EFFECTS OF IMMERSION ON CREEP DEFORMATION AND STRENGTH CHARACTERISTICS OF GRAVELLY MUDSTONE

Abstract

In order to investigate the effects of immersion on creep deformation and strength characteristics of gravelly mudstones (JGS slaking index = 1, 2）, a series of direct shear tests were conducted under the different stress ratio, degree of compaction and initial water content. The specimens were immersed under creep stress conditions. After when the creep shear displacement became stable, a monotonic loading was applied. Water absorption ratio may be the threshold for the occurrence of immersion-induced deformation. The shear strength tends to decline by immersion-induced deformation. The chart figure which evaluates an increment of shear deformation or creep failure based on the initial water content and stress ratio was developed.