Full-scale testing apparatus for investigating the in situ behaviour of peat under cyclic loading

¹ Department of Geoscience and Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
² Waterschap Hollandse Delta, Ridderkerk, the Netherlands.
³ Deltares, Delft, the Netherlands

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

A considerable portion of the subsoil strata beneath railway embankments in the Netherlands contains peat layers. Consequently, knowledge is required about the behaviour of peat under cyclic loading at train passage frequencies. Due to its fibrous nature and high water content, the mechanical behaviour of peat exhibits pronounced scale effects when characterized at different scales. This paper presents the design and implementation of a full-scale cyclic loading test setup for a circular footing on peat. By using an actuator and a reaction frame to drive the circular foundation, a large number of vertical loading cycles can be applied at a loading frequency of 1 Hz. Preliminary results from the test are also presented. The test is intended to investigate the in situ response of peat under cyclic loading. These test results help bridge the gap between advanced laboratory cyclic loading tests and field-scale railway embankment boundary conditions.