Sensitivity of Soft Clay Obtained by Field Vaneshear Test

Abstract:

Field vaneshear test (FVT) and Unconfined Compression test (UCT) are the conventional method for measuring the sensitivity of soft clay in the engineering investigation. Based on the data collected from the domestic soft clay and some regions in US and Japan, the sensitivity and strength obtained by FVT and UCT are compared in detail and the influence of remolding method is also investigated. It is found that the sensitivity obtained by the FVT test is significantly smaller than the UCT and it will underestimate the sensitivity of soft clay, FVT obtains significantly higher strength than UCT tests, especially in the remolded strength. Remolding method used in FVT is found an important influence factor. In addition, the correlations between remolded strength, sensitivity measured by FVT and liquid limit index are found not good and inconsistent with the published experiential laws. The remolded strength and sensitivity obtained by FVT are unreliable and it should be taken into consideration in evaluating the sensitivity and structural of soft clay.