By measuring electrical conductivity in two perpendicular directions,
the variation of fabric anisotropy of kaolinite is determined during o
ne-dimensional (K-o), anisotropic (sigma(1)/sigma(3) = constant), and
isotropic (sigma(1)/sigma(3) = 1) consolidation tests. To verify the v
alidity of test results, the fabric anisotropy is determined at select
ed stages of loading by analyzing electron micrograph images of vertic
al and horizontal sections of parent specimens. The results from the t
wo independent techniques are in agreement with each other. The result
s reveal aspects that can aid in the process of constitutive modeling
of clays. In general, it is found that an isotropic consolidation load
ing or an anisotropic consolidation loading in extension, which causes
rotation of principal strain directions, decreases the fabric anisotr
opy developed during prior K-o consolidation. The initial fabric aniso
tropy, however, cannot easily be erased or reversed by such a loading.