Strip loading test theory and equipment development

Abstract

One of the important issues for geotechnical engineers is the characterization of soil properties such as cohesion and internal friction angle by means of soil testing. A new experimental method of soil characterization based on the surface displacement of strip loaded soils is proposed. The theory to relate the soil deformation/displacement to soil strength properties is presented and compared with a series of conventional soil characterization techniques with direct shear tests. The proposed/developed strip loading tests provide reasonably accurate results compared with traditional direct shear tests. The new strip loading physical simulation and testing devices are helpful for understanding soil strength concepts and also provide an effective bridge connecting with engineering mechanics and foundation engineering courses instructions wherein derivation of bearing capacity theory equations is based on the same Mohr-Coulomb soil strength parameters. The advantages, limitations, and use of the strip loading modeling/testing technique in engineering education and further more in depth researches are discussed in the concluding remarks part. Keywords: Strip loading test, Soil properties, Strength parameters, Cohesion, Internal friction angle