Study on Influence of Moisture Content on Strength and Brittle-Plastic Failure Characteristics of Xiashu Loess

To reveal the influence of water content on the strength characteristics and brittle-plastic failure process of Xiashu loess, the direct shear test and unconfined compressive strength test of Xiashu loess with different water content were carried out, and the influence of water content on its strength characteristics and brittle-plastic failure transformation characteristics was studied. Eight kinds of Xiashu loess with different moisture contents were designed, and a direct shear test and uniaxial compression test were carried out, respectively. The results show that with the increase in water content, the shear strength and unconfined compressive strength of Xiashu loess decrease continuously. The influence of water content on cohesion in the shear strength index is greater than that of the internal friction angle. The relationship curve between cohesion and internal friction angle and water content shows obvious segmentation. When approaching the optimal water content, the downward trend is slowed down. When the water content is constant, the shear strength of the sample will also increase with the increase of normal stress. When the water content is 12% to 15%, the failure mode of Xiashu loess is a brittle failure, and the unconfined compressive strength decreases by 43.23%. When the water content is 15% to 16%, the failure mode of Xiashu loess is a transitional failure, and the unconfined compressive strength decreases by 60.38%. When the water content is greater than 16%, Xiashu loess shows plastic failure, and the unconfined compressive strength decreases slightly.