Abstract: A series of one-dimensional consolidation permeability tests were carried out using the GDS triaxial apparatus to study the influence of consolidation stress ratio and stress history on the characteristics of saturated clay. The results indicate that the permeability coefficient and void ratio of normal- and over-consolidated saturated clay decrease with the increase in consolidation stress ratio under different consolidation stress conditions with the same stress history. And the final compression of the specimens increases with consolidation stress ratio. Under the same consolidation stress ratio but different stress history conditions, the final compression of over-consolidated saturated clay is smaller than that of normal consolidated saturated clay. In addition, the difference σdv between consolidation stress σ and gravity stress σcz is fitted to the final compression sf of the specimen, and a good linear relationship between these two parameters is obtained for each consolidation stress. This study finds that for saturated clay, it is necessary to consider simultaneously the influence of both consolidation stress ratio and stress history on its 1-D consolidation and permeability, and the final compression can be accurately predicted if knowing its gravity stress.

Key words: consolidation stress ratio, stress history, saturated clay, 1-D consolidation permeability