Time-dependent compressibility characteristics of Montmorillonite Clay using EVPS Model

Time-dependent stress-strain behaviour significantly influences the compressibility characteristics of the clayey soil. In this paper, a series of oedometer tests were conducted in two loading patterns and investigated the time-dependent compressibility characteristics of Indian Montmorillonite Clay, also known as black cotton soil (BC) soil, during loadingunloading stages. The experimental data are analyzed using a new non-linear function of the Elasto-Visco-Plastic Model considering Swelling behaviour (EVPS model). From the experimental result, it is found that BC soil exhibits significant timedependent behaviour during creep compared to the swelling stage. Pore water entrance restriction due to consolidated overburden pressure and decrease in cation hydrations are responsible factors. Apart from it, particle sliding is also evident during creep. The time-dependent parameters like strain limit, creep coefficient and Cae/Cc are observed to be significant during the loading stage than the swelling stage. The relationship between creep coefficients and applied stresses is found to be nonlinear. The creep coefficient increases significantly up to 630 kPa-760 kPa (during reloading), and beyond it, the creep coefficient decreases continuously. Several parameters like loading duration, the magnitude of applied stress, loading history, and loading path have also influenced secondary compressibility characteristics. The time-dependent compressibility characteristics of BC soil are presented and discussed in detail.