Effects of matric suction and loading rate on the stiffness-strain behaviour of kaolin

T. T. Nyunt*, E. C. Leong, H. Rahardjo

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Stiffness of unsaturated kaolin over a wide range of strain levelswas studied in a triaxial apparatus modified for unsaturated soil tests. Reconstituted kaolin consolidated using a consolidation tank under a vertical pressure of 100 kPa was used. The triaxial apparatus was equipped with a 5 bar high air entry ceramic disk in the bottom platen and an air pressure line in the top platen. Tests were carried out at three different matric suctions (20 kPa, 200 kPa and 400 kPa) to study the effects of matric suction on the stiffness-strain relationship of the soil. Identical soil specimens were tested at three different loading rates (0.06 mm/min, 0.1 mm/min and 1 mm/min) to investigate the effects of different loading rates on the stiffness. A net confining pressure of 100 kPa was chosen and the specimens were isotropically consolidated before shearing at constant water content. The pore-water pressure was recorded during shearing while the pore-air pressure was kept constant to maintain a net confining pressure at 100 kPa. Small strain levels of 0.001% to 0.1% were measured using local displacement transducers (LDTs) while linear variable differential transducer (LVDT) was used to measure large strain levels ranging from 0.1% to 10%. The results showing the effects of matric suction and loading rate on the stiffness-strain relationship of kaolin are discussed in detail in this paper.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationUnsaturated Soils
Subtitle of host publicationTheoretical and Numerical Advances in Unsaturated Soil Mechanics - Proceedings of the 4th Asia Pacific Conference on Unsaturated Soils
Pages15-19
Number of pages5
Publication statusPublished - 2010
Externally publishedYes
Event4th Asia Pacific Conference on Unsaturated Soils - Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Duration: Nov 23 2009Nov 25 2009

Publication series

NameUnsaturated Soils: Theoretical and Numerical Advances in Unsaturated Soil Mechanics - Proceedings of the 4th Asia Pacific Conference on Unsaturated Soils

Conference

Conference4th Asia Pacific Conference on Unsaturated Soils
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityNewcastle, NSW
Period11/23/0911/25/09

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Soil Science

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