Multi-Stepwise Strain-Rate Loading Consolidation Test to Evaluate Strain Rate Dependency

Abstract

To evaluate the long-term consolidation characteristics on the basis of the isotache concept, long-term consolidation test is required. However, it is very difficult to conduct long-term consolidation test in practice, because it takes a very long test period of three weeks or longer. In order to solve this problem, a multi-staged loading constant rate of strain (CRS) consolidation test in which strain rate is stepwisely varied was conducted to investigate both the compressibility and strain rate dependency using a same soil specimen. In the CRS consolidation test, preliminary consolidation (creep) at the overburden effective stress was introduced before loading in a constant rate of strain to avoid an effect of recompression under the overburden effective stress on the compression curve.