A Method for Derivation of Compression Equation and Value of Degradation Exponent for Structured Soils

A method to derive a general equation for compression of structured soils is presented. It is shown that the general equation leads to the equation of compression for structured soils as proposed by Liu and Carter (Geotechnique 49(4):43–57, 1999 ). Using the compression characteristics of the structured and remolded soil, an equation is developed to determine a unique value for the structure degradation exponent term of the Liu-Carter equation. This equation is used to obtain the value of the structure degradation exponent of the Liu-Carter equation from the compression behavior of undisturbed and remolded Mexico City clay. The value of the exponent is used in the Liu-Carter equation to predict the compression behaviour of the clay. Excellent agreement is observed between predictions and experimental data.