Sand Liquefaction in Large-Scale Simple Shear Tests

Samples used in the study were approx 90-in. long by 42-in. wide and 4-in. thick and they were subjected to uniform stress cycles at a frequency of 4 cps. Measurements of changes in pore-water pressure and shear strain development are presented for samples prepared at relative densities of 54%, 68%, 82%, and 90%, and the results are interpreted to determine the values of stress ratio causing initial liquefaction and different degrees of shear strain, giving appropriate consideration to the effects of system compliance. It is shown that a condition of initial liquefaction could be induced in all samples, but for samples with relative densities greater than about 45%, initial liquefaction was accompanied by limited shear strains, the limiting strain potential decreasing with the relative density. The test results are compared with data from other investigations and conclusions are drawn concerning the accuracy of tests on small-scale samples and shaking table investigations.