https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4097-3061
Abstract
Numerical analyses on underground construction in Shanghai require precise values of small-strain stiffness of strata. However, limited data on the small-strain stiffness of Shanghai clays (upper Layers 2–6, deeper Layers 8 and 10) from K0-consolidated undrained triaxial compression (TC) tests are available. This study conducted K0-consolidated undrained TC tests on intact samples of these clays. Attention is paid to the undrained maximum shear stiffness (Gmax) and reference shear strain (γ0.7). Data from other natural clays worldwide with various plasticity indices (Ip) and overconsolidation ratios (OCR) were used to obtain and verify correlations. Analysis showed that both Gmax and γ0.7 depend on mean effective stress (p′), Ip, and OCR. Two empirical relationships between these variables and Gmax and γ0.7 for Shanghai clays were established. γ0.7 decreases with OCR and increases with Ip in static (monotonic) tests. This study also found significant correlation between Gmax and the maximum deviatoric stress (qmax). These relationships can be applied to estimate Gmax and γ0.7 values using easily measurable parameters, providing references for parameter calibration in numerical analysis of geotechnical engineering in soft ground.
Issue Section:
Technical Papers
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