Earthquake-induced residual deformation of Ariake clay deposits with leaching

It is widely known that the sensitivity ratio of Ariake marine clay increases, if the clay is leached. Therefore, it is assumed that the mechanical properties of such clay considerably change and the shear strength decreases, if it is subjected to a cyclic load as a disturbance force, like earthquakes. In the present study, dynamic deformation and strength tests, as well as consolidation tests were conducted on Ariake clay that had leached. Static shear tests were also carried out on the clay after it had been subjected to a cyclic load. The stability of man-made earth structures on Ariake clay deposits that had leached during earthquakes was investigated. Undisturbed samples of the clay sedimented in the sea area were used in all the tests. Furthermore, an earthquake-induced residual deformation analysis was also conducted on the basis of the test results described above. Consequently, the following behaviors were observed in the study. (1) When Ariake marine clay was leached, the dynamic strength decreased and the shear modulus after subjecting it to a cyclic load remarkably decreased. (2) The effect of the leaching on the behavior of Ariake clay deposits was considerable during earthquakes.