The Earthquake Engineering Online Archive

The effects of method of sample preparation on the cyclic stress-strain behavior of sands

Mulilis, John P.; Chan, Clarence K.; Seed, H. Bolton

UCB/EERC-75/18, Earthquake Engineering Research Center, University of California, Berkeley, 1975-07, 138 pages (495/M78/1975)

The purpose of this investigation is to perform a comprehensive study of the effect of method of sample preparation on the cyclic stress-strain behavior of sands, and to postulate reasons for the observed effects. From previous findings, it is apparent that the method of preparation used to form samples of sand may be a significant factor influencing the liquefaction behavior of sand. Stress-controlled cyclic triaxial tests were conducted on samples of Monterey No. 0 sand formed by pluvial, vibratory, and tamped compaction. The density distribution and orientation and arrangement of sand grains in samples of Monterey No. 0 sand formed by different methods of preparation were examined. The dynamic strengths of remolded and undisturbed samples were compared.

Available online: http://nisee.berkeley.edu/documents/EERC/EERC-75-18.pdf (26 MB)