Influence of stress history, strain rate and end effects on undrained shear behaviour and strain localization of laterite soil

Recognizing the abundant use of lateritic soils in the construction of embankments and their susceptibility towards extreme erosion, it is necessary to explore the influence of stress history and strain rate on their undrained shear behaviour. The mechanism of development of localized deformation and failure of soil mass are equally important for understanding the stability of laterite soils. Moreover, the use of porous stones in conventional triaxial testing for drainage to investigate the undrained shear behaviour of soils leads to the development of shear stresses near the ends and thereby influences the mechanical response of the soil. In the current research, the effect of stress history, strain rate and boundary effects on the shear strength behaviour and strain localization patterns of naturally available laterite soil is explored. The effect of end boundaries on the initiation and propagation of localized deformations of soil have been also evaluated in this study.