Undrained Response of Clay in Hollow Cylinder Expansion Tests

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents the results of undrained plane strain expansion tests of hollow cylindrical specimens of normally consolidated clay. The stress-strain curves and the total stress paths are first deduced from the experimental radial pressure-expansion relationships by using Nadai’s total stress approach. The stress-strain curves are then compared with theoretical relations based on the modified Cam clay theory. The effective stress paths, which are obtained by subtracting measured pore water pressure from the total stress paths, are also compared with those derived from the modified Cam clay. Finally, the undrained shear strengths, calculated from both Nadai’s approach and the modified Cam clay, are compared with values determined by using an expression based upon an elastic perfectly plastic model.