Experimental Approach for Assessing Dissipated Excess Pore Pressure Induced Settlement

Abstract

Upon dynamic loading, saturated soil loses its strength and behaves differently with respect to the excess pore pressure variation resulting in volumetric-induced settlements. Traditionally, these settlements have been evaluated using standard charts based on one soil type and its relative density (RD). To assess these settlements, this study established a unique experimental methodology based on two laboratory tests: triaxial simple shear and piezoelectric ring actuator technique. Fifty-seven tests were performed on Ottawa F65 sand under strain-controlled cyclic and post-cyclic conditions. A chart was generated, revealing a relationship between the dissipated energy from cyclic loading and volumetric strain (v), based on the shear wave velocity as a controlling factor. This study was compared with previous studies to verify the compatibility of the proposed approach. Another novelty was revealed by studying v variation with the dissipated pressure. This variation is presented in a post-seismic chart, in which deformations are tracked based on the initial soil state and maximum excess pore pressure generation ratio (Rumax). For each RD, the soil is divided between liquefied and non-liquefied states according to a specific Rumax (Rumax-trigger point). The calculation of the volume compressibility coefficient is proven to serve as a liquefaction-triggering criterion identifying the liquefied state.