditions were also investigated using high precision inside load cells.     

Profiling of K0 lateral stress coefficient in soils using paired directional G0 ratios

Using a special database compiled from directional shear wave velocity measurements at 12 well-documented sites, the geostatic stress state and stress history are evaluated from shear stiffness ratios. At each site, a benchmark profile of lateral stress coefficient (K₀) was detailed using direct in-situ methods (i.e., self-boring pressuremeter, total stress cells, and/or hydraulic fracture), and/or laboratory methods (i.e., suction, consolidometer, and/or triaxial stress path testing). Also, the yield stress ratio (YSR), or more common parameter: overconsolidation ratio (OCR), was available either from series of consolidation tests on undisturbed samples procured from various depths and/or engineering geology studies, or both. Statistical expressions are derived to relate both K₀ and OCR in terms of the ratio G_0,HH/G_0,VH as well as other factors.     

Liquefaction characteristics of gap-graded gravelly soils in K0 condition

A series of undrained cyclic direct simple shear tests, which used a soil container with a membrane reinforced with stack rings to maintain the K₀ condition and integrated bender elements for shear wave velocity measurement, were performed to study the liquefaction characteristics of gap-graded gravelly soils with no fines content. The intergrain state concept was employed to categorize gap-graded sand–gravel mixtures as sand-like, gravel-like, and in-transition soils, which show different liquefaction characteristics. The testing results reveal that a linear relationship exists between the shear wave velocity and the minor fraction content for sand–gravel mixtures at a given skeleton void ratio of the major fraction particles. For gap-graded gravelly sand, the gravel content has a small effect on the liquefaction resistance, and the cyclic resistance ratio (CRR) of gap-graded gravelly sands can be evaluated using current techniques for sands with gravel content corrections. In addition, the results indicate that the current shear wave velocity (V_s) based correlation underestimates the liquefaction resistance for V_s values less than 160 m/s, and different correlations should be proposed for sand-like and gravel-like gravelly soils. Preliminary modifications to the correlations used in current evaluations of liquefaction resistance have thus been proposed.     

Intergrain contact density indices for granular mixes II： Liquefaction resistance

Whether the presence of non-plastic silt in a granular mix soil impact its liquefaction potential and how to evaluate liquefaction resistance of sand containing different amounts of silt contents are both controversial issues. This paper presents the results of an experimental evaluation to address these issues. Two parameters, namely, equivalent intergranular void ratio （ec）eq and equivalent interfine void ratio （ef）eq, proposed in a companion paper （Thevanayagam, 2007） as indices of active grain contacts in a granular mix, are used to characterize liquefaction resistance of sands and silty sands. Results indicate that, at the same global void ratio （e）, liquefaction resistance of silty sand decreases with an increase in fines content （Cv） up to a threshold value （Crth）. This is due to a reduction in intergrain contact density between the coarse grains. Beyond Crth, with further addition of fines, the interfine contacts become significant while the inter-coarse grain contacts diminish and coarse grains become dispersed. At the same e, the liquefaction resistance increases and the soil becomes stronger with a fttrther increase in silt content. Beyond a limiting fines content （CrL）, the liquefaction resistance is controlled by interfine contacts only. When Cr〈Crth, at the same （e）eq, the liquefaction resistance of silty sand is comparable to that of the host clean sand at a void ratio equal to （ec）eq. When CF〉CFth, at the same （ef）eq, the cyclic strength of a sandy silt is comparable to the host silt at a void ratio equal to （ef）eq.     

Evaluation of static and dynamic properties of sand–fines mixtures through the state and equivalent state parameters

The results of an experimental investigation on sands with low plastic fines content are presented. Specimens with a low plastic fines content of 0%, 15%, 30%, 40%, 50% and 60% by weight were tested in drained and undrained triaxial compression tests. The soil specimens were tested under three different categories: (1) at a constant void ratio index; (2) at the same peak deviator stress in a triaxial test; and (3) at a constant relative density. By a combination with our published experimental data in recent years, the critical state line and various state parameters have been proposed and discussed for a further understanding the behavior of sand–fines mixtures. Results indicated that a unique critical line was obtained from drained and undrained triaxial compression tests for each fines content. The effects of fines content on critical state line (CSL) were recognized and discussed. In addition, the results revealed that normalized peak undrained shear stress, cyclic resistance ratio, and compression index were found to be a good correlation with state parameter Ψ as well as equivalent state parameter Ψ*. An increasing state parameter decreased the normalized peak undrained shear stress, and cyclic resistance ratio; however, the compression index increased with an increase in state parameter. Finally, there were no correlations such as the coefficient of consolidation–state parameter and maximum shear modulus–state parameter due to the different testing condition.     

Cyclic shear response of channel-fill Fraser River Delta silt

The cyclic shear response of a channel-fill, low-plastic silt was investigated using constant-volume direct simple shear testing. Silt specimens, initially consolidated to stress levels at or above the preconsolidation stress, displayed cyclic-mobility-type strain development during cyclic loading without static shear stress bias. Liquefaction in the form of strain softening accompanied by loss of shear strength did not manifest regardless of the applied cyclic stress ratio, or the level of induced excess pore water pressure, suggesting that the silt is unlikely to experience flow failure under cyclic loading. The cyclic shear resistance of the silt increased with increasing overconsolidation ratio (OCR) for OCR>1.3. The silt specimens that experienced high equivalent excess cyclic pore water pressure ratios (r_u>80%) resulted in considerable volumetric strains (2.5%–5%) during post-cyclic reconsolidation implying potentially significant changes to the particle fabric under cyclic loading.     

Correlation of shear wave velocity with liquefaction resistance based on laboratory tests

According to the results of cyclic triaxial tests on Hangzhou sands, a correlation is presented between liquefaction resistance and elastic shear modulus. Material-dependent but independent of confining stress, shows the linear relation of (σ_d/2)^1/2 with G_max. For its application to different soils, a method proposed by Tokimatsu [Tokimatsu K, Uchida A. Correlation between liquefaction resistance and shear wave velocity. Soils Found 1990:30(2):33–42] is utilized to normalize the shear modulus with respect to minimum void ratio. A simplified equation is established to evaluate the liquefaction potential by shear-wave velocity. The critical shear-wave velocity of liquefaction is in linear relation with 1/4 power of depth and the peak horizontal ground surface acceleration during earthquakes. The equation proposed in this paper is compared with previous methods especially the procedure proposed by Andrus [RD Andrus, KH Stokoe. Liquefaction resistance of soils from shear-wave velocity. J Geotech Geoenviron Eng 2000:126(11):1015–25]. The results show its simplicity and effectiveness when applied to sands, but more validation or modification is needed for its application to sand with higher fines content.     

Influence of fines content on the undrained cyclic shear strength of sand–clay mixtures

A series of undrained cyclic triaxial tests were performed on sand–clay mixtures with various sand–clay mixing ratios. Prior to the primary tests, the threshold fines content was examined by consistency tests, which was found to be approximately 20%. For sand–clay mixtures with a sand-matrix (fines content less than the threshold fines content), the cyclic shear strength of low-density mixtures increases and that of high-density mixtures decreases with increasing fines content. However, for sand–clay mixtures with a fines-matrix (fines content greater than the threshold fines content), there exists a unique correlation between the cyclic shear strength and global void ratio for different fines content. The equivalent granular void ratio is introduced in this paper to account for the contribution ratio of the fines to soil skeleton. As a result, a unique relationship between cyclic shear strength and equivalent granular void ratio was observed for pure sand and sand–clay mixtures with a sand-matrix.     

Predicting onset of cyclic instability of loose sand with fines using instability curves

This study utilises the equivalent granular state parameter, ψ^⁎, as a key parameter for studying static and cyclic instability and their linkage. ψ^⁎ can be considered as a generalisation of the state parameter as first proposed by Been and Jefferies so that the influence of fines content in addition to stress and density state can be captured. Test results presented in this study conclusively showed that ψ^⁎ at the start of undrained shearing and η_IS, the stress ratio at onset of static instability, can be described by a single relationship irrespective of fines content for both compression and extension shearing. This single relationship is referred as instability curve. However, the instability curve in extension shearing is different from that of compression. In this paper, the capacity of the instability curve in predicting triggering of cyclic instability was evaluated experimentally. An extensive series of undrained one-way (compression) and non-symmetric two-way cyclic triaxial tests, in addition to monotonic triaxial tests in both compression and extension were conducted for this evaluation. Furthermore, a published database for Hokksund sand with fines was also used. Test results show that cyclic instability was triggered shortly after the cyclic effective stress path crossed the estimated η_IS-zone(s) as obtained from instability curve(s) irrespective of whether instability occurs in the compression or extension side.     

Implications of turbulent shear on clay floc break-up along the Atlantic estuary (Bouregreg), Morocco

Water depth,salinity,current,and suspended sediment concentration(SSC)were measured along with the grain size distribution of bed sediment along an estuarine longitudinal section.The floc size increased with increase in the percentage of clay and silt,while decreased with increase in the percentage of sand content of bed sediment.The turbulent shear,G,had a direct effect on floc size with its value increasing with increase in G up to a G value of 15 s^-1,while an inverse relation existed between floc size and G at higher G(G>15 s^-1).Further,higher turbulence enabled sand to get resuspended and cause additional shear leading to the break-up of flocs.An attempt was made to modify G to account for the combined effect of water turbulence(G)and shear imparted by sand(Ga)and the impact of the modification of G on the predictability of floc size was evaluated.A new model was developed which explains floc size in terms of sediment concentration(C),salinity gradient(S),and G for different scenarios based on the value of G.Sensitivity analysis was done for observed floc size(FS)and predicted floc size using four approaches:(I)FSαC^x;(II)FSαC^xS-y;(III)FSαC^xS^-yGz for G<15 s^-1and FSαC^xS^-yG-z for G>15 s^-1;and(IV)FSαC^xS^-yG_m^-zfor G>15 s^-1and G_m=G+Ga,where x,y,and z are determined by calibration.It was observed that the predictability of the floc size improved when the turbulence was modified to account for shear imparted by sand so that the coefficient of determination was increased from 0.78 for model III to 0.89 for model IV.Further,the settling velocity was expressed as a function of suspended sediment concentration,turbulent shear,and salinity gradient.The predictability of settling velocity was improved(R2 increased from 0.77 to 0.86)when the additional turbulence created by sand was incorporated in the non-dimensional empirical equation.The study highlights the influence of sand in causing the break-up of flocs and suggests that for turbulence shear values high enough to resuspend sand,and G has to be modified to account for the additional shear imparted by sand in mixed sediment estuarine environments.     

Acoustic and petrophysical properties of mechanically compacted overconsolidated sands: part 1 – experimental results

This paper part one is set out to lay primary observations of experimental compaction measurements to form the basis for rock physics modelling in paper part two. P- and S-wave velocities and corresponding petrophysical (porosity and density) properties of seven unconsolidated natural sands with different mineralogical compositions and textures are reported. The samples were compacted in a uniaxial strain configuration from 0.5 up to 30 MPa effective stresses. Each sand sample was subjected to three loading cycles to study the influence of stress reduction on acoustic velocities and rock physical properties with the key focus on simulating a complex burial history with periods of uplift. Results show significant differences in rock physical properties between normal compaction and overconsolidation (unloaded and reloaded). The differences observed for total porosity, density, and P- and S-wave velocities are attributed to irrecoverable permanent deformation. Microtextural differences affect petrophysical, acoustic, elastic and mechanical properties, mostly during normal consolidation but are less significant during unloading and reloading. Different pre-consolidation stress magnitudes, stress conditions (isotropic or uniaxial) and mineral compositions do not significantly affect the change in porosity and velocities during unloading as a similar steep velocity–porosity gradient is observed. The magnitude of change in the total porosity is low compared to the associated change in P- and S-wave velocities during stress release. This can be explained by the different sensitivity of the porosity and acoustic properties (velocities) to the change in stress. Stress reduction during unloading yields maximum changes in the total porosity, P- and S-wave velocities of 5%, 25%, and 50%, respectively. These proportions constitute the basis for the following empirical (approximation) correlations: Δϕ ∼ ±5 ΔV_P and ΔV_P ∼ ±2ΔV_S. The patterns observed in the experiments are similar to well log data from the Barents Sea. Applications to rock physics modelling and reservoir monitoring are reported in a companion paper.     

Particle breakage of artificially crushable materials subject to drained cyclic triaxial loading

Upon cyclic loading, particle breakage of constituent granular materials occurs when the resulting local stresses exceed their strength, which has a significant influence on the deformation of the embankment, foundation and pavement structures. In this study, the artificially crushable materials were tested to investigate the particle breakage properties of these structures when subjected to drained cyclic triaxial loading. Twelve sets of samples were tested at the confining pressures of 100, 125, 150 and 175 kPa and a frequency of 1.0 Hz using a GCTS triaxial system. The cyclic test results indicate that at the same confining pressure, the residual volumetric strain increases with decreasing maximal deviatoric stress q_max at a given ratio of the number of cycles (N) to the number of cycles of failure (N_f). The cumulative crushing ratio R_cc decreases with increasing q_max, leading to a reduction in N_f. The internal frictional angle decreases with increasing R_cc, and R_cc increases with increasing N_f. Furthermore, the confining pressure, maximal cyclic deviatoric stress and N have significant influences on the degree of particle breakage, which leads to volumetric contraction during the cyclic loading process. Finally, the resilient modulus at failure increases linearly with increasing R_cc.     

The effect of plastic fines on the pore pressure generation characteristics of saturated sands

Pore water pressure generation during earthquake shaking initiates liquefaction and affects the shear strength, shear stiffness, deformation, and settlement characteristics of soil deposits. The effect of plastic fines (kaolinite) on pore pressure generation in saturated sands was studied through strain-controlled cyclic triaxial tests. In addition to pore pressure generation, this experimental study also focused on evaluating the threshold shear strain for pore pressure generation and the volumetric compressibility of specimens during pore pressure dissipation. The results reveal that specimens having up to 20% plastic fines content generated larger values of pore water pressure than clean sand specimens. At 30% fines content, the excess pore water pressure decreased below that of clean sand. The threshold shear strain, which indicates the strain level above which pore pressures begin to generate, was assessed for different kaolinite–sand mixtures. The threshold shear strain was similar for 0–20% fines (γ_t0.006–0.008%), but increased to about 0.025% for 30% fines. The volumetric compressibility, measured after pore pressure generation, was similar for all specimens. The transition of behavior at fines contents between 20% and 30% can be attributed to a change in the soil structure from one dominated by sand grains to one dominated by fines.     

Inviscid behaviour of fines-rich pyroclastic flows inferred from experiments on gas-particle mixtures

Experiments were carried out on granular flows generated by instantaneous release of gas-fluidised, bidisperse mixtures and propagating into a horizontal channel. The mixture consists of fine (< 100 μm) and coarse (> 100 μm) particles of same density, with corresponding grain size ratios of ∼ 2 to 9. Initial fluidisation of the mixture destroys the interparticle frictional contacts, and the flow behaviour then depends on the initial bed packing and on the timescale required to re-establish strong frictional contacts. At a fines mass fraction (α) below that of optimal packing (∼ 40%), the initial mixtures consist of a continuous network of coarse particles with fines in interstitial voids. Strong frictional contacts between the coarse particles are probably rapidly re-established and the flows steadily decelerate. Some internal friction reduction appears to occur as α and the grain size ratio increases, possibly due to particle rolling and the lower roughness of internal shear surfaces. Segregation only occurs at large grain size ratio due to dynamical sieving with fines concentrated at the flow base. In contrast, at α above that for optimal packing, the initial mixtures consist of coarse particles embedded in a matrix of fines. Flow velocities and run-outs are similar to that of the monodisperse fine end-member, thus showing that the coarse particles are transported passively within the matrix whatever their amount and grain size are. These flows propagate at constant height and velocity as inviscid fluid gravity currents, thus suggesting negligible interparticle friction. We have determined a Froude number of 2.61 ± 0.08 consistent with the dam-break model for fluid flows, and with no significant variation as a function of α, the grain size ratio, and the initial bed expansion. Very little segregation occurs, which suggests low intensity particle interactions during flow propagation and that active fluidisation is not taking place. Strong frictional contacts are only re-established in the final stages of emplacement and stop the flow motion. We infer that fines-rich (i.e. matrix-supported) pyroclastic flows propagate as inviscid fluid gravity currents for most of their emplacement, and this is consistent with some field data.