Investigation of small- to large-strain moduli correlations of normally consolidated granular soils

Abstract

The establishment of correlations between the small-strain shear modulus (Go) and other soil parameters (such as the oedometer constrained modulus, Moedo) at large deformations constitutes an important step toward more precise modeling of soil deformation behavior. In this study, the shear wave velocities (Vs) of 22 different granular soils of various physical characteristics were measured experimentally using the piezoelectric ring-actuator technique (P-RAT) incorporated in the conventional oedometer cell. For each sample tested, the development of Moedowith the development of relative density (Id), as well as the void ratio (e), was recorded. Then, the obtained Vsand Moedo/Gotrends were correlated to the physical parameters of the tested granular soils with the development of e and Id. A practical application employing the achievements in geotechnical engineering design was also evaluated. Based on the proposed correlations, geotechnical designers can easily estimate in situ stress–settlement behavior from the predicted Moedoand Idvalues using simple in situ measurements.