A novel methodology to regain sensitivity of quick clay in a geotechnical centrifuge

A novel reconstitution process is developed to reconstitute remoulded quick clay with comparable sensitivities to the sampled undisturbed material. This laboratory method is based on scaling some of the main in situ processes involved in the development of sensitivity in a natural quick clay. It is shown that high sensitivity can be regained in a sequence of scaled flocculated sedimentation stages followed by consolidation and leaching in a geotechnical centrifuge. The suggested approach is a promising method for fast reconstitution of sensitive clay samples for element and physical model testing in a geotechnical laboratory.