Cyclic Simple Shear Size Effect Correction Factors

Abstract

A comprehensive experimental study has been completed to study the effect of specimen size on the cyclic properties of dry sand: namely, the shear modulus and damping in a large‐scale simple shear apparatus. The tests were performed on three different specimen diameters, 3, 6, and 12 in., while the specimen height varied from 0.25–4 in. to have diameter to height ratios of 12, 9, 6, and 3 for each diameter. In this paper, an ideal size of soil specimen in cyclic simple shear testing that produces results independent of the specimen size is presented. Formulas relating the cyclic properties and the specimen size were developed. In addition, formulas and charts for correction factors were developed to correct the properties obtained from simple shear testing of specimens having sizes other than the proposed ideal size.