How can we create safe geotechnical structures and save costs? Now we often rely on NEN 9997-1 table 2.b for strength parameters. However, especially in undrained load situations, these parameters are extremely conservative. Sometimes it is therefore necessary to carry out extensive laboratory tests.
Often in cohesive layers peak strength is observed at limited elongation and residual strength at high elongation. This behavior cannot be described with the soil model suited for small strain regimes. A Critical State model may be better suited for (non) cohesive material. Within the graduation assignment, laboratory tests (undrained triaxial and compression tests, see Figure on the right) on clay and peat from Pernis Rotterdam are interpreted and the material parameters are derived for Critical State soil mechanics models.
The aim is to derive a more favorable practical set of parameters for undrained behavior of cohesive material from laboratory studies. Customization on the subject you find interesting is of course always possible.
Supervision
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