Showing papers in "Canadian Geotechnical Journal in 1985"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a method for evaluating the potential for grading instability based on the shape of a material's grain size curve, which can be used to evaluate whether a coarse granular material can be removed by seepage.
Abstract: Internal stability of a granular material results from its ability to prevent loss of its own small particles due to disturbing forces such as seepage and vibration. Internal instability results from the inability of a soil to act as a filter to prevent loss of its own small particles.Within pores in the load-bearing fabric of a cohesionless, granular material there can exist loose particles, and whether or not these particles can be removed by seepage depends on (i) particle size distribution curve of the whole material, (ii) density of the compacted material, and (iii) severity of the disturbing forces.Results of seepage tests are presented for a variety of compacted, cohesionless materials, some of which experienced loss of small particles (unstable gradings) and others of which experienced no such loss (stable gradings). From a synthesis of these results a method is proposed for evaluating the potential for grading instability based on the shape of a material's grain size curve. However, the surest me...
591 citations
TL;DR: In this article, large-scale slides occurring during the hydraulic placement of an artificial island berm in the Beaufort Sea resulted from the liquefaction of the berm sand.
Abstract: Recent large-scale slides occurring during the hydraulic placement of an artificial island berm in the Beaufort Sea resulted from the liquefaction of the berm sand. Subsequent laboratory tests and ...
459 citations
TL;DR: Controlling constriction size Dc* is a size characteristic of the void network in a granular filter and is equal to the diameter of the largest particle that can possibly be transported through the filter as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Controlling constriction size Dc* is a size characteristic of the void network in a granular filter and is equal to the diameter of the largest particle that can possibly be transported through the...
227 citations
TL;DR: In Canada, debris torrents (also referred to as channelized debris flows) occur in parts of British Columbia, Alberta, and the Yukon as discussed by the authors and at least 17 deaths and an estimated $100 million of damage to b...
Abstract: In Canada, debris torrents (also referred to as channelized debris flows) occur in parts of British Columbia, Alberta, and the Yukon. At least 17 deaths and an estimated $100 million of damage to b...
206 citations
TL;DR: The hydraulic conductivity, k, of clayey soils is strongly influenced by the physicochemical properties of permeating liquid hydrocarbons as mentioned in this paper, and the results of experiments on natural Sarnia soils mixed with pure liquids at a...
Abstract: The hydraulic conductivity, k, of clayey soils is strongly influenced by the physicochemical properties of permeating liquid hydrocarbons. Tests on natural Sarnia soils mixed with pure liquids at a...
185 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors take care when selecting strength and compressibility parameters for analysis of clays, such as softening and freeze-thaw cycling effects the properties of the clays.
Abstract: Weathering processes such as softening and freeze–thaw cycling affect the properties of clays. Care must therefore be taken when selecting strength and compressibility parameters for analysis of na...
131 citations
TL;DR: In 1983, five liquefaction slides occurred in 1983 during the construction of a hydraulically placed subsea sand berm designed to form part of a bottom-founded, offshore, hydrocarbon exploration platform at...
Abstract: Five liquefaction slides occurred in 1983 during the construction of a hydraulically placed subsea sand berm designed to form part of a bottom-founded, offshore, hydrocarbon exploration platform at...
113 citations
TL;DR: Geochemical data obtained between 1979 and 1983 from a network of piezometer nests and cores from three inactive uranium tailings impoundments in the Elliot Lake district indicate that oxidation of...
Abstract: Geochemical data obtained between 1979 and 1983 from a network of piezometer nests and cores from three inactive uranium tailings impoundments in the Elliot Lake district indicate that oxidation of...
78 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the bearing capacity of instrumented vertical single rigid model piles in homogeneous loose sand and soft clay under vertical eccentric and central inclined loads was investigated, and the ultimate bearing capacity was derived.
Abstract: The ultimate bearing capacity of instrumented vertical single rigid model piles in homogeneous loose sand and soft clay under vertical eccentric and central inclined loads has been investigated. Th...
75 citations
TL;DR: In this article, three distinct phenomena related to sudden lake drainage, which occurred in a restricted area within the southern Coast Mountains of British Columbia, are described: moraine breaching by solita...
Abstract: Three distinct phenomena related to sudden lake drainage, which occurred in a restricted area within the southern Coast Mountains of British Columbia, are described: (i) moraine breaching by solita...
72 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a method of estimating the short-term stability of reinforced embankments constructed on a deposit that can be idealized as being uniform and purely cohesive is described.
Abstract: A method of estimating the short-term stability of reinforced embankments constructed on a deposit that can be idealized as being uniform and purely cohesive is described. This approach maintains the simplicity of conventional limit equilibrium techniques while incorporating the effect of soil–geotextile interaction in terms of an allowable compatible strain for the geotextile. This allowable compatible strain may be deduced from a design chart and depends on the foundation stiffness, the embankment geometry, the depth of the deposit, and the critical height of an unreinforced embankment. The procedure is checked against finite element results and against one published case history. Key words: embankment, geotextile, analysis, limit equilibrium, finite element, soft clay, shear strength, soil reinforcement.
TL;DR: Some recent work on natural rock slope movements in the Cordillera is reviewed in this paper, where climate, geology, and seismicity combine to produce rockslides in the Mackenzies and Rockies; slower, more complex be...
Abstract: Some recent work on natural rock slope movements in the Cordillera is reviewed. Climate, geology, and seismicity combine to produce rockslides in the Mackenzies and Rockies; slower, more complex be...
TL;DR: In this paper, a finite-element model was used to simulate two-dimensional, saturated-unsatura... and pore-pressure distribution in layered hillsides, respectively.
Abstract: This study provides an analysis of the water-table configuration and pore-pressure distribution in layered hillsides. A finite-element model was used to simulate two-dimensional, saturated–unsatura...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide a regional framework for previous, site-specific work on the geotechnical properties of earthflows in this region, including low shear strength claystone, shale, and siltstone units within, principally, middle Cretaceous to Eocene sediments and volcanics.
Abstract: Examples of large, slow-moving earthflows from the western part of the Interior Plateau zone of British Columbia are discussed, the larger examples exceeding 107 m3. The study provides a regional framework for previous, site-specific work on the geotechnical properties of earthflows in this region. Factors responsible for earthflow development are (1) low shear strength claystone, shale, and siltstone units within, principally, middle Cretaceous to Eocene sediments and volcanics; (2) steep topographic gradients at the plateau margins, plus availability of tributary valley incisions to provide lateral confinement of earthflow debris; (3) sufficient moisture surplus at the plateau level to cause seasonal fluctuations in piezometric head, both within and beneath earthflow debris. So far, work on the Holocene record of movement suggests (1) relatively modest earthflow activity during the warm, dry period of the first 3000 years or so of postglacial time; (2) a post-Mazama maximum of movement, probably correla...
TL;DR: A review of the existing evidence shows that osmosis causes intercepts in flow rate versus hydraulic gradient relationships that are consistent with the observed deviations from Darcy's law at very low gradients.
Abstract: Recent evidence for deviations from Darcy's law at very low gradients provides a reminder that the origin of similar deviations reported during the last three decades has not been fully clarified. In most of these studies, the potential significance of osmosis was not considered. This review of the existing evidence shows that osmosis causes intercepts in flow rate versus hydraulic gradient relationships that are consistent with the observed deviations from Darcy's law at very low gradients. Moreover, it is suggested that a natural cause of osmosis in laboratory samples could be chemical reactions such as those involved in aging effects. This hypothesis is analogous to the previously proposed occurrence of electroosmosis in nature generated by geochemical weathering reactions. Key words: Darcy's law, non-Darcy flow, hydraulic intercept, threshold gradient, osmosis.
TL;DR: A knowledge of the slip surface profile beneath a landslip is essential for stability analysis and for the design of remedial works as discussed by the authors, and the accuracy of a technique is demonstrated in this paper.
Abstract: A knowledge of the slip surface profile beneath a landslip is essential for stability analysis and for the design of remedial works. This note sets out to demonstrate the accuracy of a technique th...
TL;DR: In this article, a technique for analyzing two-dimensional migration of contaminant from a landfill into a homogeneous clayey layer is described, taking advantage of the fact that the concentration of cont...
Abstract: A technique for analyzing two-dimensional migration of contaminant from a landfill into a homogeneous clayey layer is described. The analysis takes acount of the fact that the concentration of cont...
TL;DR: In this paper, the results of recent loading tests on Kuwaiti sandy soils at seven sites are analyzed. The tests were carried out on small concrete footings ranging in size from 0.25 to 1.
Abstract: The results of recent loading tests on Kuwaiti sandy soils at seven sites are analyzed. The tests were carried out on small concrete footings ranging in size from 0.25 to 1 m. The effects of severa...
TL;DR: The physicochemical properties of a clay from La Baie, Quebec were found to be typical of Champlain quick clays: very low plasticity, liquidity index greater than 3, sensitivity greater than 500, and pH of about 9.5 as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The physicochemical properties of a clay from La Baie, Quebec were found to be typical of Champlain quick clays: very low plasticity, liquidity index greater than 3, sensitivity greater than 500, and pH of about 9.5. The mineralogy is characterized by the abundance of primary or "rock flour" minerals such as feldspar, quartz, amphibole, and calcite, with illite as the principal clay mineral. The pore water chemistry consists predominantly of sodium bicarbonate. Low concentrations of sulfate, calcium, and magnesium and high alkalinity and pH are attributed, in part, to anaerobic sulfate-reduction processes taking place in situ.Quick clay samples stored in the laboratory showed signs of aging regardless of the storage procedure. The remoulded strength and the liquid limit increased with time, whereas the sensitivity, the liquidity index, and the pH decreased. The water content, plastic limit, and undisturbed strength remained practically unchanged. The pore water concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and su...
TL;DR: In this article, the erodibility of cohesive soil is reviewed and it is concluded that experimental observations have been mainly concerned with remolded and reconsolidated or weathered clays.
Abstract: Previous studies on erodibility of cohesive soil are briefly reviewed and it is concluded that experimental observations have been mainly concerned with remolded and reconsolidated or weathered cla...
TL;DR: In this article, a laboratory test program was undertaken in order to assess the probable effectiveness of electroosmotic treatment in the field in reducing the water content and sensitivity of a deposit of soft sensitive silty clay.
Abstract: A laboratory test program was undertaken in order to assess the probable effectiveness of electroosmotic treatment in the field in reducing the water content and sensitivity of a deposit of soft sensitive silty clay. The results of treatment on tube samples indicate that substantial reductions in water content and liquidity index would be expected, particularly close to the anode. Static and dynamic triaxial tests on both treated and untreated specimens indicated major improvement in both static strength and the resistance to cyclic loading of the soil. Both of these are necessary if construction of a major embankment on this material is to proceed. Key words: electroosmosis, soil improvement, sensitive soils, cyclic testing.
TL;DR: A 915mm diameter steel pipe pile was driven and tested by the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Highways as part of their foundation studies for the proposed Annacis channel crossing of the Fraser River as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: A 915 mm diameter steel pipe pile was driven and tested by the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Highways as part of their foundation studies for the proposed Annacis channel crossing of the Fras...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors predict the response of soft clays to surface loading by predicting the constitutive relationships, including effective stress path behaviour, of soft clay to surface load.
Abstract: Current methods of predicting the response of soft clays to surface loading are often unsuccessful because the assumed constitutive relationships, including effective stress path behaviour, are inc...
TL;DR: In this article, the use of time-domain reflectometry (TDR) for determining the phase composition of permafrost from measurement of the apparent dielectric constant, Ka, is examined.
Abstract: The use of time-domain reflectometry (TDR) for determining the phase composition of saline permafrost from measurement of the apparent dielectric constant, Ka, is examinedCombined TDR–dilatometry
TL;DR: In this article, a simple, efficient method is presented for the analysis of large pile groups subjected to vertical loads, horizontal loads, and moments acting either statically or dynamically with low frequencies.
Abstract: A simple, efficient method is presented for the analysis of large pile groups subjected to vertical loads, horizontal loads, and moments acting either statically or dynamically with low frequencies. The soil profile and the arrangement of the piles may be arbitrary but the solution is particularly efficient for groups with double symmetry or axisymmetry. The group is analyzed directly, avoiding the use of interaction factors, but the interaction factors are also presented. The piles can be of any type, i.e., floating, end-bearing, socketed, or with a pedestal.
TL;DR: For anchors embedded in cohesive soil, the uplift capacity remains almost constant when the ratio of anchor embedment depth to anchor diameter (D/B) increases above about 4.5 as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: For anchors embedded in cohesive soil, the uplift capacity remains almost constant when the ratio of anchor embedment depth to anchor diameter (D/B) increases above about 4.5. The uplift capacity o...
TL;DR: In this paper, an alternative approach to pressure meter testing in sand, where the pressuremeter is pushed closed-ended, is discussed, and data from both self-boring and full-displacement pressuremeter tests in sand are presented to support some of the suggested theoretical background.
Abstract: An alternative approach to pressuremeter testing in sand, where the pressuremeter is pushed closed-ended, is discussed. Observations from cone penetration testing in sands are used to provide a theoretical background to the expected stress conditions around a full-displacement pressuremeter probe pushed into sand. The anticipated stress paths followed during the pressure expansion phase of the test are discussed. Data from both self-boring and full-displacement pressuremeter tests in sand are presented to support some of the suggested theoretical background. Key words: pressuremeter testing, in situ testing, sand.
TL;DR: A comprehensive laboratory program was carried out on specimens trimmed from 152"mm diameter piston samples of a soft silty clay and a varved clay at a tunnel site in Thunder Bay as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: A comprehensive laboratory program was carried out on specimens trimmed from 152 mm diameter piston samples of a soft silty clay and a varved clay at a tunnel site in Thunder Bay. Results of conven...
TL;DR: The peat flow was initiated by a slump in a peat spoil pile and involved the sudden mobilization of a strip of in situ peat 210m long and approximately 20m wide as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Peat flows, bog flows, or bog bursts consist of a rapid downhill movement of masses of saturated peat. Although this process has been documented from peatlands in other parts of the world, the slope movement described here is the first to be reported from Canadian peatlands. The peat flow took place on the east coast of Kaien Island, near Prince Rupert, British Columbia, and was initiated by a slump in a peat spoil pile. It involved the sudden mobilization of a strip of in situ peat 210 m long and approximately 20 m wide. The peat was fibrous, rich in roots, and had a moisture content of approximately 240%. The flow demonstrates the high potential mobility of natural peat covers and the role of undrained loading in effecting movement of slopes as low as 5°. Key words: peat, flow slide, peat flow, northeast British Columbia.