A laboratory study of shear strength of partially saturated sandy soil

ABSTRACT

This experimental research aims to evaluate the effect of the degree of saturation and relative density of the liquefaction resistance of Chlef sand. A series of undrained triaxial was carried out at an initial relative density of 12% and 75% corresponding to a loose and dense state, respectively, and under a confining pressure of 100 kPa for Skempton coefficients of 22%, 45% and 92%. The test results show that an increase of degree of saturation leads to a decrease of the shear strength of the sand. However, the maximum shear strength decreases linearly and the residual shear strength decreases logarithmically with the increase of the degree of saturation, while the excess pore pressure increases logarithmically with the increase of the degree of saturation (B). The internal friction angle decreases logarithmically with the increase of the degree of saturation.

KEYWORDS:

• Sand
• shear strength
• undrained
• saturation
• triaxial tests
• liquefaction

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the reviewers for their constructive and detailed comments. Tests were performed in the Laboratory of Material Sciences and Environment (LSME) at UHBC University of Chlef. The authors express their gratitude to all who assist in the preparation of this paper.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.