Jon E. Olson
Project Summary
The objective of the proposed study is to develop methodology for predicting strength and failure of particulate material, especially weakly cemented sand and gravel, from small-strain stiffness as measured with the velocity of stress waves. The project will be especially concerned with phenomena such as soil liquefaction in earthquakes and sand production in petroleum wells. The objective will be approached through the development of an improved, fundamental understanding of how particle cementation affects both the strength and the stiffness of cemented granular material.