ABSTRACT
This article investigates the dynamic behavior of a coalmine overburden waste sample using Resonant Column Apparatus (RCA). Tests were conducted under three confining pressures (50,100, and 150 kPa) across a range of small strains (10-5 to 10-2 %). Torsional stiffness was evaluated in terms of Shear modulus (G) from the resonant test. Thereafter, the specimen was subjected to a transient excitation to evaluate the damping properties. Damping was measured by logarithmic decrement method utilizing a free vibration decay curve. The experimental results indicate that the small-strain Shear modulus (G) and Damping ratio (D) is greatly dependent on the shear strain as well as confining pressure. The shear modulus decreases as the shear strain increases, however, damping ratio increases with increasing shear strain. Finally, the shear modulus and damping ratio obtained in the present study are compared with standard geomaterials reported in literature, to evaluate the possibilities of utilizing OB as a geomaterial for various geotechnical engineering applications subjected to dynamic loading conditions.
