Evaluation of Excess Pore Water Pressure Build-up During Cyclic Triaxial Tests on a Non-plastic Silt

Abstract

Cyclic loading is responsible for pore water pressure buildup, which may later cause liquefaction and surface settlements. Recent studies emphasize that as the pore water pressure equalizes to initial confining stress, cyclic stress ratio and relative density of soil play a great role in buildup of excess pore water pressure. Nonetheless, pore water pressure is also a function of axial strain. In this regard, cyclic triaxial tests were carried out to evaluate the pore water pressure buildup behavior of a nonplastic silt. It was aimed to determine the dependence of pore water pressure, double amplitude of axial strain and number of cycles on cyclic stress ratio. In this scope, stress-controlled cyclic triaxial tests at a loading frequency and confining pressure of 0.1 Hz and 100 kPa were carried out on saturated samples. It was understood that number of loading cycles leading to liquefaction were decreased by increases in cyclic stress ratio and relative density. The data obtained in this study, bringing an insight into pore water pressure build-up behavior of nonplastic silts, can be used for practical purposes.

Keywords

• cyclic triaxial tests
• nonplastic silt
• excess pore water pressure
• dinamik üç eksenli deneyler
• plastik olmayan silt
• aşırı boşluk suyu basıncı