Four soils have been selected for initial study, all having distinctly different Atterberg limits as shown. These materials were prepared for strength and creep testing following consistent set up procedures to yield results that are comparable among all soil types. The strength tests are needed to determine appropriate stress levels for the creep tests. All testing is being conducted on triaxial specimens with back-pressure. Measurements include axial and volumetric deformations, vertical and lateral pressures, and pore pressures where appropriate.
Strength is determined before and after each creep test.
Preliminary results are shown for the Manoa clay in the bottom figure. They indicate, as expected, that creep increases with deviatoric stress intensity. As of this date creep tests have only been conducted on the Manoa clay and the Kapolei red silt. Also, the Manoa clay undergoes significant strength gain with time. The testing of all soils is expected to be completed in January 2001.