Generalized stress-path-dependent soil behaviour with a new hollow cylinder torsional apparatus

Abstract

A new hollow cylinder torsional shear apparatus is described. The apparatus is suitable for investigating soil behaviour under generalized stress paths, including principal stress rotations, characteristic of earthquake and offshore-wave loadings. A new, more rational assessment of stress nonuniformity across the wall of the hollow cylinder specimen is made, and the "no go" regions of the stress space are delineated that limit stress nonuniformity to acceptable levels. Operation of the apparatus and experimental procedures for tests on reconstituted specimens of sand are described. Typical results of drained tests on loose and dense sand are presented to illustrate the capabilities of the apparatus as a general stress-path loading device and to highlight the stress-path dependence of soil behaviour, in particular, the deformation response to principal stress rotations. Key words: hollow cylinder apparatus, generalized stress paths, principal stress rotation, sand, deformations.