Standardization of laboratory test methods to determine the cyclic deformation properties of geomaterials in Japan

Herein described is an outline of the activities of the standardization committee in the course of standardizing laboratory cyclic loading testing for deformation properties of geomaterials. Although the Japanese Society of Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, JSSMFE, established the "Method for Cyclic Undrained Testing of Soils" for liquefaction tests on sand using cyclic triaxial test apparatus in 1991, a standard test method for deformation modulus and damping has not yet been formulated, despite the strong demand for the establishment of the standard test methods amongst engineers. As a result of three years of activities surveying existing test devices and the practical application of test results, and comprehensive examinations of current practice, JSF T 542-1994 and T 543-1994 were proposed. Some information concerning current test procedures in Japan and practical applications of test results are presented, together with the proposed standards. For the covering abstract, see IRRD 892179.