Use of the dilatometer test to estimate the maximum shear modulus of normally consolidated Busan clay

Abstract

The aim of this experimental study is to estimate the maximum shear modulus (Gmax) of normally consolidated clayey soils using the results of a dilatometer test (DMT). A series of DMTs was conducted at the Busan New Port and Noksan sites in South Korea. In addition, basic index tests, bender element tests (i.e., shear wave velocity (Vs) measurements), and standard 1-D consolidation tests were performed using the undisturbed specimens. The results demonstrate that the Gmax of normally consolidated Busan clays cannot be adequately captured by the horizontal stress index (KD)-based empirical formula. Therefore, a Gmax estimating formula for normally consolidated clayey soils is newly suggested in this study using the dilatometer constrained modulus (MDMT) and stress-normalized material index (ID). Most notably, the estimated Gmax values using the suggested formula are comparable with the measured Gmax of both this study and the previous study on normally consolidated clayey soils.