Abstract
This paper describes the mobilization mechanism of vane shear strength revealed in the naturally consolidated clay deposits. The vane shear test has been successfully simulated by the 3-dimensional soil/water coupling finite element program, DACSAR, and through this numerical analysis the mobilization mechanism of vane shear strength has been explained. After verifying the finite element modelling, discussed are, mainly, the development of shear stresses along the blade of vane, their distribution, the effects of partial drainage and material viscosity. The in-situ vane shear test hardly escapes from much influence both of partial drainage and material viscosity. In particular, the partial drainage of pore water yields the difference between strengths at the top and/or bottom edges of a vane blade and at the side edge of a vane blade.
