Theoretical Modeling and Experimental Correlation of Geophysical and Geotechnical Methods Leading to Characterizing Ground Strength

This research proposes to develop a new class of constitutive models based on direct geophysical input. The new class of models will be developed within a critical state soil mechanics framework and will be capable of predicting the full range of consolidation and shear behavior for soils under moisture conditions ranging from partially saturated to saturated states. More importantly, the proposed constitutive models will have the ability to predict changes in the stress states as sole functions of the changes in moisture conditions. The proposed constitutive models will initially be specific to coarse grained (i.e. sand) and fine grained (silt and clay) soils, but the long-term goal is to develop a unified model that will be independent of soil type.