Small Strain Stiffness of Cemented Sand

Determination of dynamic properties of soil is a difficult, complex, and time-consuming task but an essential and important aspect in geotechnical earthquake engineering problems. Dynamic soil properties are important to predict the ground motion, site response, and probability of seismic hazards in seismic zones. Seismically, shear wave velocity is the best indicator for site characterization and also to evaluate the liquefaction potential of soils. The piezoceramic bender element test was conducted to study the effect of artificial cementation on low strain dynamic properties of sand. Artificially cemented specimens were prepared using 10% of Portland pozzolana cement by weight. Then, sample having dimension of 50 mm × 100 mm was prepared in relative densities of 30%, 50%, and 85%, and the samples were tested with the confining pressure of 100 kPa, 200 kPa, 300 kPa, and 400 kPa after 7, 14, and 28 days of curing. It is determined that shear wave velocity and maximum shear modulus increases with increase in the density, confining pressure and curing periods.