Influence of Load Frequency on Cohesive Soil Respond

Abstract

The mechanism of cohesive soils response to cycling loading is less investigated compared to cohesionless soils. Multiple load-unload cycles cause significant changes in the structure of cohesive soils, which result in complex behaviour under the given load. The aim of the paper was to investigate and study the influence of load frequency on cohesive soil reaction. In order to obtain results, tests were conducted using the cyclic triaxial apparatus. Three cyclic tests were carried out, each for different frequency −0.5 Hz, 1.0 Hz, 2.0 Hz and one static triaxial test. The maximal value of deviator stress qmax, used in the cyclic tests, was set to 40 kPa. Afterwards samples were unloaded to qmin = 30 kPa. Cyclic loading triaxial tests were performed in a consolidated-undrained (CU) one-way loading manner, a sinusoidal waves were used. After the cycling loading was completed, a static triaxial shear test was conducted. Changes in the cohesive soil responses depending on cycling load frequency were presented in the paper. Differences in the accumulation of plastic strains were noticed, as well as changes of degradation index values, resilient degradation index values and differences in the excess pore water pressure development.