Compressibility Characteristics of Low-Plasticity Silt before and after Liquefaction

Abstract

Low-plasticity silt is known to have a potential to liquefy during earthquakes. The compressibility characteristics could change before and after a dynamic event that produces liquefaction. This research investigates the liquefaction resistance and postliquefaction reconsolidation characteristics of Mississippi River Valley (MRV) silt using laboratory cyclic triaxial compression testing. The MRV silt experienced initial liquefaction under cyclic loading, and the results are presented as cyclic stress ratio versus loading cycle curve. After cyclic loading, the liquefied specimens were reconsolidated. Permeability did not change significantly as a result of liquefaction. The reconsolidation curves are more parallel to the compression line than the recompression line in