Studies on Artificial Soils (I)

Shearing Characteristics of Some Artificial Soils

Abstract

Tne effects of some factors on the shear characteristics of several artificial soils were analized mainly dy the method of analysis of variance, and the shear characteristics of artificial soils were compared with those of natural soils. The results are as follows:
1) Oil effect. In the case where 40W motor oil or 90W cylinder oil was used, the viscosity of the soil is more than that in the case of 10W motor oil. But there was scarcely any differences between the cases of 40W motor oil and 90W cylinder oil.
2) Sand effect. There was not so much difference of shear characteristics between the cases of pure dry sand and ordinary sand.
3) Bentonite effect. The shear strength and the viscosity were increased when the bentonite was mixed owing to the property of bentonite as a kind of binding agent.
4) Oil content effect. Oil content has much influence to the shear characteristics of artificial soils. If the oil saturates, the artificial soil has scarcely any shear strength. The oil contents of saturation were about 27% in the case where the bentonite was used, and less than 20% in the case of no-bentonite.
5) From the comparison of shear characteristics of natural soils and artificial soil which consisted of 90W cylinder oil and equal amounts of ordinary sand and bentonite. It was found that the shear characteristics of artificial soil were similar to those of natural sandy soil, sondy loam or loam and viscous soil in accordance with the oil contents.