Experimental Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Geomaterials with Varying Fine Fraction Contents

Abstract

The strength, deformation, and hydraulic properties of geomaterials, which constitute embankments, vary with fine fraction content. Therefore, numerous research studies have been conducted regarding the effects of fine fraction content on the engineering properties of geomaterials. However, there have only been a few studies in which the effects of fine fraction content on the soil skeletal structure have been quantitatively evaluated and related to compaction and mechanical properties. In this study, mechanical tests were conducted on geomaterials with various fine fraction contents to evaluate their compaction and mechanical properties focusing on the soil skeletal structure and void distribution. Furthermore, an internal structural analysis of specimens using X-ray computed tomography (CT) images was conducted to interpret the results of mechanical tests. As a result, it was discovered that the uniaxial compressive strength increased with fine fraction content, and the maximum uniaxial compressive strength was observed at a low water content, not at the optimum water content. Additionally, the obtained CT images revealed that large voids, which could serve as weak points for maintaining strength, decreased in volume, and small voids were evenly distributed within the specimens, resulting in a more stable soil skeletal structure.

Fig. 13 Pore distribution of each specimen analyzed based on CT scan image data: Pore size is shown as effective diameter, the size of a sphere. (online color)