Question

Can unconsolidated undrained triaxial test be used to simulate the liquefaction behaviour of sand? Why/Why not?

Answer 1

No unconsolidated undrained (UU) test can't be use to simulate the liquefaction behaviour of sand.

As in the UU Triaxial testing the sample we take is unconsolidated and under undrained loading for shearing is done.

Here we are dealing with axial load which we apply on the sample for calculating the shear strength of the sample.

Now Liquefaction of sand is a phenomenon which is seen when the disturbances like earthquake etc cause the pore water pressure to release which causes volumetric changes and hence rupture occurs.

So here in liquefaction we are dealing with numerous cycling loadings.

For the simulation of liquefaction we can use cyclic triaxial testing