<p>TxDOT frequently uses Texas Cone Penetrometer (TCP) blow counts to estimate undrained shear strength. However, the current correlations between TCP resistance and undrained shear strength have been developed primarily for significantly stronger soils than ...

<p>Consolidated-undrained triaxial testing procedures were used to determine the fully softened shear strength of Eagle Ford Shale, which is a highly plastic clay found in central Texas. The measured secant friction angles of Eagle Ford Shale were also compared ...

<p>Previous research has shown that cyclic wetting and drying can reduce the shear strength of compacted highly plastic clays to the fully softened shear strength. Consolidated-undrained triaxial testing procedures were used to determine the fully softened ...

<p>Moisture infiltration into highway embankments constructed by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) using high Plasticity Index (PI) clays results in changes in shear strength and in flow pattern that leads to recurrent slope failures. In addition, ...

<p>TxDOT is experiencing wider use of multi-tiered MSE and Concrete Block retaining walls. These walls often involve loads and geometric configurations that are different from the ones for which current FHWA and AASHTO design guidelines were developed. Accordingly, ...