Evaluating use of resonant column in flexural mode for dynamic characterization of Bangalore sand

The resonant column method is a well-established medium-frequency wave propagation technique for the dynamic characterization of soils. This study presents an evaluation of Young׳s modulus of a quartzitic sand derived from flexural resonant column tests. The results are compared with extender elements, which are embedded in the same apparatus and apply high-frequency P-wave propagation, as well as a published model in the literature derived from longitudinal resonant column experiments. The comparison of the elastic Young׳s modulus values was satisfactory. The material damping derived from the free-vibration decay method had higher values in flexural mode than torsional mode. And, with an increase in confinement, a faster reduction in material damping associated with S-wave propagation was observed. The results of the study are promising for the standardization of the flexural mode of vibration in the classical torsional resonant column device which can provide invaluable insight into the behavior of state and effective stress-dependent materials.