Shearing failure visualization via particle tracking in soft clay using a transparent soil

摘要: In situ undrained shear strength measurement devices such as the vane test, cone penetrometer, and full-flow penetrometers (e.g., T-bar ball) have been increasingly used a part of geotechnical site investigations for soft clay deposits. Previous attempts to visualize failure surfaces on these included either significant disturbance soil sample (permeated with resin thin-sectioning) or involved methods shearing along transparent surface creating boundary effects. This paper described use non-invasive testing procedures determine several in surrogate (LAPONITE RD, trademark BYK Additives Instruments). A series tests were performed using two sizes rectangular miniature vanes, types full flow penetrometer (T-bar ball), LAPONITE RD samples. Laser planes illuminate particles material during shearing. Particle tracking techniques mechanisms each device. Experimental results compared theoretical numerical simulations characteristics by previous researchers. The present work contributed understanding an assessment evolution, geometry, structure mechanisms.