| The objective of this study is to identify differences in fully softened shear strength testing based on sample preparation technique and water source. Two sample preparation techniques were used, the blenderizing technique outlined in EM 1110-2-1906 and the hand disaggregation technique outlined in ASTM D 4318-10. The samples used for this study were clay shale samples from the Dallas, Texas area. The two water sources are groundwater and deionized water. Shear strength testing was conducted using a direct shear box. The clay shale Atterberg limits, shear strength, mineralogy, and water chemistry were analyzed to determine the effect on variations in the results. |
