Showing papers in "Canadian Geotechnical Journal in 1994"
TL;DR: In this paper, a nonlinear, least squares computer program is used to determine the best-fit parameters for experimental data presented in the literature, based on the assumption that the shape of the soil-water characteristic curve is dependent upon the pore-size distribution.
Abstract: The soil-water characteristic curve can be used to estimate various parameters used to describe unsaturated soil behaviour. A general equation for the soil-water characteristic curve is proposed. A nonlinear, least-squares computer program is used to determine the best-fit parameters for experimental data presented in the literature. The equation is based on the assumption that the shape of the soil-water characteristic curve is dependent upon the pore-size distribution of the soil (i.e., the desaturation is a function of the pore-size distribution). The equation has the form of an integrated frequency distribution curve. The equation provides a good fit for sand, silt, and clay soils over the entire suction range from 0 to 106 kPa. Key words : soil-water characteristic curve, pore-size distribution, nonlinear curve fitting, soil suction, water content.
2,644 citations
TL;DR: The coefficient of permeability for unsaturated soil is primarily determined by the pore-size distribution of the soil and can be predicted from the soil-water characteristic curve as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The coefficient of permeability for an unsaturated soil is primarily determined by the pore-size distribution of the soil and can be predicted from the soil-water characteristic curve. A general eq...
864 citations
TL;DR: In this article, definitions for risk and hazard which are suited to landslide risk assessment are presented. Acceptable risk is discussed in relation to other risks accepted by the community, and acceptable specif...
Abstract: Definitions for risk and hazard which are suited to landslide risk assessment are presented. Acceptable risk is discussed in relation to other risks accepted by the community, and acceptable specif...
397 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the maximum or potential rate of evaporation determined on the basis of climatic conditions is estimated using traditional methods, such as the maximum and potential rate for each day of the year.
Abstract: Traditional methods of evaluating evaporation provide an estimate of the maximum or potential rate of evaporation determined on the basis of climatic conditions. Methods such as these are appropria...
283 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the effect of bentonites as back-filling materials for repositories of high-level nuclear waste in the context of nuclear backfilling.
Abstract: Compacted bentonites are attracting greater attention as back-filling (buffer) materials for repositories of high-level nuclear waste. However, since there are few studies about the swelling charac...
269 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the influence of fine and gradation on the skeletal collapse behavior of loosely prepared sand samples was investigated and it was found that increased percentages of fine sand increased strain softening behavior and a shifting of the steady-state line.
Abstract: A study has been carried out to investigate the influence of fines and gradation on the skeletal collapse behaviour of loosely prepared sand samples. Loose sand samples, formed by moist tamping and consolidated to the same effective stress level, were prepared with varying percentages of both plastic and non-plastic fines ( 74 μm). Samples were isotropically consolidated and subjected to monotonic undrained triaxial compression. Results indicate that increased percentages of fines ( 0.5%). This change is represented by a decreased strain softening behaviour and a shifting of the steady-state line. Variation of the gradation of the host sand appears to have little effect on the monotonic undrained behaviour. A supplemental study, involving use of the scanning electron microscope, was carried out to evaluate the findings of the test program in terms of sand fabric. Key words : colla...
260 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the concept of equivalent time was used in a revised version of an earlier elastic viscoplastic model for one-dimensional straining of clays, which can be used in the context of a one dimensional straining model for clays.
Abstract: This paper describes the recent concept of equivalent time and how it can be used in a revised version of an earlier elastic viscoplastic model for one-dimensional straining of clays. It clarifies ...
186 citations
TL;DR: The effective stress response of a natural marine clay to slow undrained symmetrical cyclic reversal in shear stress is presented in this article. But the effects of cyclic principal stress difference amplitude, cycli...
Abstract: The effective stress response of a natural marine clay to slow undrained symmetrical cyclic reversal in shear stress is presented. The effects of cyclic principal stress difference amplitude, cycli...
105 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the main condition for agreement between a model and a prototype was defined as the comparative behavior of the model and the prototype in small-scale testing under 1 g conditions as well as in the centrifuge.
Abstract: Small-scale testing under 1 g conditions as well as in the centrifuge presupposes that a model and prototype have comparative behavior. The chief condition for agreement between model and prototype...
97 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a series of column experiments were conducted to evaluate three methods to determine sulphide oxidation rates in mine tailings, including the flux of oxygen across the surface of the tailings and the oxygen consumption rates at the surface, and the total sulphate produced in pore water over time.
Abstract: A series of column experiments were conducted to evaluate three methods to determine sulphide oxidation rates in mine tailings. Measurements were made of (i) the flux of oxygen across the surface of the tailings, (ii) the oxygen consumption rates at the tailings surface, and (iii) the total sulphate produced in the pore water over time. Two columns were prepared with a mixture of quartz sand and pyrrhotite and overlain with varying thicknesses and grain sizes of a nonreactive layer. The impact of nonreactive layers with varying water-table depths on the overall oxidation rate was also evaluated. Modelling was applied to verify the importance of diffusion and kinetic control of the different column configurations. The results indicate that the overall rate of oxidation is reduced when fine-grain layers are applied. This is due to the high water saturation conditions generated by the fine material regardless of the depth to the water table. The consistency and precision of the methods used to measure relati...
92 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the development of periodic ice lens formation in frozen soils is analyzed from a fundamental point of view to predict the development in periodic ice lenses in a model of simultaneous heat and mass t...
Abstract: Frost heave in soils is analysed from a fundamental point of view to predict the development of periodic ice lens formation that is observed in frozen soils. A model of simultaneous heat and mass t...
TL;DR: In this paper, laboratory properties of Lac du Bonnet granite samples collected at depths ranging from near-surface to 1000m were established and laboratory properties indicated that either the in situ properti...
Abstract: Laboratory properties of Lac du Bonnet granite samples collected at depths ranging from near-surface to 1000 m were established. The laboratory properties indicated that either the in situ properti...
TL;DR: In this paper, a quantitative determination of the potential distribution in the Stern-Gouy double-layer model for clay-water-electrolyte systems is presented, and the surface potential, Stern potential, thickness of...
Abstract: A quantitative determination of the potential distribution in the Stern–Gouy double-layer model for clay–water–electrolyte systems is presented. The surface potential, Stern potential, thickness of...
TL;DR: In this paper, an experimental study relating the drained and undrained behavior of very loose saturated sand is presented, and it is shown that the post-peak portion of undrained stress paths travels along the state boundary and that the approximate state boundary can be approximated by a straight line.
Abstract: A state-boundary surface defines a boundary in stress – void-ratio space above which no stress state can exist. The applicability of the state-boundary surface for sand has not gained widespread attention primarily because sand is not generally considered to be a difficult soil from a design point of view apart from liquefaction. Liquefaction is a phenomenon usually encountered in very loose cohesionless materials. An experimental study relating the drained and undrained behavior of very loose saturated sand is presented. It is shown that the post-peak portion of undrained stress paths travels along the state boundary and that the state boundary can be approximated by a straight line. The slope of this straight line appears to stay constant for very loose sand. There are potentially an infinite number of these lines, which form a three-dimensional surface in deviator stress – effective mean normal stress – void-ratio space. Previously published results by various researchers are used to confirm the existe...
TL;DR: In this article, a numerical technique that couples the distinct element and boundary element methods was developed to simulate a granular soil deposit as a two-dimensional, circular disk assembly, and a series of simu...
Abstract: A numerical technique that couples the distinct-element and boundary-element methods was developed to simulate a granular soil deposit as a two-dimensional, circular disk assembly. A series of simu...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present the results of field experiments performed using the Imperial College instrumented displacement pile in a soft, sensitive marine clay at Bothkennar, Scotland.
Abstract: The paper presents the results of field experiments performed using the Imperial College instrumented displacement pile in a soft, sensitive marine clay at Bothkennar, Scotland. These results are c...
TL;DR: In this paper, an investigation into the performance of single vertical screw anchors installed in sands is presented, and models were developed employing the limit equilibrium method of analysis to predict the uplift of the anchors.
Abstract: An investigation into the performance of single vertical screw anchors installed in sands is presented. Models were developed employing the limit equilibrium method of analysis to predict the uplif...
TL;DR: In this article, a combination of the hyperbolic and the Modified Cam-clay models was used for deep excavation in layered sandy and clayey soil deposits using finite element analysis.
Abstract: This paper presents an application of finite-element analysis to deep excavation in layered sandy and clayey soil deposits using a combination of the hyperbolic and the Modified Cam-clay models. In...
TL;DR: In this paper, the relationship between durability and lithologic characteristics of 61 mudrock samples from North America were investigated with the objective of developing a mudrock-durability classification based on the properties of the rocks.
Abstract: Relationships between durability and lithologic characteristics of 61 mudrock samples from North America were investigated with the objective of developing a mudrock-durability classification based...
TL;DR: For offshore drilling, and in particular when drilling from fixed platforms in deep waters, the mud pressure will be high compared with the hydraulic fracture pressure (i.e., the formation strength) as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: For offshore drilling, and in particular when drilling from fixed platforms in deep waters, the mud pressure will be high compared with the hydraulic fracture pressure (i.e., the formation strength...
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TL;DR: In this paper, it is shown that very loose dry sand when subjected to a constant deviatoric stress path significantly changes its behavior at a certain stress state, increases compressibility, and becomes...
Abstract: Loose cohesionless saturated materials have proved responsible for a number of serious or catastrophic flow slides. Liquefaction failures with no obvious triggering mechanism have also been recorded. This phenomenon of sudden liquefaction without a presence of cyclic shear stresses is often referred to as spontaneous or static liquefaction. Results from previously published studies suggest that liquefaction is triggered not by the undrained loading and generation of pore pressures but by the collapse of the metastable sand structure, which in turn generates the driving pore pressures in a saturated material. Hence, the collapse is a characteristic response of a material to certain stress states rather than a result of some enforced undrained loading. This theory is evaluated on very loose dry Ottawa sand. It is shown that the very loose dry sand when subjected to a constant deviatoric stress path significantly changes its behavior at a certain discreet stress state, increases compressibility, and becomes ...
TL;DR: At Avalanche Lake, located in the Backbone Ranges of the Mackenzie Mountains, about 200'×'106'm3 of massive Devonian carbonate rock slid down remarkably planar bedding surfaces dipping at 30° and c...
Abstract: At Avalanche Lake, located in the Backbone Ranges of the Mackenzie Mountains, about 200 × 106 m3 of massive Devonian carbonate rock slid down remarkably planar bedding surfaces dipping at 30° and c...
TL;DR: In this paper, track quality rating systems are briefly introduced as a background for undertaking a study of the repeated load response of ballast aggregates and the results from a number of different laboratory in...
Abstract: Track quality rating systems are briefly introduced as a background for undertaking a study of the repeated-load response of ballast aggregates. The results from a number of different laboratory in...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe a program of field experiments with heavily instrumented displacement piles installed in a stiff, lodgement till and measure the effective stresses recorded at various le...
Abstract: The paper describes a programme of field experiments with heavily instrumented displacement piles installed in a stiff, lodgement till. Measurements of the effective stresses recorded at various le...
TL;DR: In this article, detailed laboratory investigations were conducted on coal tailings produced at Westcliff Colliery, New South Wales, Australia, and geotechnical tests were conducted to determine the particle-size distr...
Abstract: Detailed laboratory investigations were conducted on coal tailings produced at Westcliff Colliery, New South Wales, Australia. Geotechnical tests were conducted to determine the particle-size distr...
TL;DR: In this paper, the results of a theoretical analysis of the bending moments and axial forces developed in a pile due to driving of an adjacent pile in clay are presented. But the analysis uses approximate distributions of horizontal and vertical soil movements caused by pile driving, developed from a "strainpath" analysis, together with inferences from model pile test data.
Abstract: When a pile is driven into clay, horizontal and vertical movements are developed in the soil surrounding the pile. These movements will tend to develop axial forces and bending moments in adjacent piles that have already been installed. Possible consequences for these piles are (i) structural damage or cracking (of concrete piles) arising from the induced bending moments, (ii) tensile failure of the piles due to the induced axial forces, and (iii) lifting-off of the pile tip from the bearing stratum due to the axial induced movements. This paper describes the results of a theoretical analysis of the bending moments and axial forces developed in a pile due to driving of an adjacent pile in clay. The analysis uses approximate distributions of horizontal and vertical soil movements caused by pile driving, developed from a "strain-path" analysis, together with inferences from model pile test data. An examination is made of various factors that may influence the induced bending moments and forces, including pi...
TL;DR: In this paper, an elastic viscoplastic constitutive model incorporated into the consolidation equation can predict these pore-water pressure increases in soils that exhibit significant creep behaviour (or secondary compression), the phenomenon has been related to relaxation in regions of the profile from which drainage has not yet begun.
Abstract: Field observations in thin soft clay layers may show pore-water pressures that increase for some time after the loading is applied. Reasons for these observations are not well understood. The paper shows how an elastic viscoplastic constitutive model incorporated into the consolidation equation can predict these pore-water pressure increases in soils that exhibit significant creep behaviour (or secondary compression). The phenomenon has been related to relaxation in regions of the profile from which drainage has not yet begun. Key words : clay, consolidation, creep, secondary compression, viscous, relaxation, pore-water pressure, elastic–plastic.
TL;DR: Experimental investigations on the performance of single and groups of vertical screw anchors installed in dense, medium, and loose sands are presented in this paper, where the results of these tests, together with the measurements of the deflection of the sand surface, were employed to establish the shape of the rupture surface which could be represented by a segment of a logarithmic spiral.
Abstract: Experimental investigations on the performance of single and groups of vertical screw anchors installed in dense, medium, and loose sands are presented. An experimental setup was instrumented to allow the measurement of the total pullout load, upward displacement, sand surface deflection, and stress development in the sand layer during all phases of testing. A sand placing technique was developed and utilized over all the testing program to ensure reproducibility of the predetermined unit weight. Stresses measured within sand deposits indicated that the tested sands were overconsolidated due to the application of mechanical compaction. Special tests were conducted on colored–layered sand to define the nature of the failure mechanism. The results of these tests, together with the measurements of the deflection of the sand surface, were employed to establish the shape of the rupture surface which could be represented by a segment of a logarithmic spiral. Groups of three, four, six, and nine anchors were tes...
TL;DR: A subaqueous capping pilot-scale project in Hamilton Harbour is described in this paper, where the capping material will be in a relatively low-energized environment.
Abstract: A proposed 100 m × 100 m site for a subaqueous capping pilot-scale project in Hamilton Harbour is located in a water depth of about 15 m where the capping material will be in a relatively low-energ