The importance of coupling and sample geometry in bender element testing

• Type: Article in International Conference Proceedings Book
• Date: 2015

Authors

Pereira, C (Author) Other; Correia, AG (Author) Other; Cristiana Ferreira (Author) FEUP; Araújo, N (Author) Other

Conference proceedings International

Title: Proceedings of the XVI ECSMGE Geotechnical Engineering for Infrastructure and Development

Pages: 3279-3284

XVI ECSMGE Geotechnical Engineering for Infrastructure and Development

Edinburgh, 13-17 September

Indexing

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00K-ENP

Abstract (EN): This paper presents a study aiming to improve the quality and repeatability of shear wave velocity measurements by means of the bender element (BE) technique. For this purpose, studies were carried out to improve the contact between the bender elements and the specimen, namely by the use of a BE puncher and/or the use of an interface coupling material between the BE and the specimen. A series of tests was carried out on clay and silty sand specimens, with different geometries and two different time domain methods were used to measure travel time (tt): i) the first direct arrival of the wave (to) and ii) the first peak-to-peak interval (tPk-Pk). The influence of the cantilever length of the BE was also addressed. Furthermore, in order to verify the repeatability of the performed tests, a second group of tests was carried out using BE, as well as shear plates and compression transducers. Finally, recommendations are made regarding the geometry of the samples and the different time domain methods used for travel time interpretation.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific