G_maxfor Sand by Bender Elements at Anisotropic Stress States

Analyses and design of foundations of structures exposed to dynamic loading requires knowledge of the dynamic proporties of the soils. An important parameter used in the dynamic analyses is the maximum shear modulus, Gmax. In the present study Gmax is determined by means of piezocheramic bender elements for two types of sand and with void ratios varying from minimum to maximum. The tests performed are carried out in the Danish Triaxial Cell, and Gmax are determined at different isotropic and anisotropic stress states. The main result of the test program is that Gmax is primarily influenced by changes in the mean effective stress, p', but also slightly influenced by applying shear stress. As expected the stiffness increases with decreasing void ratio.