A Simulation of Tube Sampling Effects on the Stiffness of Clays

The effect of tube sampling disturbance on the prefailure behavior of reconstituted kaolin was investigated in the triaxial cell. Previously published forms of stress paths followed by normally consolidated and overconsolidated clays during simulated sampling have been substantiated. After the initial stresses were restored, the behavior of the undisturbed clay at small strains (up to 0.1%) was recovered in undrained compression and extension tests, although not accurately for normally consolidated specimens tested in extension. At larger strains, the effects of simulated sampling were significant for normally consolidated specimens, but not for overconslidated ones. The findings in relation to small-strain behavior do not necessarily apply for natural clays, but do help to provide a framework for interpreting the behavior of such soils.