Cyclic loading of an Ottawa area Champlain Sea clay

Abstract

Undrained cyclic loading of triaxial samples of a sensitive Champlain Sea clay at deviatoric stress levels in excess of 50% of the static shear strength is shown to produce large deformations and eventual shear failure. Continued deformation of the clay under repeated loadings is believed to result from a progressive destruction of the cemented soil structure. Effective stress failures result from an increase in the excess pore water pressures within the sample.