Minimum void ratio characteristic of soils containing non-plastic fines

The minimum void ratio is an index widely used to indicate the contraction characteristics and the densest state of soils. The minimum void ratio obtained by the traditional test method has been utilized to represent the density of soils irrespective of their fines content despite the restriction (FC ≤ 5%). By considering the effect of the blow count, pore water, and their primary properties, the applicability of the minimum void ratio to soils containing fines was examined with an automatic tapping machine. It was confirmed that the blow count of the traditional method is not sufficient for soils with a high fines content. Furthermore, the presence of pore water had a significant effect on the minimum void ratio of soils containing fines. The characteristics of the cyclic minimum void ratio, which indicates the minimum void ratio obtained throughout the repetition of liquefaction and drainage, were also examined.