Shear Wave Velocity Response of Compacted Kaolin during Drying-Wetting Cycles

Previous studies indicate that post-compacted changes in moisture and suction significantly influence small strain response, often this is not routinely monitored during operation. Thus, assessing the impacts of seasonal variation on performance critical for gauging geomechanical behaviour compacted soils underlying typical transport infrastructure. In paper drying-wettingcycles stiffness investigated kaolin specimens by measuring shear velocity using ultrasonic testing methods. The drying-wetting cycles were applied to fixed levels gravimetric water content. This more closely mimics near surface unsaturated site conditions rather thanadopting axis translation technique. As expected, results show wave exhibits a hysteretic response cycles. However, as are controlled content, higher values recorded dryingpaths than wetting paths previously reported testing. Furthermore, subsequent cycle, continues an while also exhibiting increasing velocities given content level, indicating specimensare undergoing some form hydraulic ageing.