Evaluation of preconsolidation stress by shear wave velocity

The behaviors of saturated soils such as compressibility and permeability are distinguished by preconsolidation stress. Preconsolidation stress becomes an important design parameter in geotechnical structures. The goal of this study is to introduce a new method for the evaluation of preconsolidation stress based on the shear wave velocity at small strain, using Busan, Incheon, and Gwangyang clays in Korea. Standard consolidation tests are conducted by using an oedometer cell equipped with bender elements. The preconsolidation stresses estimated by shear wave velocity are compared with those evaluated by the Casagrande, constrained modulus, work, and logarithmic methods. The preconsolidation stresses estimated by the shear wave velocity produce very similar values to those evaluated by the Onitsuka method (one of the logarithmic methods), which yields an almost real preconsolidation stress. This study shows that the shear wave velocity method provides a reliable method for evaluating preconsolidation stress and can be used as a complementary method.