Shear Properties and Post-shear Water Content Distribution of Clayey Soil Under Different Loading Conditions by Ring Shear Tests

Many studies have been conducted on the effects of normal stress, the shear rate, etc., on the residual strength of clayey soil by ring shear tests, but the shear properties of this soil have not been sufficiently elucidated in terms of the water content distribution in the specimens. The aim of this study is to clarify the effects of normal stress and the shear rate on the shear properties and post-shear water content distribution of a kaolinitic clay specimen in ring shear tests under different conditions, with a particular focus on the effects of different shear rates. The results showed that the shear stress ratios at peak and residual states were affected by the drainage conditions of the specimen at different shear rates, and that the water content decreased at lower shear rates, corresponding to the shear properties observed in the shear rate region where the drainage conditions had been satisfied.