Low Strain Dynamic Properties of Artificially Cemented Sand

Abstract

Torsional resonant column tests are conducted to study the effect of artificial cementation on low strain dynamic properties of Monterey No. 0 sand. Artificially cemented specimens are prepared using 1, 2, and 4% Portland cement by weight. Specimens were tested after 14 days of curing. It is determined that maximum shear modulus increased and damping ratio decreased with an increase in the degree of cementation. The maximum dynamic shear moduli increased due to corresponding increases in stiffness coefficients. The stiffness ratio defined as the stiffness of cemented to uncemented specimens varied with the degree of cementation and density. Dense specimens rendered higher stiffness ratios. The stiffness ratio was correlated to unconfined compressive strength and the cohesion intercept from CIU tests. Degradation of modulus ratio with strain ratio depended upon both the degree of cementation and density. Decay of modulus was more predominant in stiffer specimens. Cementation led to a decrease in damping ratio at all levels of strain.