Laboratory Measurement of Small Strain Shear Modulus Under <i>K</i> Conditions

Abstract

Abstract A new device to measure the small strain shear modulus (Gmax) under a no lateral strain condition has been developed. The techniques for measuring Gmax are discussed, with emphasis on bender element techniques. The performance of the bender elements are compared with results from simultaneous resonant column tests. An in-depth description of the lateral stress measurement system, the Gmax determination technique, and the measurement of vertical strain is presented along with representative test results to demonstrate the performance of the device.