Measurement, interpretation and recommended use of laboratory strength properties of fibrous peat
Journal Title: Geotechnical Research - Year 2017, Vol 4, Issue 3
Abstract
Peat deposits are complex natural formations encountered in many geographical areas. Peat itself is considered as a challenging geomaterial, with many aspects of its behaviour seemingly remaining enigmas. This state-of-the-art review paper provides an extensive summary of current knowledge on the strength and shear behaviour of fibrous peats. Critical assessments and interpretations of the undrained strength, effective-stress strength and at-rest earth pressure coefficient parameter values determined for fibrous peat materials using standard and advanced laboratory apparatus are presented, focusing particularly on the consolidated undrained triaxial compression and direct simple shear approaches. Based on documented case histories of embankments, dikes and natural peat slopes, guidance is given for operational shear strength assessments in peat, aimed at bearing capacity and slope stability calculations, considering both the normalised undrained strength ratio and limit equilibrium effective-stress strength approaches. In particular, the botanical origin, structural anisotropy, humification level, likely initial overconsolidated state, tensile resistance associated with the peat fibres and possible scale effect related to the test-specimen size are discussed in the context of the strength mobilised for different testing apparatus. The test methodologies and interpretations of experimental results presented for fibrous peat in this paper should be transferable to other fibrous soil and soil-like materials.
Authors and Affiliations
Bredan O'Kelly
Keywords
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- EP ID EP292353
- DOI 10.1680/jgere.17.00006
- Views 70
- Downloads 0
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