Abstract:
The dynamic shear modulus decay of calcareous sand treated by microbially induced calcium precipitation (MICP) across a wide shear strain range was investigated using resonant column and dynamic triaxial tests, with variations in calcium carbonate precipitation content (
CCa) and effective confining pressure (
σc). Prediction formulas were proposed for the maximum dynamic shear modulus (
Gmax) and the reference shear strain (
γr), considering both
σc and
CCa. Based on the Hardin-Drnevich model, a predictive model was established for the dynamic shear modulus decay curve. Results indicate that the Hardin-Drnevich model accurately describes the
G/
Gmax decay behavior of MICP-treated calcareous sand. Moreover, the curvature coefficient
ζ exhibits limited sensitivity to variations in
σc and
CCa. An empirical method is presented for determining
ζ in MICP-treated calcareous sand. Both
Gmax and
γr exhibit a linear relationship with
CCa, while their relationship with
σc is described by a power function and a linear function, respectively. A model that considers both
σc and
CCa for predicting the dynamic shear modulus decay curve was developed, grounded in the Hardin-Drnevich model. The applicability of this model was validated.