Three-Dimensional Behavior of Remolded Clay

The influence of the intermediate principal stress on the stress-strain, pore pressure, and strength characterstics of normally consolidated, remolded clay has been studied using conventional triaxial compression tests and cubical triaxial tests with independent control of the three principal stresses. For the same value of the minor principal stress, the specimens showed increasing slope of the effective stress ratio-strain curve with increasing value of the intermediate principal stress. The strain-to-failure decreased and the pore pressure increased initially and both remained approximately constant at high intermediate principal stresses. The effective strength of the clay increased from triaxial compression to a maximum before a slight decrease at triaxial extension. The undrained strength decreased slightly with increasing intermediate principal stress. Observations regarding the applicability of the normality condition of classical plasticity theory were made. Similarities and differences in behavior of clay and sand were examined.