Monotonic and Cyclic Soil Properties of Gulf of Mexico Clays

Abstract

This paper presents a summary of over 25 years of laboratory data on the monotonic and cyclic soil properties of clays in direct simple shear, triaxial compression and triaxial extension tests, at 15 deepwater Gulf of Mexico sites. The majority of the test results were obtained by three different laboratories. The data are summarized in numerous plots and diagrams, and correlations are presented to help derive soil properties relevant for deepwater foundation design. The database and guidance presented in the paper can be used in early design when site-specific soil samples are not available, or to optimize the scope of advanced laboratory testing on site-specific samples during detailed design. Although the soil samples are all from the Gulf of Mexico, the guidance is believed to be valuable also for the characterization of other non-structured, high-plasticity marine clays.