Experiments and Modeling of the Attenuation of the Dynamic Elastic Modulus of Saturated Red Clay under Cyclic Loading

Abstract

Due to the long-term effect of cyclic traffic loads, the accumulated deformation of red clay subgrades is increasing, strength is decreasing, and problems such as uneven settlement are occurring. In order to improve the stability and durability of red clay subgrade, this paper analyzes the effects of cyclic stress ratios and compactness on the development of the dynamic elastic modulus of saturated red clay. This is achieved through dynamic triaxial tests on red clay in the Qingyuan County, Zhejiang Province, China. The results show that the saturated red clay has an attenuation threshold cyclic stress ratio under cyclic loading. The attenuation threshold cyclic stress ratio prediction models were constructed based on the confining pressure and compactness, respectively. By introducing the concept of a relative cyclic stress ratio, the prediction model of the dynamic elastic modulus of saturated red clay (as based on cyclic vibration times and close cyclic stress ratio) is constructed. The model realizes the prediction of the dynamic elastic modulus of red clay under arbitrary cyclic vibration times via the initial cyclic stress ratio, compactness, and other parameters. It provides a theoretical basis for rationally evaluating the dynamic stability of red clay subgrade under cyclic loading.