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Thixotropic Effects In A Clay-Water System, John Arthur Mathes

Masters Theses

"Fundamental aspects of thixotropic phenomena are described, and previous investigations of thixotropic behavior in soil systems are summarized. The complex nature of the thixotropic phenomena as well as its general occurrence in fine grained soils is described. As existing hypothesis for thixotropic behavior based on initial non-equilibrium conditions is examined. Experimental results, as determined from a testing program on the Putnam clay, verify this hypothesis. The rate and magnitude of thixotropic strength increases of the Putnam clay were determined. Shear strength determinations were made by the unconfined compression and laboratory vane shear tests. The results of the tests were compared …