Effect of initial consolidation inclination on strain development in saturated silty soil

This study investigates the strain development of saturated silty soil of Yellow River under varying initial consolidation inclination angles ζ by principle stress rotation tests. The results revealed that distinct patterns in axial, circumferential and torsional shear strains show the influence of ζ on the mechanical response of silty soil. Notably, the axial strain exhibits compressive behaviour at ζ=90° during the first cycle, while the circumferential strain displays tensile behaviour. Anisotropy initiates at ζ=90° and around 60° for other ζ angles. Different values of ζ exhibit stabilization trends in strain fluctuations, with ζ=90° and ζ=75° showing intriguing similarities. The case of ζ=45°stands out, with the highest fluctuation and strain amplitude. Torsional shear strain similarities are observed among most ζ angles except for ζ=90° and ζ=60°. Volumetric strain emphasizes the significant impact of consolidation angle inclination on anisotropic characteristics. With the increase of the initial solidification angle, the hysteresis curve shifts to the left, indicating cyclic creep characteristics, with negligible shear strain for the case of ζ=60°. As the cycle period increases, the hysteresis loop contracts, indicating the continuous strengthening and eventual stabilization of shear stiffness. This comprehensive exploration provides valuable insights into the complex behaviour of saturated silty soil under rotational stress conditions, highlighting the role of initial consolidation inclination angles in shaping its mechanical response.