New model of shear modulus degradation and damping ratio curves for sensitive Canadian clays

Abstract

This study investigated a new predictive model of the shear modulus reduction ([Formula: see text]) and damping ratio ( ξ − Log ( γ c )) curves for sensitive eastern Canada clays. The model was established based on experimental measurements of [Formula: see text] and ξ performed on 69 sensitive clay specimens from eastern Canada. The compiled database was first analyzed to qualitatively assess the influences of different soil parameters on the measurements. Next, statistical analyses using regression analysis and the modified hyperbolic model were performed. It was found that the [Formula: see text] and ξ values of sensitive eastern Canada clays were influenced mainly by the plasticity index ( I p ), mean effective stress [Formula: see text], and structure, which was quantified by the liquidity index ( I L ). Based on the statistical analysis performed, new equations for [Formula: see text] and ξ were proposed. The newly proposed model was compared with previously published models. The comparison clearly showed that the proposed model was more representative of sensitive eastern Canada clays. Consequently, it is suggested that the proposed model is more appropriate for use in the dynamic analysis of sensitive eastern Canada clay deposits as well as other similar soils.