Resonant column test on the frozen silt soil modulus and damping at different temperatures

Abstract

The shear modulus and damping ratio of frozen soil are the basic parameters of its dynamic properties and are often tested with the dynamic triaxial apparatus. However, the resonant column apparatus is more suitable for the testing at the micro-strain level. A resonant column apparatus was here used to identify the varying modes with negative temperature of the initial shear modulus, modulus ratio, and damping ratio of frozen silt. Correction factor curves indicate that the temperature has a great effect on the shear modulus and damping ratio of frozen silt. The curves also show that, within the sensitive stage, the temperature significantly affects the modulus and damping. Within the insensitive stage, the modulus and damping were insensitive to the temperature. The experimental results and analysis given here provide support for improving seismic design codes and offer reasonable parameters for seismic response analysis in engineering construction in cold regions.