Mexico City soil behavior at different strains: Observations and physical interpretation

The unique mechanical properties of Mexico City soils plot as extreme values on most geotechnical engineering charts. The purpose of this study is to analyze salient properties and to propose conceptual models to explain them. In particular, mechanical parameters synthesized from published laboratory data are systematically organized in terms of strain level. Three strain regions are identified. The threshold strains at the boundaries between these strain regions are examined in terms of microscale processes that participate at different strains.