Experimental study of dynamic properties of gravelly soils with varying degree of saturation

Dynamic shear modulus and damping ratio are two important dynamic parameters that are employed in the analysis of soil-structure interactions, soil liquefaction, slope stability under earthquakes or other dynamic loadings. The dynamic properties of gravelly soils have been extensively studied; however, the past studies primarily focus on sandy gravels with fines less than 10%, with no consideration given to the effect of the degree of saturation. This study centers on gravelly soils with a larger amount of fines (i.e., 13% -20%) taken from a site in Victoria, BC. A series of large cyclic triaxial shear tests will be performed on this type of soil, in which variations of dynamic shear modulus and damping ratio with the degree of saturation will be investigated. The outcomes of this project will help advance the understanding of the dynamic properties of gravelly soils and improve the seismic stability analysis of earth structures made of this material.

Faculty Supervisor:

Cheng Lin

Student:

Partner:

Ryzuk Geotechnical

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Victoria

Program: