Upon completing large-area layered filling, the foundation soil exhibits transverse isotropy and is predominantly. unsaturated, making post-construction settlement prediction challenging. Additionally, the creep model considering transverse isotropy and unsaturated characteristics has not been proposed. Therefore, the true triaxial apparatus for unsaturated soil was enhanced, and transversely isotropic unsaturated loess samples were prepared. The relationship between matrix suction and moisture content at various depths in transversely isotropic unsaturated loess was determined using soil-water characteristic curve tests. The creep characteristics of loess fill under varying moisture content, degree of compaction, deviatoric stress, and net confining pressure were examined using a consolidation drainage test system. According to the creep curve, the expressions for six parameters in the modified Burgers element model were determined, establishing a post-construction settlement prediction method for transversely isotropic unsaturated loess fill foundations. The results show that the transversely isotropic unsaturated loess exhibits distinet creep characteristics, primarily nonlinear attenuation creep. The degree of compaction, moisture content, deviatoric stress and net confining pressure significantly affect its creep characteristics. Creep stability strain is linearly related to the degree of compaction. Enhancing soil compaction can effectively reduce post-construction settlement of the fill foundation. A prediction algorithm based on the modified Burgers model, which reflects the influence of degree of compaction, moisture content, and stress level, and accurately describes the post-construction settlement behavior of transversely isotropic unsaturated loess fill foundations, is established. Actual engineering monitoring results demonstrate that the proposed settlement prediction algorithm is simple, practical, and effective. The research results can enrich and advance the creep model of unsaturated soil, and provide a scientific basis for solving the problem of deformation calculation of high fill foundation.
The soil's creep characteristics significantly impact both the effectiveness of the support system and the enduring stability of the engineering structure. During construction, dewatering is often carried out, which results in seepage within highly permeable soils. To scrutinize the creep behavior of silty fine sand under seepage conditions, triaxial compression tests and triaxial creep tests were conducted on the silty fine sand, subject to three distinct seepage flow rates: 0.5 ml/min, 1.0 ml/min, and 1.5 ml/min. The test results indicate that seepage reduces the maximum stress capacity of the soil and increases its creep deformation. Particularly under relatively high deviatoric stress and seepage flow rates, the specimens exhibit three stages: transient creep, stationary creep, and acceleration creep. Notably, the axial creep deformation rate shows a positive correlation with both seepage flow rates and deviatoric stress. Concurrently influenced by seepage and creep, fine particles within the specimen accumulate in the central and upper regions, whereas the lower is characterized by larger particles. The progressive increase in pore water pressure, intricately linked to the impeding effect of fine particles on permeation pathways, catalyzes the creep-induced deformation of the specimen. Based on the experimental results, a modified Burgers model has been established. This model takes into account seepage, sliding damage, and particle fragmentation. A comparative analysis, contrasting the modified Burgers model against calculated values derived from the traditional Burgers and Kelvin-Voigt models, underscores the effectiveness of the proposed model. Specifically, the modified Burgers model adeptly captures the transient creep, stationary creep, and acceleration creep stages of silty fine sand, especially under varying seepage flow rates.