Small-strain shear modulus of calcareous sand under anisotropic consolidation

In this study, the small-strain shear modulus of a calcareous sand was investigated by conducting bender element tests on both horizontal and vertical planes. The effects of sample preparation method, stress path and stress history on the developing of void ratio, the parameters in the modified Hardin Equation, and the stiffness anisotropy were examined. The test results show that the moist tamping samples have the least void ratio variation among the five samples. The void ratio recovery in effective horizontal stress [Formula: see text] = 100 kPa tests is higher than that in the effective vertical stress [Formula: see text] = 100 kPa tests. The samples prepared in the dry state have lower stiffness than those prepared in the moisture state, which is not influenced by the anisotropic stress state. The stiffness anisotropy induced by the sample preparation method is significant under anisotropic consolidation. In [Formula: see text] = 100 kPa tests, the stiffness ratios at the end of the unloading stage are lower than the initial values at the loading stage, which is not found in the [Formula: see text] = 100 kPa tests, meaning that the stress history and stress path could affect the stiffness anisotropy and eliminate the impact of fabric anisotropy.