Strain-Controlled Cyclic Simple Shear Tests on Sand with Radial Strain Measurements

Abstract

Strain-controlled cyclic simple-shear tests were performed on silica sand with radial strain measurements. The specimens were tested under a constant K0 condition and subjected to cyclic loading and postcyclic monotonic loading. Threshold cyclic shear strain, volumetric strain, secant shear modulus, and damping ratio are investigated. Generally, the volumetric strain behavior in this study agreed well with literature findings that were investigated using the conventional cyclic direct simple shear test (without radial constraints). Radial strain during monotonic simple shear (postcyclic loading) was found to be a good parameter in monitoring the onset of flow slide in cohesionless soil. The concept of threshold cyclic shear strain, γt, was adequately applied in assessing the specimen volume change. Dynamic engineering properties, including equivalent shear modulus and damping ratio, were also studied. The damping ratio was found to decrease when the cyclic shear strain amplitude was greater than 2%. Possible reasons for the decrease in damping were explored.