Shear modulus G

The theory of elasticity correlates the shear modulus (G) with the soil density (r) and the velocity of the waves (Vs):

G= ρ×Vs2

So the shear modulus is in relation with the velocity of the shear waves.

The shear modulus has higher values ​​for low levels of stress and decreases with increasing shear stress.

Estimation of shear modulus at low strains (G0) with empirical correlations.

Rix & Stokoe (1991)

Go=K×(qc)a× (σ’v0)

For sands: K=1634; a=0.25; b=0.375

Mayne & Rix (1993)

Go=K×(qc)a× (e)b

For clays: K=406; a=0.695;b=-1.13, e: void ratio