Overview and interpretation of rate-dependency of the behaviour of soft clays

Extensive laboratory tests and field observations show that soft clays exhibit significant rate-dependent behavior. The rate-dependency of stress-strain behavior under both 1D and 3D conditions is firstly reviewed. The applicability of five rate-dependency equations in correlating the pre-consolidation pressure and undrained shear strength is also discussed. Furthermore, the rate-dependency of the behaviour of soft clays under complex loading conditions is analysed. Finally, the uniqueness of the rate-dependency under different conditions, i.e. between 1D and 3D, between triaxial compression and extension, between different OCRs is investigated.