Experimental observation of a soft clay consolidation behavior using constant-rate-of-strain (CRS) test

ABSTRACT: This paper reports a laboratory characterisation of a soft clay behaviour with constant-rate-of-strain (CRS) test using a novel oedometer setup developed at Université de Sherbrooke. Different strain rates were applied to observe the evolution of stress-strain relationships, pore water pressure distribution and volume characteristics. The CRS results were then compared to the conventional oedometer test results in order to assess the effect of strain rate variation on pre-consolidation pressure. The results indicated that strain rate affects the determination of the pre-consolidation pressure and the compressibility index of the tested material. In addition, it was observed that the evaluation of CRS test results is limited to the generation of excess pore water pressure within the tested specimens and that a greater care must be taken in the analysis of cases with drainage paths.