The interpretation of in situ soil tests

Abstract

On the basis of critical state soil mechanics and, notably, of Wroth’s latest deductions, an expression is derived for the undrained strength ratio cu/σvo′ in the general case. Further deductions indicate that the expression of the normalized strength ratio for one-dimensional consolidation conditions as given by Wroth is slightly different from that presented here and that the relative difference is higher at higher overconsolidation ratios. The expressions given, as well as Wroth’s previous expressions, are similar in form to existing empirical expressions, but they have the advantage of having a theoretical and rational basis. © 1986, Thomas Telford Ltd. All rights reserved.