Comparative effect of remolding methods on the vane shear strength of Yellow Sea sediment

This report is preliminary and has not been reviewed for conformity with U.S. Geological Survey editorial standards and stratigraphic nomenclature. Any use of trade names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the USGS. Two basic remolding methods were used: (1) thorough kneading of the sediment sample by hand, which, in theory, completely breaks down any structure and homogenizes the material, and (2) rotating the blade of the vane shear device in the sample, which preferentially destroys the existing sediment structure along the shear planes whose resistance will be measured in the test. A lower remolded shear strength was produced by: (1) vane remolding than by hand remolding, and by (2) turning the vane through additional revolutions prior to strength determination. In order to obtain a measured remolded vane shear strength that approaches a residual value, the vane should be rotated in place through at least four revolutions after the peak strength is measured