Sample Disturbance of a Soft Organic Dutch Clay

CO-710203/20 version 1 march 2001

Sample Disturbance of a Soft Organic Dutch Clay

CO-710203/20 march 2001 rap.monsterverstoring

By order of : DELFT CLUSTER

STRATEGIC RESEARCH DEPARTMENT GEODELFT Project manager : dr.ir. E.J. den Haan Project supervisor : ir. J. de Feijter
GeoDelft Stieltjesweg 2, 2628 CK DELFT Postbus 69, 2600 AB DELFT The Netherlands Telephone (+31) 15 - 269 35 00 Telefax (+31) 15 - 261 08 21 Postal account 234342 Bank MeesPierson NV Account 25.92.35.911

Report no.: CO-710203/20 Title and subtitle: Sample Disturbance of a Soft Organic Dutch Clay

Date report: march 2001 Department: Strategic Research Department, GeoDelft

Project: "Gedrag van Klei en Veen"

Project manager(s): dr.ir. E.J. den Haan Project supervisor(s): ir. J. de Feijter Other project members: A. van Slingerland ir. J. Tigchelaar dr. Ph. Reiffsteck (L.C.P.C. Paris) Name and address of client: Reference client: 10203 Delft Cluster Copies sent: Type report: research Summary of report:
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Comments: Keywords: Sample disturbance, soft clay, organic clay, Laval sampler, Begemann sampler, tube sampler, triaxial test, Ko oedometer test, Constant Rate of Strain, suction, structure of clays

Distribution:

prof. Verruijt (T.U. Delft), prof. Magnan (L.C.P.C.), ir. A.H. Nooy - van der Kolff (Boskalis), ir. H.L. Bakker (Rijkswaterstaat), drs. A. Bizzarri (Rijkswaterstaat), dr.ir. P. van den Berg (GeoDelft) Saved: No. of pages: 27 Title: \\DG-SV6\DHA\dha\DelftCluster\Monsterverstoring\rapport710203.20 Sample Disturbance of a Soft Organic Dutch Clay.docmonsterverstoring Version: Date: Prepared by: Signature: Checked by: 1 march 2001 E.J. den Haan J. de Feijter

Signature:

GeoDelft

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 2 3

Introduction Site description and soil characteristics Sampling methods 3.1 Ackermann tube sampling 3.2 Continuous Begemann (or Delft) sampling 3.3 Laval sampling Test programme 4.1 The Ko-C.R.S. oedometer 4.2 U.U. triaxial tests 4.3 C.I.U. triaxial tests 4.4 C.A.U. triaxial tests Overview of tests, and general soil properties Results and evaluation - suction tests Results and evaluation - triaxial tests Results and evaluation - K o-C.R.S. tests Effects of Diameter and Sample Position General evaluation and conclusion References

1 1 2 2 3 3 5 5 6 7 7 7 10 13 15 16 17 18

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

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1 Introduction
In the Netherlands, samples of soft organic clay and peat for laboratory testing are most commonly obtained from continuous Begemann (Delft) borings or discontinuous Ackermann tube borings. These soils are usually quite plastic and as it is well-known that the effects of sampling disturbance are smaller in more plastic soil, it has always been thought that sample disturbance in Dutch organic clays is limited and could essentially be ignored. In the project described in this report, this assumption is tested by comparative laboratory tests on Begemann, Ackermann and Laval samples taken from an organic clay in the Oostvaardersplassen near Almere. The Laval samples are taken to represent a high quality with which to benchmark the usual methods. The laboratory tests performed are the following: - Unconsolidated undrained (U.U.) triaxial tests with measurement of pore pressure - Isotropically and anisotropically consolidated (C.I.U. and C.A.U.) triaxial tests, some with measurement of initial suction - Ko-C.R.S. oedometer tests In addition to the comparative tests with regard to different samplers, the large diameter of the Laval samples, 20cm, was taken advantage of to investigate the effect of different subsample diameter on triaxial results. Further, the influence of the location of the subsample within the Laval sample, centre or perimeter, was investigated. The tests reveal only slight differences between the three sampling methods, and no significant influence on the measured strength parameters. For routine testing certainly, and for fundamental research on consolidated samples, the usual Dutch sampling methods suffice. The testing programme was rather complete in studying the stress - strain behaviour, making it suitable for evaluation of the geotechnical properties. High initial specific volume v o , high internal friction angle and low coefficient of lateral stress K o in the normally consolidated state are poignant features of the established behaviour.

2 Site description and soil characteristics

The site which was chosen to obtain the samples of organic clay, is located in the reclaimed polder South Flevoland, immediately north of the city of Almere, in a nature reserve named Oostvaardersplassen. The soil layer under study lies between depths of 1.2 and 2.6 m below groundlevel, and is a highly organic, slightly silty soft clay. It is covered by a surface layer of 1.2 m thickness of very silty clay. Groundwater level is at approximately 0.85 to 1.0 m below groundlevel.

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A full description of the soil profile is given in GeoDelft report "Project Klei en Veen - Verslag Monstername", nr. CO-710203, july 2000. A geological description of the soft upper layers at the site is given in GeoDelft Memo "Geologie Oostvaardersplassen site", 12 april 2001 by J. Tigchelaar. Figure 2.1 shows profiles of bulk density and loss - on - ignition. The samples of the present study were taken in the depth range from 1.6 to 2.4 m - G.L. Bulk density generally decreases with depth, and loss - on - ignition increases. The natural water content of the samples ranged from 127% to 197% ; the bulk density from 1.23 to 1.32 t/m 3. Such variations are inevitable in natural organic soils. The values for each test sample are given further on. Geological evidence has it that the clay in study is a part of the Almere deposits which were formed in predominantly fresh water in the period 900 B.C. to 1600 A.D. The Zuiderzee deposit formed after this period was subjected to increasingly salt water conditions by the widening of the sea entrance to the Almere lake. The layers underneath the clay in study are extremely organic and are redeposited remnants of an approximately 3m thick sedge peat layer which covered the area and was eroded during the formation of the Flevo lake around 1200 A.D. The increasing content of organic matter with depth in the depth range in study is explained by this redeposition.

3 Sampling methods
3.1 Ackermann tube sampling
Ackermann tube sampling is one of the most common methods in the Netherlands of obtaining soil samples for laboratory testing. It consists of hammering a thin-walled tube into the bottom of a hole previously formed by shell boring. The tube dimensions are: Inner diameter 67mm, wall thickness 0.8 mm, length 440mm. The cutting edge is external and is sharpened to approx. 20-25. The nominal area ratio is 6.1%. Stainless steel tubes are used to reduce wall friction and increase tube longevity. The cutting edges of used tubes are often bent inwards, which compromises cutting angle, area ratio and sample quality. Used tubes were employed in this project, but it was assured that the cutting edges were straight. An outward bulging collar 3mm wide is formed in the tube at 47mm from the top end to grip the tube into the shell boring equipment. A ball valve is incorporated in the sampler head to allow air and water to escape during penetration of the tube into the soil. Effective sample length is 300mm. Continuous sampling was used at the site, with the hole carefully being cleaned out by the shell after each tube withdrawal. A casing with internal diameter 110mm was used. Water level in the borehole was kept at slightly below ground level. Sample recovery was virtually 100%. After sampling, the tubes were sealed with plastic caps and transported upright in crates to the conditioned storage facility at the laboratory.

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3.2 Continuous Begemann (or Delft) sampling

The continuous Begemann sampler was developed by GeoDelft in the 1960's and early 1970's. See Begemann (1971) for a full description. It allows continuous samples of soft soil to be obtained in one single operation. Sample lengths of 10 - 15m are common. A cross section of the sampler is shown in Figure 3.1. The soil is cut by a cutting shoe at the tip of a thick-walled tube (1) of 90 cm length. The cutting shoe has an inner diameter of 66 mm and a height of some 58 mm. After being cut, the sample is immediately enclosed by a specially produced nylon stocking which unfolds from a storage chamber. This chamber is formed between the outer wall and a so-called stocking tube (2). An inner p.v.c. liner (3) receives the enclosed sample. Penetration is stopped every 1m to screw on new lengths of outer tube and liner. Drilling fluid is applied through the annulus between (2) and (3). It penetrates through the holes marked A to form a lubrication layer between the stocking-coated sample and the liner. Often, drilling fluid is also applied into the liner, providing a second pathway to this layer. Once at the desired depth, a catch (B) is activated which presses into the liner at 90 cm above the tip, to prevent loss of the sample during retraction. The sample is extracted in 1 meter lengths and stored in the p.v.c. liners, which are sealed by plastic caps. The 90 cm length of soil beneath the catch is often retained and can be used in the same manner as the soil above it. In the laboratory, the samples simply slide out of the liners and the stocking is cut away. No force whatsoever is applied to the samples in this stage. An inside clearance exists between the nylon stocking and the p.v.c. liner of 0.5 - 1%. The area ratio of the Begemann sampler, determined for the maximum cross section, is approximately 160%, and the cutting angle is approximately 11 near the tip. The high area ratio is offset by positive aspects such as * * * * during cutting, friction occurs along a length of only 58mm rather than full sample length, and friction in the liner is minimal, no suction is used during cutting (as e.g. is the case with fixed piston sampling), the suction created during severing of the sample from the soil mass affects sample quality only in a small length of soil at the tip of the boring which can be rejected if necessary no force is necessary to recover the sample from its liner.

One less desirable feature is that the sample can swell in the liner by drawing moisture out of the lubrication fluid through the stocking. Even though the nylon stocking is coated, it is still porous and permeable. The lubrication fluid which forms a film between stocking and liner is probably subject to hydrostatic pressure, so that swelling of the sample could be limited by choosing a fluid with a high density. In this project, the lubrication fluid was given a high density, 1.8 t/m 3, in the upper layer of silty clay, and 1.05 t/m3 in the layer of interest.

3.3 Laval sampling

The Laval sampler is described in La Rochelle et al. (1981). It was developed to minimize sampling disturbance in the sensitive soils of Eastern Canada. It has gained recognition throughout the world as
3

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an instrument which yields high quality samples, second only to those obtained by the so-called Sherbrooke blocksampler (which also originates from Eastern Canada). Figure 3.2 is a cross section through the sampler and Figure 3.3 shows its mode of operation. The sampling tube has a diameter of 208 mm and a sharp outside cutting edge of 5. Wall thickness is 5 mm, and no inside clearance is used. Area ratio is 9.8%. The sampling tube is 660mm long. The sampling tube is closed at its head by a head valve which is operated by a steel rod. It is open during penetration into the soil to allow water and air to exit the sampler, and it is closed before retraction so that suction can develop to aid retention of the sample if it tends to fall out. After penetration of the sample tube, a coring tube which is concentric with the sample tube is used to "overcore" the sample tube. The coring tube has an external diameter of 273 mm and is operated by means of a drilling rod. At the head of the coring tube there is a hook-up device for the sample tube. At the bottom, sharp teeth and cutters are fixed to remould the soil during coring. External and internal guides are fixed lengthwise to the corer to keep it concentric with the sampler during coring. The external guides and cutting teeth increase the external diameter to 302 mm. The overcoring operation prevents suction occurring at the bottom of the sample during retraction by providing access of atmospheric pressure to the tip of the boring. No drilling fluid other than water is used. The water level in the hole is kept close to ground level. Before retracting the sampler, it is twisted over 90 to separate the sample from the soil below it. The samples are extracted from the tube immediately after recovery to the ground surface. Samples are extruded from the tube and cut to the desired length. The sample is placed on a piece of plywood board and wrapped by a sample-wrapping technique developed by Laval University. In this technique the sample is very thoroughly wrapped, providing complete isolation to air and moisture. It is accepted as making long storage possible without significant detrimental effects on sample quality. It consists of enclosing the sample by a few alternating layers of Saran wrapping foil and a mixture of paraffin wax and vaseline. The plywood board too is waxed before the sample is placed on it. The sampling was performed by Laboratoire Central de Ponts et Chaussees of Paris under the supervision of Dr. Ph. Reiffsteck. A photo report of the sampling in the Oostvaardersplassen area is given in Figure 3.4. Figure 3-4a shows the overcoring tube in the foreground and the sampling tube in the background. In Figure 3-4b a recovered sampling tube is being to carried to a press, Figure 3-4c by which the sample is extracted from the tube. The top and bottom sections (some 5 cm length) are discarded, and a length of approximately 22cm is placed on a plywood board, Figures 3-4d and 3-4e, which has been treated with wax. Figure 3-4f shows the application of wax and foil to the sample and Figure 3-4g shows the samples reading for transport to the laboratory. Figure 3-4h shows a Laval sample cut through. Spoiled soil is to be seen on top, which illustrates that care is necessary to ensure a completely clean borehole before sampling. Another obvious feature of the photograph is the slanted layering and the different colours. The samples therefore are not homogeneous, and this alone would result in variation in measured results from different samples, quite apart from the effects of sampling method.

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4 Test programme
The comparative tests performed on the three kinds of samples were * Ko-C.R.S. oedometer tests * U.U. triaxial tests * C.I.U. triaxial tests at a consolidation pressure of 25 kPa * C.A.U. triaxial tests at vertical consolidation pressures of 50 and 100 kPa, and K o ratios of 0.5 Most tests were performed in duplicate. Suction was measured in some C.A.U. tests prior to the triaxial testing. Suction was also evaluated for the U.U. tests and both sets of suction values were also comparatively evaluated to establish the influence of sampling method. Further, advantage was taken of the availability of the large Laval samples to investigate * the influence of subsample diameter on the behaviour in C.A.U. tests * the influence of subsample location within the sample, i.e. perimeter or centre. Sample diameters of 38mm, 50mm and 65mm were tested in C.A.U. tests at 100 kPa consolidation pressure. Most samples were taken from a single Laval block, making direct comparison of the results possible. One sample of 50mm diameter taken from the centre of this block allowed to investigate the possible influence of position of the sample within the block.

4.1 The Ko-C.R.S. oedometer

The Ko-C.R.S. oedometer is shown in detail in Figure 4.1 and more schematically in Figure 4.2. It was developed at GeoDelft in a project funded by Rijkswaterstaat, Dienst Weg- en Waterbouwkunde, and has been improved for the current project. It measures the coefficient of lateral effective stress K o during Constant Rate of Strain. K o is defined as

Ko =

h v

where ,h is effective horizontal stress, and ,v is effective vertical stress. The sample (diameter 63mm, initial height 20mm) is placed in an oedometer ring made of titanium. The ring has a wall thickness of 5mm, but is turned down to 0.6mm over a section of 7mm length. This section is instrumented on its outer surface with strain gauges to pick up the deformation due to the lateral stress in the sample. The strain gauge readings are translated to lateral stress by calibration with air pressure in the ring, for which a special device was made. This device fits in the ring and forms an air-tight chamber within it which can be pressurized. The sample/ring assembly is placed in a triaxial cell. Load on the piston can be controlled in various ways, and constant rate of displacement is used in the K o tests. This has come to be termed Constant Rate of Strain (C.R.S.) although Constant Rate of Deformation would be more accurate. It would be relatively easy to adopt true Constant Rate of Strain by feedback control of the rate of deformation, adjusting (decreasing) rate of deformation as deformation increases. An internal load cell measures applied vertical load. A second load cell is placed under the sample to be able to deduce wall friction on the oedometer ring. The sample drains upward to the triaxial cell

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during compression, and a back pressure is applied to the cell fluid to improve sample saturation. Pore pressures are measured at the base of the sample. The thin measuring section of the oedometer ring is placed at midheight of the sample. This allows 32.5% vertical strain before the sample compresses below the thin section and the calibration becomes uncertain. By assuming a parabolic distribution of excess pore pressure, the average pore pressure on the thin section can be determined. This is subtracted from the lateral stress read by the strain gauges to obtain ,h . The total vertical stress v is determined from the average of the upper and lower load cell readings, and ,v is obtained by subtracting the excess pore pressure at the thin measuring section from v . To minimize sample disturbance by trimming into the ring, the ring is placed in a specially made cutter with a sharp cutting edge. Top and bottom faces are trimmed in the cutter and the porous drainage stones placed on either end. Lateral stress, the force on the lower load cell and suction are measured from the moment the ring/sample assembly is placed on the pedestal. Later on, cell pressure and the upper load cell are measured from the moment they come into play. The oedometer ring rests on a vertically adjustable ring, which makes it possible to achieve good contact between the sample and the pedestal. The weight of the ring can be conducted away from the pedestal.

4.2 U.U. triaxial tests

In the U.U. (unconsolidated, undrained) triaxial tests, the cell pressure was first raised in 4 steps of each 25 kPa to a value of 100 kPa. Then the samples were sheared. Undrained conditions were maintained throughout. Both stages - undrained application of cell pressure and undrained shear - provide information which allows for comparative evaluation. During the undrained raising of the cell pressure in 4 steps, the response of the pore pressure indicates the degree of saturation. The cell pressure is applied in steps: 25, 50, 75 and 100 kPa. Each step is maintained until equilibrium of the pore pressure is reached. A B-value can be determined from the results. An initial suction of the sample is found by backextrapolation to zero cell pressure of the relation between the applied cell pressure and the pore pressure. Both B and initial suction u s can be used as a comparative parameter of the various sampling techniques. The suction pressure remaining in the samples is an indication of the amount of sampling disturbance. In soft, contractive soils, suction is considerably less than the in-situ isotropic effective stress

u s << io
where the index o indicates in-situ conditions. Not only the release of total isotropic and deviatoric stress plays a role, but also the disturbance due to sampling and sample handling.

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The resulting effective pressure at the cell pressure of 100 kPa depends on the initial suction and the B-value according to

3 = u s + (1 B)100

(kPa)

This pressure determines the initial condition for the shear stage and influences the shear strength. The undrained shear stage is performed at a rate of axial strain of 5% per hour. The effective stress path, shear strength and stress - strain behaviour can all be evaluated comparatively.

4.3 C.I.U. triaxial tests

Isotropically consolidated undrained triaxial tests were performed at a consolidation pressure of 25 kPa. The rate of shear in the undrained shear phase was 5% axial strain per hour.

4.4 C.A.U. triaxial tests

Anisotropically consolidated triaxial tests were performed at vertical effective consolidation stresses of 50 kPa and 100 kPa. A Ko value of 0.5 was chosen for the anisotropic condition. This value was assumed to represent the normally consolidated condition in the clay. It was eventually established that this value is too high. Prior to the triaxial testing, the suction in a number of the C.A.U. samples was measured. This was done simply by placing the sample on the pedestal which is equipped with a saturated porous stone connected to a pressure measuring device. The porous stone and pore water measuring system is filled with de-aired water, and care is taken to achieve a good connection between sample and stone. No free water is allowed to stand on the porous stone before placing the sample, to avoid unnecessary wetting and loss of suction of the sample. The level of water in the porous stone is chosen just under its surface. The air entry value of the porous stone is at least 100 kPa and is amply sufficient to prevent entry of air from the sample into the measuring system at the suction values encountered.

5 Overview of tests, and general soil properties

Table 1 lists all tests and gives particulars such as type of sampler used, depth of sample below ground level, diameter and height of the samples as they were tested, initial total density O (t/m3) and various determinations of water content. The value w o is found from cuttings left over from trimming, and is not accurate because of the large variation in water content in this soil. The value w c is calculated from wo and takes account of the loss of moisture during consolidation in the triaxial apparatus. The value wf is determined on the sample after testing and removal from the apparatus. This is done fairly quickly, so it can be taken as the water content during the undrained shear stage. The value wo,corr is backcalculated from w f using wc and wo:

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Table 1 Overview of tests and general sample properties

Test type Sampler Boring Block/ Sample nr UU UU UU UU UU UU CIU 25 CIU 25 CAU50 CAU50 CAU50 CAU50 Laval Laval Tube Tube Begemann Begemann Laval Tube Laval Laval Tube Tube 7-38A 7-38B 1-21A 2-26A 2-7C 3-14C 7-38C 1-20A 2-7A 7-38D 7-38E* 2-25B* 1-20B 3-14B* 2-7B* 7-37A* 7-37E* 2-25A* 3-14A* 7-37B* 7-37C* 7-37F 7-37G 38 34 21B 26B 7B 14B 2.15 - 2.20 2.15 - 2.20 2.20 - 2.25 2.16 - 2.21
x

Depth m - G.L.

Diameter - Height mm

o t/m
3

wo -

wc -

wfinal -

wo,corr -

vo -

vc -

1-85 - 2.10 1-85 - 2.10 2.20 - 2.40 2.20 - 2.40 2.25 - 2.42 2.21 - 2.41 1-85 - 2.10 1.80 - 1.95 1.81 - 1.98 1-85 - 2.10 1-85 - 2.10 1.95 - 2.10 1.95 - 2.10 1.96 - 2.11 1.98 - 2.15 1.60 - 1.85 1.60 - 1.85 1.80 - 1.95 1.81 - 1.96 1.60 - 1.85 1.60 - 1.85 1.85 - 2.10 1.60 - 1.85 1.85 - 2.10

65 -150 65 -150 65 -150 65 -150 65 -150 65 -150 65 -150 65 -150 65 -150 65 -150 65 -150 65 -150 65 -150 65 -150 65 -150 65 -150 65 -150 65 -150 65 -150 50 - 100 50 - 100 50 - 100 38 - 85 38 - 85 63 63 63 63 63 63

1.266 1.265 1.244 1.239 1.237 1.226 1.262 1.272 1.320 1.264 1.272 1.261 1.269 1.237 1.267 1.295 1.296 1.314 1.298 1.313 1.305 1.311 1.302 1.302 1.276 1.310 1.251 1.246 1.244 1.230

1.627 1.651 1.962 1.973 1.789 1.931 1.628 1.670 1.624 1.602 1.535 1.679 1.724 1.621 1.581 1.472 1.455 1.372 1.535 1.482 1.477 1.447 1.468 1.478 1.548 1.274 1.794 1.846 1.831 1.820

1.627 1.651 1.962 1.973 1.789 1.931 1.466 1.513 1.501 1.278 1.253 1.364 1.327 1.279 1.256 0.948 0.952 0.912 1.111 1.031 1.013 0.996 0.981 1.013

1.706 1.693 1.843 1.888 1.902 1.962 1.545 1.390 1.281 1.366 1.271 1.381 1.296 1.251 1.379 0.978 1.018 0.977 1.094 1.012 1.035 1.000 1.003 1.006 0.788 0.982 0.968 1.076 1.035 0.908

1.706 1.693 1.843 1.888 1.902 1.962 1.712 1.539 1.394 1.703 1.555 1.698 1.687 1.588 1.721 1.510 1.538 1.453 1.515 1.458 1.504 1.452 1.495 1.469 1.461 1.464 1.841 1.824 2.006 1.642

4.998 4.984 5.272 5.351 5.377 5.503 5.019 4.742 4.370 5.001 4.767 5.006 4.958 4.949 5.014 4.620 4.652 4.472 4.615 4.482 4.575 4.480 4.572 4.536 4.617 4.501 5.237 5.235 5.482 5.053

4.998 4.984 5.272 5.351 5.377 5.503 4.774 4.524 4.214 4.508 4.350 4.541 4.389 4.427 4.516 3.864 3.917 3.812 4.020 3.862 3.917 3.850 3.880 3.882

CIU 25 Begemann

CAU50 Begemann CAU50 Begemann CAU100 CAU100 CAU100 Laval Laval Tube

CAU100 Begemann CAU100 CAU100 CAU100 CAU100 CAU100 Ko-CRS Ko-CRS Ko-CRS Ko-CRS Laval Laval Laval Laval Laval Laval Laval Tube Tube

7-37D*

Ko-CRS Begemann Ko-CRS Begemann

* Suction measured prior to test x From centre of Laval Sample

wo ,corr

w f + wo w f + wo wc 1 + wc

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On Laval block sample nr. 34, determinations of specific gravity , loss on ignition and CaCO 3 content were made Gs = 2.463 L.O.I. = 14.33% CaCO3 content 11.1% The Gs determination was by means of helium displacement. L.O.I. was determined by heating at 500C during 4 hours. The L.O.I. test is followed by heating at 900C during 2 hours. The associated loss of mass is ascribed to CO 2 , from which the CaCO3 content is calculated. Note that Figure 2-1 shows L.O.I. and tot to vary with depth. Individual values of L.O.I. were not determined for all samples. Use can be made of the correlation of L.O.I. with either tot or wo . Such correlations were produced for this project by J. Tigchelaar jr. on the basis of very intensive measurements. tot , wo , L.O.I. and Gs were determined every 8cm on a Begemann boring. The correlation Gs = 2.73 - 0.23 wo [t/m3] was found, with a regression factor R 2 of 0.88. Using this correlation, the initial specific volume v o (i.e. voids ratio e o+1) can be estimated. Further, v c after consolidation in the triaxial tests, which holds during the undrained shearing stage, can be found. Both values are given in the table. Figure 2.1 shows an approximately linear decrease with depth of bulk density:

tot = 18.3 2.52 z

so that

[kN/m 3 ]

z 2.6m

v = 18.3 z 1.26 z 2

[kN/m 2 ]

z 2.6m

Effective stresses vary with the fluctuation in ground water table. An equilibrium level at 0.8 m below g.l. is assumed. In the investigated range between 1.6 and 2.4 m-G.L., this gives: Table 2: Approximate bulk density and vertical in-situ stresses depth m-G.L. 1.60 2.40 tot kN/m3 14.3 12.3 v kPa 26.1 36.7 v kPa 18.2 21.0

Comparing the estimated range of bulk density with that of the tests, it will be seen the latter are generally somewhat smaller. The stresses in Table 2 may therefore slightly overestimate the true values.

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Figure 5-1 shows the depth profiles of initial specific volume v o and initial uncorrected water content wo of all test samples, as function of the sampling method. There is a general trend for increasing v o and wo with depth, and there is no clear difference between the three sampling methods visible. The variability at a given depth can be established from the Laval samples taken from a single block. It is quite large, and lies on the high side of the variability found from different sampling methods. A tendency is seen in Figure 5-1(b) for the tube samples to yield high uncorrected water content. The corrected water content profiles w o,corr are different and are more akin to those of v o . There is too little data to conclude that the tube samples are indeed generally wetter.

6 Results and evaluation - suction tests

The results and evaluation of the suction measured in the test samples prior to the triaxial testing are shown in Figures 6.1 - 6.4. In Table 1 the C.A.U. tests are indicated with an asterisk in which the suction was measured directly by the pore pressure measurement system after the sample was placed on the pedestal. The results are shown in Figure 6.1. The remaining figures pertain to the evaluation of suction and B-factor in the U.U. tests, in which the suction u s was determined by back extrapolation to zero cell pressure of the cell pressure - pore pressure relationship found during the 4 stepwise increases of the cell pressure: 25, 50, 75 and 100 kPa. Note that direct measurement of suction did not take place in the U.U. tests. Figure 6.1(a) shows the development of suction in a number of C.A.U. triaxial test samples. The large scatter in values both for a given test and between different tests is obvious. The test was not performed under temperature control, and Figure 6.1(b) shows the variation of suction with the temperature of a water bath placed in the testing room, of Laval sample 38E. The dots indicate full days after start of measurement. Temperatures fluctuate by approx. 3C per day, and there is a tendency toward the development of a fixed hysteresis loop, after the suction has fully developed. Approximately 70 h are necessary (see Figure 6.1(a)) for the full development of suction. The tests on the tube samples were terminated earlier than those on the other samples and the final value of suction in these samples is unsure. They could possibly be lower, as the rate of development up to the end of the test is on the low side of the measured range. There are no evident differences in the rate of development or the magnitude of measured suction between Laval and the Begemann samples. During the initial stages of the U.U. tests, cell pressure was applied undrained in 4 steps of 25 kPa each. Figure 6.2(a) shows the applied cell pressure and the measured response of pore water pressure (termed "drain pressure" as it is measured on the sample drainage line, albeit in undrained state) for Laval sample 38A. 5 stages of cell pressure occur: the initial stage after filling the cell with water, and the application of 4 pressure steps of each 25 kPa. The response of pore water pressure is not completely equal to the applied cell pressure, indicating a slightly unsaturated condition of the sample. In Figure 6.2(b) the equilibrium values of cell pressure and drain pressure are plotted for the same sample. The 5 data points define a linear relationship given by

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u = u s + B 3

(kPa)

where u is pore pressure, 3 is cell pressure and u s and B are the linear constants. u s is an estimate of the initial suction present in the sample, and B is one of the Skempton pore pressure coefficients. B is an indication of the degree of saturation, being 1 in completely saturated (soft) soil. The linear constants have been determined by linear regression for all the U.U. samples, see Figure 6-3. The obtained us and B values per sample are correlated in Figure 6-4(a). It appears that this correlation is more or less linear. In comparing the range of inferred suction values in Figure 6-4(a) with the range of directly measured values in Figure 6-1(a), the duration of the cell pressure increments in the U.U. tests, approx. 1 h, must be taken into account. After 1 h the values in Figure 6-1(a) are still increasing, and the range after 1 h, approx. 1 - 3 kPa, increases to a final range of 2 - 5 kPa. Figure 6-4(a) shows a range of 1 4.7 kPa after 1 h. This corresponds more or less to the final range of initial suction, and the applied period of 1 h to equilibrium in Figure 6-2(a) is considered sufficient. Comparatively, in the U.U. test samples, Laval samples have high saturation and high initial suction. The Begemann samples can be either high or low, while the tube samples have low saturation and low initial suction. If the parameter B is used as a relative indication of sample quality, Figure 6-4(a) shows the Laval samples are superior, and the tube samples inferior. The Begemann samples are variable and can have values in the range of the Laval samples as well as falling close to the tube samples. Evaluation of Skempton's B-parameter B is a measure of sample saturation. It presumably approaches 1 in-situ, although gasses will be present due to decomposition of organic material and the close proximity to the ground water table. A lower value in the samples would not be a result of sampling itself, as in these contractant clays, the stresses associated with sampling should, if anything, compact the clay and increase water content. Sample handling is the most likely cause of any differences. The Laval samples are very well sealed, and this is probably the cause of their high B-value. Begemann samples are not sealed but remain in the stocking until being processed in the laboratory, after which they are stored in cling foil. In the stocking, both swelling (samples attract moisture from the lubrication fluid through the stocking) and dessication can occur. Some dessication can occur during processing. Processing of the Begemann samples involved geological description of the layers, bulk weight determination per m 1, and other activities, and dessication could have been larger than for the other methods. This may explain the variability of B in the Begemann samples. The tube samples are not well sealed. Only a plastic cap is applied to the sampling tube. Some dessication could well occur. Correlation of us and B As B indicates the degree of saturation, the apparent correlation of u s and B in Figure 6-4(b) would express that us decreases with decreasing saturation. This requires consideration, as the opposite might also be expected. The suction in a sample develops as a result of the following processes: a. release of in-situ deviatoric stress b. release of in-situ isotropic total stress c. insertion (soil displacement) of the sampler
11

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d. friction forces exerted on the soil by the sampler e. stresses during sample handling and trimming f. dessication or swelling after sampling, dependent on ambient moisture condition. The factors a. and b. result in a pore pressure through Skempton's pore pressure equation:

u = B { h + A ( v h )}
where u is the change in pore pressure, A and B are Skempton's pore pressure parameters, and v and h are the change of the vertical and horizontal total stresses. Knowing

us v h Ko
then

= uo + u = vo = ho h ho uo = = v vo uo = B {K o + A (1 K o )} (1 B ) uo ' vo

us ' vo us ' vo

B is usually put to one in most literature where this equation is derived, leaving

Ko + A (1 K o )

The B value to be inserted in this equation is the in-situ value, which need not be the same as that measured in the U.U. tests. "Perfect sampling" is a term used to express the influences of processes a. and b. on sample suction, and the above equations quantify perfect sampling. These processes should not lead to differences between the various sampling methods. Adding to this the effects of process c., an "Ideal" sample is obtained. In soft soil, which is usually contractant, the processes c., d. and e. usually result in decreased suction. Dessication will increase suction, and swelling will decrease it. Summarizing, differences in B in the samples results from dessication/swelling, and differences in us in the samples result from ideal sampling and friction effects, stresses during handling and trimming, and dessication/swelling. Dessication/swelling produce lower/higher B and higher/lower u s , while the obtained correlation shows lower B correlates with lower u s . The only logical remaining conclusion is that the low suction in the tube samples is due to the effects of ideal sampling, friction, handling and trimming which more than offset the increase of suction due to the dessication which must also occur given the low value of B. For Laval samples the situation is reversed, and Begemann samples can go either way. There seems to be no logical basis for the apparent correlation of u s and B in Figures 64(a). Response time of suction measurement The large response time in Figure 6-1(a) of suction is considered not to be a result of air which may be entrapped between the sample and the porous disc. A needle-piezometer has been developed at GeoDelft which consists of a hollow needle (diameter approx. 1mm) and a connected piezometer. It can be pressed into the soil to measure pore pressures. Suction of Oostvaardersplassen clay measured with this device had a quick response time, but comparable final values to Figure 6-1(a). The large

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volume of soil involved in the suction measurement in Figure 6-1(a) is considered to be the main reason for the slow adaptation. Pore pressure response in U.U. tests Figure 6-4(b) shows the final pore pressure developed in the U.U. samples after application of a cell pressure of 100 kPa (red squares). These values can be predicted from the linear regressions shown on Figure 6-3. They all fall in the (small) range 5.5 - 7 kPa, which is a curious consequence of the equilibrating effect of u s and (1-B) in the equation

3 = u s + (1 B)100

(kPa)

The close range of initial effective lateral stress allows the U.U. tests also to be compared in the shear stage.

7 Results and evaluation - triaxial tests

All triaxial test results are presented in Figures 7-1 and 7-2. They give the effective stress paths in t s plots in Figure 7-1 and t - ax and u - ax plots in Figure 7-2.

+ 3 1 2 3 t = 1 2 ax is axial strain s =

u is excess pore water pressure

The stress paths shown in Figure 7-1(a) include the U.U. tests starting from approximately s = 5.5 - 7 kPa on the horizontal axis, the C.I.U. tests starting from s = 25 kPa on the horizontal axis, a group of C.A.U. tests starting from approximately ,1 = 50 kPa and ,3 = 25 kPa (s=37.5 kPa, t=12.5 kPa), and a group of C.A.U. tests starting from approximately ,1 = 100 kPa and ,3 = 50 kPa (s=75 kPa, t=25 kPa). U.U. tests The initial stress in the U.U. tests has been discussed in the previous chapter. Initial stresses are close together, allowing direct comparison of the effects of the various sampling techniques. Figure 7-1(b) details the U.U. effective stress paths. An evident feature is that differences between the 3 sampling methods are small but nevertheless evident. The Laval samples develop the highest effective isotropic stresses, i.e. the lowest excess pore pressures. Next in this order are the tube samples, and the Begemann samples develop the highest pore pressures. The order of Laval relative to tube samples is not unexpected. It agrees with the lower B values found for the tube samples during the application of the cell pressure. All paths reach the tension cut-off, where effective horizontal stress ,3 = 0. All samples initially contract in response to shearing, and eventually switch to dilatant response ( t/s=3:1). The Begemann samples have the lowest initial stresses and reach the tension cut-off first. Their stress
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paths even pass the cut-off, which would indicate a tensional effective horizontal stress. The triaxial machine is incapable of applying effective tension to a sample, and the path above the cut-off is due to measurement errors and lack of homogeneity of the stresses in the sample. However, a clear change occurs in the path above the cut-off: the path steepens, reflecting a response to the zero horizontal effective stress condition now acting. The clear reaction of the sample to the ,3 = 0 condition shows that this condition is accurately measured. This indicates that errors due to membrane and filter-paper resistance are small or otherwise are directed along the cut-off itself. Initial pore pressure and pore pressure development are slightly higher in the Begemann samples (compared to both tube and Laval). The differences in initial pore pressure are small and can be regarded as a fortuitous circumstance. The stronger development of pore pressure during shear indicates an influence of sampling method on Skempton's A-parameter. The differences established for the B-parameter in the pressuring stage of the U.U. tests is too small to explain the differences in stress paths. Water content and specific volume differences between the samples indicate that the Begemann samples are the wettest and most porous, followed by the tube samples and the Laval samples in order. Perhaps then differences in soil properties are the main factor governing the differences in pore pressure build-up in the shear stage of the U.U. tests. C.I.U. triaxial tests Single C.I.U. tests were performed with a consolidation pressure of 25 kPa, on a tube, a Begemann and a Laval sample. Very little difference is found for the stress path and stress - strain response of the C.I.U. tests on Laval, tube and Begemann samples. This is evidenced by the close match of the curves in Figures 7-1(a), 7-2(a) and 7-2(b). The axial strain in the latter figures includes that acquired during consolidation at 25 kPa. The tube sample acquires slightly more strain in this stage than the other samples. (Corrected) Water contents are highest for Begemann, lower for tube and lowest in the Laval sample. The differences are quite significant, but they have little effect on the measured behaviour. C.A.U. triaxial tests Two sets of C.A.U. triaxial tests were performed, on Begemann, tube and Laval samples. One set was at a vertical effective consolidation stress of 50 kPa, the other at 100 kPa. A K o value of 0.5 was chosen to determined the lateral stress. Repeat tests were performed for the first set of tests and for the Laval samples in the second set. No significant differences could be established between the various sampling techniques. One difference lies in the axial strain acquired during consolidation. This is higher for one tube sample in the first set, and for both Laval samples in the second set. No consistent explanation of these differences can be based on water content differences of the samples. Correcting the axial strain for the part developed during consolidation, the remaining strain is very similar for all tests in Figures 72(a) and (b).

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8 Results and evaluation - Ko-C.R.S. tests

Duplicate tests were performed on Laval, Begemann and tube samples in the K o - C.R.S. oedometer. One test on a Laval sample failed. The results are shown in Figures 8-1 - 8-3. Figure 8-1(a) illustrates the data that can be gained from the test, for a tube sample. First a continuous curve of vertical effective stress versus vertical strain is obtained. This curve clearly delineates the overconsolidated region and the normally consolidated region, separated at the preconsolidation pressure ,vc . The Ko value is shown versus ,v as are the friction, and the excess pore pressure relative to the vertical stress. Both uav/,v av and ubase/base are shown. The Ko value is initially above 1, due to the swelling taking place early in the test. It decreases gradually to a value of approximately 0.35. After a strain of 32.5% the top of the sample passes under the top of the Ko membrane and the Ko values become unreliable. This effect is limited for the test shown, but is much more evident in Figure 8-3(b). The friction remains small in Figure 8-1(a) well into the normally consolidated region. It increases after 20% strain to some 7%. This is still quite low. The relative pore pressure increases to about 5% (in terms of effective stresses) and is also quite low. Both friction and pore pressure increase sharply after 20% strain. Figure 8-1(a) is illustrative of all the performed tests. Comparisons are made in the remaining figures for stress - strain curves, ,h - ,v and Ko - ,v . The stress - strain curves are shown on various deformation scales in Figures 8-1(b), 8-2(a) and 8-2(b). In Figure 8-1(b) engineering strain is used. There is some scatter between the various curves. Most striking is that the Laval sample appears to exhibit more structure than the other tests, in that it falls more steeply after ,vc . It also stiffens more at higher stresses. Both tube samples appear to exhibit more compression in the over-consolidated range and stiffen more in the normally consolidated range, and this behaviour is an indication of sample disturbance. Figure 8-2(a) shows the stress - strain curves with natural strain as the measure of strain. The normally consolidated region is effectively linearized by using natural strain, but this is not true for the Laval sample. The formulation given by Den Haan (1992) can describe both kinds of curve in this figure. In Figure 8-2(b), the specific volume is used as measure of deformation. It is immediately apparent that the Laval sample is significantly more dense than the other samples, and this agrees with the differences in water content. The difference is large, and makes comparison of the results unreliable. The apparently structured behaviour of the Laval sample may well correlate with its lower water content. In Figure 8-3(a) the development of the lateral stress ,h is shown against ,v . Only small differences occur amongst the various samples. This also applies to the K o values in Figure 8-3(b). A value in the normally consolidated region of K o = 0.34 - 0.36 is found for all samples.

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9 Effects of Diameter and Sample Position

The large diameter and high quality of the Laval samples was made use of to investigate the effects of diameter on triaxial results, and the position of the subsample within the Laval sample. Laval sample nr. 37 was used for these tests. The v o value in Table 1 for the seven tests performed on this sample vary only slightly: between 3.85 and 3.92 and this indicates that the natural variability between these tests is small. C.A.U. triaxial tests were performed from a vertical effective stress of 100 kPa and a K o value of 0.5. Subsample diameters of 65mm, 50mm and 38mm were tested in duplicate. The height/diameter ratio was approximately 2.25 for the 65mm and 38mm samples but 2.0 in the case of the 50mm samples. This difference in H/D ratio was an oversight and impairs the comparison. All these subsamples were taken from the perimeter of the Laval sample. A single test was performed on material from the centre of the Laval sample, with a diameter of 50mm and a H/D ratio of 2. Figure 9.1 shows the results of the tests in terms of effective stress paths. A consistent order between the tests related to subsample diameter does not emerge, but it is clear the 38mm samples lie relatively high in the plot and have higher strength. The 50mm subsamples lie lower than the 38mm samples. One 66mm subsample lies close to the two 38mm curves; the other 66mm curve is the lowest of all. This wide divergence of the results for one diameter makes it impossible to confidently state that subsample diameter is an important factor. It might also be due to the natural variability, although as discussed above this is expected to be small. However, all curves together in Figure 9-1 show more divergence than the curves in Figure 7-1(a) which pertain to the same sample diameter but to different sampling methods. This remains true even if the most divergent test, the lower curve for the 66mm subsample, is removed. This fact is an, albeit weak, indication that subsample diameter is an important factor. Triaxial testing practice (e.g. in the Netherlands) should therefore use as much as possible the same sample size. Standardization should provide for this. The variability of organic material directs the choice of a standard sample diameter to the large end of possible values: e.g. 65mm in preference to 38mm. Alternatively, statistical comparisons of large databases could be employed to discover a possible effect of sample diameter. This might be a viable approach if two greatly different diameters are in common use, e.g. 66m and 38mm. In Figure 9-1 a curve is shown for the 50mm subsample taken from the centre of the Laval sample. It is very divergent from the other curves, including the 50mm subsamples taken from the perimeter of the Laval sample. Nessecarily, only one sample could be tested, and again the divergence could be attributed to natural variability, although this is considered unlikely. As far as is known, the effect of subsample position within a large sample has not hitherto been investigated. The present finding is an indication that this effect is large. No thoughts will be recorded here as to the possible causes of such an effect. Note that all tests converge on approximately the same effective stress strength envelope. c and would not be influenced significantly by subsample diameter or location. Peak and large strain (c=0) approximately coincide at approximately 53.

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10 General evaluation and conclusion

A general evaluation of the geotechnical properties of the Oostvaardersplassen clay is possible on the basis of the present test results. Test 14B on a Begemann sample is taken as being representative of the one-dimensional compression behaviour. Parameters for this sample are: depth below groudlevel: 2.2m ,v o 20 kPa wo = 182% = 1.23 t/m3 vo = 5.05 v1 = 11.61 a = 0.012 b = 0.238 maximum curvature of ln(v) - ln ,v curve at 39 kPa ,v c = 48 kPa (by Casagrande's construction) O.C.R. = 2.4 Ko = 0.34 Figure 7-1(a), which plots all measured effective stress paths, can be used to evaluate the effective stress strength parameters. At low confining stresses, the tension cut-off is reached (U.U. tests). At confining stresses above the preconsolidation pressure, the large strain angle of internal friction is approximately 50. An effective stress path has been drawn in the figure from the in-situ normally consolidated state which is scaled down from a Laval CAU50 test. This path approximately separates normally consolidated and overconsolidated states. Around this state, 60 is found if no cohesion intercept is applied. These values are extremely high and are not intuitively expected in such a soft soil. Den Haan (1995) has pointed to this fact and similar behaviour has been found in other similar soft organic soils. Shown on the stress paths in the figure are the points at which axial strains (in the shear stage) of 1, 2, 5, and 10% are reached. The blue points in Figure 7-1 apply to clay samples with an approximate bulk density of 1.25 t/m3 taken from organic clay layers in the course of the Betuwelijn freight railway. They apply to an axial strain of 5%. There is good agreement between the present tests and the Betuwelijn tests. The Betuwelijn samples together covered a distance of some 30 km. It can be concluded that high friction angles are a general occurrence in soft organic clay. Den Haan (1999) has shown that friction angle increases with increasing plasticity and increasing water content is such soils, which is the opposite of what is found in inorganic clays. The value of Ko,n,c, 0.34 is exceptionally low. Values of 0.5-0.7 are more usual in clays, and again the intuitive expectation would be in exactly the other direction, namely that the value would be higher in softer soil. Using Jky's well known K o,n,c, = 1 - sin rule, would be 43. This is already quite high, but the measured value is higher still. In conclusion, this study has shown that the common sampling methods in the Netherlands, tube sampling (also known as Ackermann or "Delftse Bus" sampling) and Begemann or Delft sampling, when applied to soft organic clay, yield samples which after consolidation at stresses of 10 kPa or
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higher, exhibit behaviour that is not distinguishable from high quality Laval samples. The common methods may therefore be considered adequate, not only for routine testing, but also for fundamental research. Sample diameter may be a more important factor than sampling method.

11 References
H.K.S.Ph. Begemann (1971). Soil sampler for taking an undisturbed sample 66mm in diameter and with a maximum length of 17 metres. 4 th Asian Conference, ISSMFE, Bangkok. p. 54-57. E.J. den Haan (1992). The formulation of virgin compression of soils. Gotechnique, 3:465-483 E.J. den Haan (1995). Theme report on Special Problem Soils - Peats and Organic Soils. Proc. 11 th ECSMFE, Copenhagen, 9:139-156 E.J. den Haan (1999). Celproef of Triaxiaalproef? Geotechniek, 1:1-5. P. La Rochelle, J. Sarrailh, F. Tavenas, M. Roy & S. Leroueil (1981). Causes of sampling disturbance and design of a new sampler for sensitive soils. Canadian Geotechnical Journal, 18, 52-66 (1981) J. Tigchelaar CO-710203/15 november 2000 "Voortgangsrapportage juli - november 2000. Werkzaamheden ten behoeve van project "Klei en Veen". GeoDelft report "Project Klei en Veen - Verslag Monstername", nr. CO-710203, july 2000. GeoDelft Memo "Geologie Oostvaardersplassen site", 12 april 2001 by J. Tigchelaar.

18

APPENDICES

tot
10 0 12

kN/m3
14 16 18 0 0 10

L.O.I. [%]
20 30 40 50

0.5

0.5

1.5

1.5

2.5

2.5

3.5

3.5

4.5

depth [m=G.L]

4.5

depth [m=G.L.]

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upper load cell

backpressured cell

piston

sample

insulated, straingauged oedometer ring h pick-up

to pore pressure gauge

lower load cell

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5.6 5.4 5.2 5.0 vo 4.8 4.6 4.4 4.2 4.0 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0 depth m-G.L. 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Bgm Laval tube

(a) Influence of sampling method on specific volume vo

2.2 Bgm Laval tube

2.0

1.8 wo 1.6 1.4 1.2 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0 depth m-G.L. 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4

(b) Influence of sampling method on water content wo

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Sample Disturbance in Dutch Organic Oostvaardersplassen Clay general soil properties

Influence of sampling method on wo and vo

A4

time in hours 0.001 0 0.01 0.1 1 10 100 1000

-0.01

measured suction in kPa

-0.02 Laval block 38 Laval block 37 Begemann samples Tube samples

-0.03

-0.04

-0.05

-0.06

(a) Development of suction prior to consolidation

T-effect on suction Laval sample 38e

21.0 0 -0.005 -0.01 -0.015 21.5 22.0 22.5 23.0 23.5 24.0 24.5 25.0 25.5 26.0

suction [bar]

-0.02 -0.025 -0.03 -0.035 -0.04 -0.045 -0.05

T [C]

(b) Influence of temperature on developed suction, Laval sample 38E

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22.03.2001 CO - 710203/20 Figure 6-1

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Sample Disturbance in Dutch Organic Oostvaardersplassen Clay Suction tests

Measured suction prior to triaxial tests

A4

Response of pore pressure to undrained increase of cell pressure Laval sample 38a
1.2

100 kPa
1

75 kPa
0.8

pressure [bar]

0.6

Cell pressure
0.4

50 kPa

Drain pressure
25 kPa

0.2

cell water
0 0 -0.2 5000 10000 15000 20000 25000

time [sec]

(a) Undrained application of cell pressure in 4 steps up to 100 kPa, Laval sample 38A

Determining initial sample suction by back extrapolation Laval sample 38a 100 80 drainl pressure [kPa] 60 y = 0.9795x - 4.7173 40 20 0 0 -20 cell pressure [kPa] 20 40 60 80 100 120 Suction = 4.7 kPa Bfactor = 0.9795

(b) Backextrapolation to obtain suction, Laval sample 38A

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22.03.2001 CO - 710203/20 Figure 6-2

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Sample Disturbance in Dutch Organic Oostvaardersplassen Clay Suction tests Example of response to undrained cell pressure application in UU tests

A4

120

100

80 drain pressure

60

40

20

laval1 laval2 tube1 tube2 Begemann1 Begemann2

-20 0 20 40 60 cell pressure 80 100 120

applied cell pressures vs. equilibrium pore pressure, all UU test samples

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22.03.2001 CO - 710203/20 Figure 6-3

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Sample Disturbance in Dutch Organic Oostvaardersplassen Clay Suction tests

Cell pressure - pore pressure, all UU test samples

A4

"Ideal" Suction All samples

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 0.94

"Ideal" Suction 7.2 kPa

Suction [kPa]

L L B

B T
0.95

T
0.96 0.97 0.98 0.99 1

B- factor

(a) B - suction, all UU tests, and "ideal" suction

Effective stress at 100 kPa external pressure Lower suction compensated due to lower B-factor
9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 0.94

Suction [kPa]

L L B

B T
0.95

T
0.96 0.97 0.98 0.99 1

B- factor

(b) Increase in pore pressure due to application of a cell pressure of 100 kPa

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22.03.2001 CO - 710203/20 Figure 6-4

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Sample Disturbance in Dutch Organic Oostvaardersplassen Clay Suction tests

Relation between B value and suction, UU tests

A4

50

40

estimated normally consolidated test from yield stress Laval Tube Begemann Betuwelijn clay 1.25 t/m3 at 5% axial strain 1% strain 2% strain 5% strain 10% strain

50

90 60

30 t [kPa]

'=30

20

10

KO~0.35
0 0 10 20 30 40

p'~45 kPa

50

60

70

80

s' [kPa]

(a) Comparative UU, CIU and CAU tests

Unconsolidated Undrained Triaxial Tests at 100 kPa cell pressure

Laval Tube Begemann

10

t [kPa]

'=90

0 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14

s' [kPa]

(b) Detail, UU tests

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22.03.2001 CO - 710203/20 Figure 7-1

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Sample Disturbance in Dutch Organic Oostvaardersplassen Clay triaxial tests

Effective stress paths

A4

50

40

Laval Tube Begemann

30 t [kPa] 20 10 0 0.00

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20 vertical strain

0.25

0.30

0.35

0.40

(a) t-, comparative UU, CIU and CAU tests

50

40

Laval Tube Begemann

30 u [kPa] 20 10 0 0.00

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20 vertical strain

0.25

0.30

0.35

0.40

(b) uexcess-, comparative UU, CIU and CAU tests

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22.03.2001 CO - 710203/20 Figure 7-2

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Sample Disturbance in Dutch Organic Oostvaardersplassen Clay triaxial tests

deviator stress and pore pressure vs. axial strain

A4

1 -0.1

10

v' kPa

100 Tube sample 26B Boring B3-2; Depth 2.15-2.20 m-G.L.

0.0

0.1 strain Ko friction u_av/sig_v_eff u/sig_bottom

0.2

0.3

0.4

[]
0.5

1000 1.00 0.95 0.90 0.85 0.80 0.75 0.70 0.65 0.60 0.55 0.50 0.45 0.40 0.35 0.30 0.25 0.20 0.15 0.10 0.05 0.00 -0.05 -0.10 -0.15 -0.20

(a) Example of a full test result, Tube sample 26B

1 0.0

10

v' kPa

100

1000

0.1

0.2 Laval 34 Tube 21B Tube 26B Begemann 1 Begemann 2

0.3

Bulk Density Laval 38 1.276 Laval 34 1.310 Tube 1-21B 1.251 Tube 2-26B 1.246 Bgm 2-7B 1.244 Bgm 3-14B 1.230

0.4

0.5

[-]
0.6

(b) Stress - strain curves, all tests

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22.03.2001 CO - 710203/20 Figure 8-1

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Sample Disturbance in Dutch Organic Oostvaardersplassen Clay Ko-C.R.S. tests

General test results

A4

1 0.0

10

v' kPa

100

1000

0.1

0.2

[-] (natural strain)

0.3

0.4

Laval 34 Tube 21B Tube 26B Begemann 14B Begemann 7B

Bulk Density Laval 38 1.276 Laval 34 1.310 Tube 1-21B 1.251 Tube 2-26B 1.246 Bgm 2-7B 1.244 Bgm 3-14B 1.230

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

(a) natural strain

6.0

5.5

5.0

specific volume v [-]

4.5

4.0

3.5

3.0

Laval 34 Tube 21B Tube 26B Begemann 14B Begemann 7B

Bulk Density Laval 38 1.276 Laval 34 1.310 Tube 1-21B 1.251 Tube 2-26B 1.246 Bgm 2-7B 1.244 Bgm 3-14B 1.230

2.5

2.0 1 10

v' kPa

100

1000

(b) specific volume

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22.03.2001 CO - 710203/20 Figure 8-2

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Sample Disturbance in Dutch Organic Oostvaardersplassen Clay Ko-C.R.S. tests

Stress - strain curves on different scales

A4

180 160

h kPa

140 120

100 80 60 40

Laval 34 Tube 21B Tube 26B Begemann 14B Begemann 7B

Bulk Density Laval 38 1.276 Laval 34 1.310 Tube 1-21B 1.251 Tube 2-26B 1.246 Bgm 2-7B 1.244 Bgm 3-14B 1.230

20 0 0 100 200 300 400 500 600

v' kPa

(a) horizontal effective stress - vertical effective stress, all tests

1.0

0.9

Laval 34 Tube 21B Tube 26B Begemann 14B Begemann 7B

0.8

0.7

Bulk Density Laval 38 1.276 Laval 34 1.310 Tube 1-21B 1.251 Tube 2-26B 1.246 Bgm 2-7B 1.244 Bgm 3-14B 1.230

0.6

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2 1 10

v' kPa

100

1000

(b) Ko - vertical effective stress, all tests

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22.03.2001 CO - 710203/20 Figure 8-3

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Sample Disturbance in Dutch Organic Oostvaardersplassen Clay Ko-C.R.S. tests

Relation between horizontal and vertical stress

A4

50 45 40 35 30 t [kPa] 25 20 15 10 5 0 0 10 20 30 40 s' [kPa] 50 60 70 80 66mm Perimeter 1 66mm Perimeter 2 50mm Perimeter 1 50mm Perimeter 2 38mm Perimeter 1 38mm Perimeter 2 50mm Centre

Effective stress paths for subsamples with various diameters and position within a single Laval sample (nr 37)

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22.03.2001 CO - 710203/20 Figure 9-1

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Sample Disturbance in Dutch Organic Oostvaardersplassen Clay

Effect of sample diameter and position

A4