Evaluation of the Elasticity of Clay Soils

Abstract

A dynamic approach is used to evaluate the elasticity of clay soils. The experimental technique employed in the work is a modification of the Hopkinson pressure bar. Tests covering an appropriate range of stress levels were carried out on laboratory prepared specimens representing a variety of preconsolidation pressures. On the basis of the available information, using the Hopkinson bar technique, conclusions with regard to the relationship between the preconsolidation pressure of the soil tested and the elastic modulus for different rates of deformation are drawn. Also, the dynamic soil response of the soil tested and its relationship to the preconsolidation pressure are presented. A mathematical treatment of the relationship between the elastic modulus and the consolidation pressure is also presented which is verified experimentally using the pressure bar technique.