Maximum shear modulus evaluation based on continuous wavelet transform of bender element test

Abstract

Maximum shear modulus (Gmax) is a crucial parameter in the prediction of ground deformation and performance of seismic design. Practically, the Gmax parameter could be obtained from specific laboratory test or seismic field test. Bender element (BE) test is nondestructive laboratory test, which is simple yet reliable method in determining Gmax of soil. This study focuses on application; processes and analysis of Gmax values obtained from BE laboratory test using continuous wavelet transform (CWT) method. The Gmax values were validated with results from field seismic dilatometer test (sDMT) conducted at the same site of soil sampling for BE laboratory test. BE laboratory tests were conducted on undisturbed Auckland residual clay at various effective confining pressures (ECP) under fully saturated condition. The Gmax values analysis between CWT and field sDMT data were based on the overburden pressures values that matches with ECP applied in the BE laboratory test. In summary, the comparison between CWT analysis of laboratory and field sDMT data indicated good consistency of Gmax values. Thus, confirmed the reliability of CWT method in estimating Gmax parameter from BE laboratory test.