Application of Cylindrical Cavity Expansion in MCC Model to a Sensitive Clay under Ko Consolidation

Abstract

This paper presents expressions for the principal effective stresses generated around a cylindrical cavity expanded in plane strain and undrained conditions in modified Cam-clay (MCC). The assumption made in the present analysis is that Poisson’s ratio, v′, remains constant throughout the shearing process. Theoretical expressions are first applied to the simulation of two cylindrical cavity expansion tests in Ko normally consolidated remolded Boston blue clay modeled as MCC. Thereafter, the paper analyzes field test results obtained by means of pressuremeter tests in a sensitive clay of Quebec. Effective stress paths, derived from application of Palmer’s total stress approach and the measured pore water pressures, are compared with theoretical curves obtained by assuming that the sensitive clay obeys an overconsolidated MCC model. Shear stress–shear strain curves deduced from Palmer’s approach are compared with the theoretically derived MCC relationships.