Evaluation of dynamic properties of sandy soil at high cyclic strains

Dynamic loading conditions, such as earthquakes, may result in the generation of high shear strain (>5%) in the soil. Conventionally, dynamic properties of soils are estimated from the tests conducted up to a shear strain of 1% by considering Symmetrical Hysteresis Loop (SHL). However, it is commonly observed that the hysteresis loops become progressively asymmetric with increasing shear strain, which leads to the over- or under-estimation of the conventionally evaluated dynamic properties. Hence, it is necessary to adopt a modified methodology of evaluating the dynamic properties of saturated sands based on the actual Asymmetrical Hysteresis Loop (ASHL). Strain-controlled cyclic triaxial tests have been conducted, for a peak shear strain range of 0.015–4.5% at 1Hz loading frequency, on test specimens prepared at different relative density (30–90%) and confining stress (50–150kPa). Although, the shear modulus evaluated considering SHL and ASHL are on close agreement, the damping ratio evaluated considering SHL is approximately 40–70% lesser than that obtained by considering ASHL. Moreover, in contrast to the classical curves as largely applied in geotechnical engineering, a noticeable decrement of the damping ratio is observed beyond 0.75% shear strain. •Evaluation of high strain (0.01–4.5%) dynamic properties using cyclic triaxial test.•Development of asymmetrical hysteresis loop under high strain.•Applying a modified methodology to evaluate the dynamic properties for asymmetrical loop.•Damping ratio from asymmetrical loop, D#, is 40–70% higher than that of symmetrical loop, D.•Beyond peak, noticeable decrement in D and D# at a shear strain of 0.5% and 1% respectively.