ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: The behaviour of a tropical soil of residual origin obtained exclusively by means of laboratory tests with well controlled drainage and boundary conditions is described herein. This soil profile, located near Ouro Preto, Southeast Brazil, has two distinct layers, one lateritic (horizon B) about 2.0 m thick, and the other saprolitic (horizon C), which may reach depths up to 40 m. Porosimetry measurements and the characteristic curves were helpful in defining the soils microstructure. Shear strength was evaluated by drained and undrained isotropic consolidated triaxial tests carried out under saturated and unsaturated (controlled suction). In order to assess the influence of the natural soil structure on soil behaviour, a number of undrained and drained triaxial tests were carried out on compacted specimens. Normalized limit states were useful to identify isotropic and anisotropic behaviours. Critical state concepts were used in the interpretation of the saturated and unsaturated behaviour.
