Applicability of Davidenkov model for soft soils in sea areas

Stress-controlled dynamic triaxial tests are conducted for the soft soils in Bohai sea area. Based on the experimental results of dynamic shear modulus ratio and damping ratio, the average curves of dynamic shear modulus ratio G/Gmax and damping ratio λ versus dynamic shear strain are obtained. Applicability research of Davidenkov model for soft soils is carried out, and Hardin-Drnevich model is induced for comparative analysis. The results show that Davidenkov model is more suitable for soft soils in sea areas than Hardin-Drnevich model. It can fit G/Gmax–γ curves of soft soils in sea areas better. The theoretical damping ratio from the combination of Davidenkov model and Masing laws has distinct difference with the measured damping ratio. The damping ratio can be estimated according to the recommended formula in engineering practice for soft soils in sea areas.