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The effect of strain rate on the compressive strength of dry and saturated tuff
The uniaxial compressive strength of air-dry and water-saturated ashfall tuff from the Nevada Test Site was measured as a function of strain rate from 10{sup {minus}6} to 10{sup 3} s{sup {minus}1}. Two different testing devices were used to achieve this wide range in rate, an electro-hydraulic, servo-controlled load frame, and a Kolsky bar. Critical strain rates of 82 s{sup {minus}1} and 22{sup {minus}1} were found for dry and saturated tuffs, respectively. Below the critical rate the strength is a weak function of strain rate and above the critical rate strength varies as the cube root of strain rate. The strengths of the dry and saturated tuff are the same above the critical rate. At slower rates, the saturated tuff is weaker at all rates and shows a slightly stronger strain-rate sensitivity. 26 refs., 5 figs.