Anisotropic Drained Deformation Behavior and Shear Strength of Natural Soft Marine Clay

Abstract

The deformation behavior and shear strength of soft marine clays subjected to wave or traffic loads are different from that in triaxial loading due to the changes of major principal stress direction β and intermediate principal stress coefficient b. To investigate the anisotropy affected by β and b in natural soft marine clay, a series of drained tests were conducted by hollow cylinder apparatus. The principal stress direction relative to vertical direction were maintained constant under an increasing shear stress, with fixed intermediate principal stress coefficient b. The influence of the b and β on anisotropy of typically Wenzhou intact clay is discussed. It was found that octahedral stress–strain relationships expressed anisotropy with different b and β. The friction angle and deviator stress ratio with different b and β were presented to provide guidance for engineering projects in the coastal zone.

Keywords:

• anisotropy
• deviator stress ratio
• friction angle
• intermediate principal stress
• principal stress direction

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful for the supports provided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No.51408441 and 51478364; the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province under Grant No. LQ14E080011; Jiangsu graduate scientific research and innovation project under Grant NO. CXZZ13_0242. Their financial support is gratefully acknowledged.