Revisiting the One-Dimensional Compression Properties of Reconstituted Shiraz Clay Soil

The intrinsic parameters from laboratory tests on completely reconstituted specimens are commonly used for the interpretation of the mechanical behavior of natural clay soils. The one-dimensional compression behavior of fully reconstituted specimens of Shiraz clay soil covering initial water content from the plastic limit to liquid limit and effective vertical stress values from 25 to 1900 kPa is investigated here. Analysis of the laboratory data indicates that the intrinsic compression index, void ratio of the reconstituted specimens at effective vertical stress of 100 and 1000 kPa, and void ratio at suction pressure increase with initial water content. However, suction pressure decreases with the initial water content. Void index varies non-uniquely with liquidity index depending on initial water content. The undrained shear strength from fast direct shear tests decreases exponentially with liquidity index in a way that the undrained shear strength at the plastic limit is 148 times greater than that at the liquid limit.{GRAPHIACAL ABSTRACT}

Automated summary

The intrinsic parameters derived from laboratory tests on completely reconstituted specimens are widely used for interpreting the mechanical behavior of natural clay soils. This study investigates the one-dimensional compression behavior of fully reconstituted specimens of Shiraz clay soil under different initial water content and effective vertical stress conditions. The findings indicate that the intrinsic compression index, void ratio at 100 and 1000 kPa effective vertical stress, and void ratio at suction pressure increase with initial water content, while suction pressure decreases. Void index and liquidity index have a non-linear relationship depending on initial water content. The undrained shear strength decreases exponentially with liquidity index, and the strength at the plastic limit is 148 times greater than at the liquid limit.