Strain rate effect on the compressive strength of frozen sand

Cylindrical specimens of fine Ottawa sand (A.S.T.M. designation C-109), compacted at the optimum moisture content and saturated before unidirectional freezing, have been tested in uniaxial compression at a cold room temperature of —5.5°C and strain rates between 10⁻⁷ and 10⁻² s⁻¹. The results agree with an extrapolation of data obtained by Sayles and Epanchin [1], but are much higher than those obtained by both Goughnour and Andersland [2] and Perkins and Ruedrich [3] at strain rates below 10⁻⁵ s⁻¹. There is evidence that this may be due to variation in total moisture (ice) content, the conditions under which the specimens were frozen (closed system or an open system) and to the end effects at the platen—specimen interface.     

Experimental study on variability in mechanical properties of a frozen sand as determined in triaxial compression tests

Large uncertainty exists in soil testing due to the randomness in sampling and system errors, especially in tests on frozen soils. In order to reduce the randomness and improve the test accuracy, the sample preparation method is improved to obtain more homogeneous samples. The standard Chinese sand is used as the soil. An environmental material test apparatus with three-point temperature control was used. Four temperatures and four confining pressures are used for the triaxial compression tests, which makes 16 combinations. For each combination, five repeat tests were carried out to examine the scattering of the mechanical properties of the frozen sand. It is found that under a certain confining pressure, the scattering increased with the increase in temperature and vice versa. Under a certain combination of temperature at ?0.5 °C and confining pressure of 10 MPa, the stress–strain curves are so different that similarity in the curves does not exist. This phenomenon is not scattering because sample randomness or system errors cannot explain it any more and is therefore called variability. It is attributed to pressure melting, pressure crush of soil particles as well as severe phase changes caused by small temperature variations. The difference in the test results is considered as an inherent feature of frozen soils. Strength and strain energy are used, along with temperature and confining pressure to analyze the cause of variability. This work shows that further work must be carried out to develop an optimum testing program in order to make a reasonable analysis for engineering constructions in which frozen soils are involved.     

Creep and rate of loading effects on geogrid- reinforced sand

This paper presents the results of studies of creep and rate of loading effects on geogrid-reinforced dune sand. Model plate load tests were conducted on reinforced sand beds under displacement and load controls. Displacement controlled set of plate load tests were carried out in the range 1–0.001 mm/min. Load controlled set of plate load tests were carried out in which the staged pressure was held constant for 6000 min. Results indicate that rate of displacement (strain rate) is very significant for potential improvement of geogrid-reinforced sand. Both stiffness and bearing capacity of geogrid-reinforced sand increases logarithmically with rate of displacement. Geogrid reduces the creep of sand especially in the working pressure range. A simple stiffness degradation and creep relationships were obtained for geogrid-reinforced dune sand. The results of the tests are reported, and the significance of each control variable is assessed.     

A new criterion for strength of frozen sand under quick triaxial compression considering effect of confining pressure

The strength of frozen soils has been one of the most extensively studied aspects in frozen soil mechanics. When carrying out deep excavations using freezing methods, high stress states are often encountered. Therefore, the strength of frozen soils under high confining pressures is of major concern. This paper first reviews the present failure criteria for frozen soils, especially with regard to the effect of confining pressure on the strength. It is suggested that the strength consists of two components, cohesion and friction, and can be expressed by the Mohr–Coulomb criterion and in the framework of the Drucker–Prager criterion. However, these two components are both dependent on the stress state. Duncan’s equation for the friction angle is extended to frozen soils. A frozen Lanzhou fine sand is taken as study subject. The frozen sand is compressed at a high strain rate under three different temperatures and under a wide range of confining pressure. Experimental results have confirmed the generally recognized principle that the strength increases with the confining pressure up to certain value. Thereafter, it decreases with continued increase in confining pressure. Experimental data from our own tests and literature are fitted to the new criterion, which shows its validity.     

Experimental investigation on tensile strength and its loading rate effect of sandstone after high temperature treatment

High temperature damage of rock is a critical problem that must be well known for underground coal gasification, underground storage of nuclear waste, repairment of underground buildings after fire disaster. In order to study the influences of loading rate and high temperature on the tensile strength of sandstone, Brazilian splitting tests were conducted on sandstone disk samples treated with five different temperature levels between 25 and 800 °C at six different loading rates between 0.01 and 10 mm/min. Test results showed that tensile strength of disk samples increases gradually and reaches to the maximum at the temperature level of 400 °C, then drop sharply. The tensile strength of sandstone samples is characterized by obvious rate effect and it increases continuously with the increase of loading rate, meeting a Logarithmic Function. The lower limit tensile strength of sandstone ignoring the influence of rate effect was calculated, and it is helpful for providing some basis for the design of rock engineering.     

内蒙古呼伦贝尔市地温与冻土对建筑物基础的影响

文章就地温与冻土的时空变化规律进行了详尽的分析,平均地面温度年际变化呈上升趋势。20世纪50~80年代年变化率为0.4~0.7℃、1961~1990年年变化率为0.3~0.8℃、1971~2000年年变化率为0.7~1.6℃;分区计算了融化指数和冻结指数;结合1/25万地球数据,用地理信息系统,采用非线型数学模型统计,得出该地年、四季最大冻土深度随纬度的增加而加深,随经度、高度的增加而减少,在同经度、高度下,年最大冻土深度随纬度的变化率为155cm/1°N,冬季、春季、夏季和秋季最大冻土深度随纬度的变化率分别为48cm/1°N、35cm/1°N、25cm/1°N和47cm/1°N;同时根据其对建筑物地基的影响程度,将全市冻土划分成强冻胀很深区(Ⅰ)、冻胀深区(Ⅱ)、弱冻胀较深区(Ⅲ)。并给出了各个区建筑物的基础埋深。以供选择使用。     

Effects of size and strain rate on the mechanical behaviors of rock specimens under uniaxial compression

Size and strain rate are two key factors that dramatically influence the estimation of rock mechanical behaviors. To better understand the effects of size and strain rate on measured rocks, rock specimens with six different sizes were tested at six different strain rates under uniaxial compression using the MTS 815 Rock Mechanics Test System. Having determined that the size and strain rate significantly affect the peak strain, peak stress, elastic modulus, acoustic emission (AE), and failure pattern of the rock specimens, the relation was established between the strength and the size and strain rate of red sandstone. And the variation was revealed among the size and strain rate, the AE, and the failure pattern. It turned out that the peak stress was negatively correlated with the rock size and was positively correlated with the strain rate. When the length to diameter ratio (L/D) of the rock specimen was less than 2.0, the AE appeared mildly. The AE quantities gradually increased before the peak stress, and then sharply decreased after the peak stress. The failure pattern of the rock specimen was relatively complicated, with a fracture plane appearing along the axial direction. Conical failure type was also presented. When the L/D ratio of the specimen was greater than 2.0, the AE characteristics of red sandstone showed the radical model. There were relatively few AE rings before the peak stress. But the AE rings increased suddenly and dramatically during the peak stress. The rock specimens primarily failed with a single shear plane. Moreover, with an increase in the strain rate, the AE activities were enhanced and the AE quantities increased. When the strain rate of the rock specimen was less than 5.0?×?10^?4/s, the rock specimen failed with a shear or tensile-shear pattern. And when the strain rate was greater than 5.0?×?10^?4/s, the rock specimen tended to fail in a conical pattern.     

Mechanical properties of cementitious sand and sand with small cyclic shear strain to assess aging effects on liquefaction

Liquefaction damage from earthquakes frequently indicates effects of sand aging on liquefaction resistance: Liquefaction damage in natural or aged reclaimed ground has been much less than that in young reclaimed ground. However, the mechanisms underlying aging effects remain unclear. Cementation and stress history of sand strongly influence aging effects: Cementation raises liquefaction resistance, whereas liquefaction history sometimes reduces liquefaction resistance. Small cyclic shear strain, from which the induced density change is almost negligible, was adopted as representing the stress history. To evaluate liquefaction resistance, initial shear modulus, and deformation characteristics of sand, we prepared specimens by adding cement and by applying a small cyclic shear strain. In cementitious sand, liquefaction resistance increased when cement contents exceeded 0.3% by mass. The initial shear modulus apparently increased at the same degree of cement addition as that which increased the liquefaction resistance. For sand with a small cyclic shear strain, the liquefaction resistance increased when the applied cyclic axial strain exceeded 0.01%. Application of small cyclic shear strain only slightly increased the initial shear modulus, but the linear elastic region tended to expand to greater shear strain. Shear properties of sand with small cyclic shear strain resembled those found for sand that had been consolidated for a long time.

     

Laboratory investigation on strengthening behavior of frozen China standard sand

Acta Geotechnica - In this paper, a series of triaxial cyclic loading–unloading (L–U-C), triaxial cyclic loading–unloading–holding (L–U–H-C) and triaxial cyclic...     

Undrained behaviour of Changi sand in triaxial and plane-strain compression

The results of an experimental study of the undrained behaviour of Changi sand under axisymmetric and plane-strain conditions are presented. K₀ consolidated undrained plane-strain tests and K₀ or isotropically consolidated triaxial tests on very loose and medium dense specimens were conducted. The undrained behaviour of sand at very loose and medium dense states under plane-strain conditions was characterised and compared with that under axisymmetric conditions. It was observed that the undrained behaviour of very loose and medium dense sand under plane strain is similar to that under axisymmetric conditions. However, because of the formation of shear bands in plane-strain tests, the post-peak behaviour of medium dense sand in plane strain is different from that in triaxial tests. It was also established that an instability line for plane-strain conditions can be defined in a way similar to that for axisymmetric conditions. Using the state parameter, a unified relationship between the normalised slope of instability line and the state parameters can be established for both axisymmetric and plane-strain conditions. Using this relationship, the instability conditions established under axisymmetric conditions can be used for plane-strain conditions.     

Physical and chemical properties of sound-producing and soundless sand particles from booming sand dunes,northern China

This study here is the result of a comparative study of the geomorphic features, grain size distribution, major mineral components, and micro-textures of sound-producing and soundless sands from three geoparks in north China, and discusses the possible causes of this naturally occurring, physical phenomenon. The sound-producing sand dunes we have investigated are situated along a curvilinear belt of deserts and experience variable precipitation–evaporation rates on a yearly basis. “Singing sands” occur mainly on barchan-type dunes and adjacent to lakes or springs, whereas soundless sands are mainly located in desert areas where there is no nearby surface or groundwater sources. We have analyzed samples from nine sound-producing and two soundless sand dunes using grain size, X-ray diffraction and fluorescence, and SEM analyses. All sand types are composed largely of quartz and feldspar, but sound-producing sands also contain secondary minerals such as kaolinite (3–5%), albite (2–6%), microcline (2–5%), and calcite (5%) that are lacking in the soundless sand samples. Sound-producing sands are generally fine-grained whereas soundless sands are coarse-grained, and all sand types are generally sub-rounded to rounded indicating long transport distance from their provenance. Sphericity values of both sand types are nearly identical with predominantly oblate shapes. Surface pitting is not a unique feature of either sand types, and hence can be ruled out as a major cause of the acoustic properties of sound-producing sands. Densely distributed dissolution features such as scale-like upturned plates and silica scales on grain surfaces contribute significantly to the sound emission of singing sands. Thus, the physical–climatic conditions in deserts such as the presence of surface water and groundwater and precipitation–evaporation rates, which collectively control the formation and distribution of dissolution features on sand surfaces, have a first-order control on the production of sound-producing sands.     

Correlation analyses of effects of temperature on physical and mechanical properties of clay

In determining the physical and mechanical parameters of clay, it is sometimes necessary to determine them indirectly from other parameters since they cannot be measured directly from laboratory or field tests. In order to determine the effect of temperature on the behavior of clay, an indirect approach is used here by analyzing the changes of mass (\(\Delta m\)), density (\(\rho\)), porosity (\(\phi\)), P-wave velocity (\({v_p}\)), thermal conductivity (\(\lambda\)), specific heat capacity (c), resistivity (R) and uniaxial compressive strength (f) of clay from eastern China for a temperature range between 20 and 800 °C. The results indicate that temperature has a significant effect on these parameters. Comparisons between \(\Delta m\) and \(\rho\), \(\Delta m\) and \({v_p}\), \(\rho\) and \({v_p}\), \(\phi\) and \(\lambda\), \({v_p}\) and f, R and f show a linear change among these parameters,whereas the relationships among \(\Delta m\) and \(\phi\), \(\phi\) and \({v_p}\), \(\phi\) and R, \({v_p}\) and \(\lambda\), \(\phi\) and f are exponential. It is difficult to obtain these relationships by using regression analysis with high levels of accuracy. Further refinement is therefore required.     

The uniaxial compressive and tensile tests of frozen saturated clay in Shanghai area

The compressive and tensile strengths of frozen clay are important parameters for frozen wall design in artificial freezing excavation of tunnels and foundation pits. Up to now, nobody has conducted the compressive and tensile test of frozen clays in Shanghai area. In this paper, the unconfined compressive and tensile tests of frozen clay specimens drilled from the soil horizons 3–5 in Shanghai area were conducted in Zwick-Z020kN High-low Temperature Materials Testing Machine and Frozen Soil Triaxial Testing Machine, the corresponding constitutive equations were suggested; the temperature-unconfined uniaxial compressive strength relation was discussed; the strain rate–unconfined uniaxial compressive strength and strain rate–uniaxial tensile strength relations were studied. The relation between moisture content, dry density and unconfined uniaxial compressive strength was analyzed, too. In addition, the uniaxial compressive elastic modulus of Shanghai frozen clays and its influence factors were discussed. The research work of the current paper is very helpful for the design and theoretical studies of artificial freezing excavation in soft soil areas.     

Comparison of extension and compression triaxial tests for dense sand and sandstone

It is generally observed that for a given confining pressure the friction angle at peak strength of dense sand deduced from triaxial compression test is smaller than the one obtained from extension tests. In fact, this conclusion depends essentially on the way one takes into account the global confinement condition. In this paper, we show that when there is no significant grain crushing, the dependence of the maximum friction angle with the average of minor and major principal effective stress is similar for compression and extension tests. A similar result is obtained for sandstones when the failure mode involves a shear failure plane.     

Optimal composite sample size selection, applications in geochemistry and remote sensing

Nearly all the data in exploration geochemistry and remote sensing represent composites. However, composites may arise implicitly or be created explicitly. Bearing in mind that a common exploration task is the classification of data as being above or below some predetermined threshold the size of the composite may be critical to the recognition of a relatively rare, subcomposite, anomalous event. Two approaches are developed, based on statistical, and cost-analytical considerations. The statistical model allows for spatial correlation in the data, of importance when sampling is undertaken continuously along a drill core or flight line. Tables are presented for optimal composite sample size selection based on both models. The procedure is illustrated by an example taken from a drilling program. In general, the cost-analytical model leads to smaller composites than the statistical model. When spatial independence may be assumed the cost-optimal composite sizes are almost always smaller than those suggested by the statistical approach.     

Spatial and temporal variations of sediment size on a mixed sand and gravel beach

Mixed sand and gravel beaches have been the subject of comparatively few studies in the UK. This paper describes the sediment distribution before, during and after a programme of beach nourishment along a section of mixed sand and gravel beach forming part of the Pevensey Bay Coastal Defences, in East Sussex, UK. The beach was recharged in September 2002, and beach profiles were measured along three cross-shore transects from August 2002 to February 2003. Sediment samples were taken along the transects between August and November 2002, and a total of 147 sediment samples were analysed, 40 before nourishment and 107 after nourishment. The majority of the sediment samples were strongly bimodal, with mean sizes varying between a minimum of 0.18 mm (2.48 ?) for the sand fraction and a maximum of 27 mm (− 4.74 ?) for the gravel. The recharge material was also bimodal but contained more fine sediment than the natural beach material, particularly on the upper beach. The recharge sediment had grain sizes and sorting similar to some of the natural material but lower bimodality parameters than any of the natural sediment. The sediment distributions after recharge contained significantly more fine sediment, particularly on the upper beach. Over time, the beach profile lowered and fine sediment appeared to be selectively transported seawards from the beachface.     

Influence of size of granulated rubber on bearing capacity of fine-grained sand

Nowadays, in most of the advanced and developing countries, waste tires have caused serious environmental problems such as fire and environmental contamination. For reusing them in an appropriate and beneficial way, waste tires have been utilized as a lightweight fill material in geotechnical engineering applications such as highway embankments. In this study, Babolsar fine-grained sand and granulated rubber with sizes in the ranges of 1 to 4, 1 to 9, and 4 to 9 mm were used. A series of model footing tests on reinforced sand with different sizes of granulated rubber were carried out. According to the results, 4- to 9-mm granulated rubber had the highest effect on enhancement of bearing capacity and reduction of fine-grained sand settlement. The results showed that sand-granulated rubber mixtures with granulated rubber in the range of 4 to 9 mm and content of 10% by weight of mixture can increase the bearing capacity of sand up to 50%. In addition, for this mixture, a series of laboratory tests were conducted to determine the optimum width and depth of the reinforcement layer consisting of sand-granulated rubber mixture. The results indicate that the optimum width and the most effective depth of this mixture are 5B and 1B, respectively (where B is the footing width).     

Geotechnical properties and behaviour of Nigerian tar sand

A brief review of the geology of the tar sand areas of Nigeria is given. Analysis shows that the tar sand used for the tests consists of a well graded silty sand (cmf) with about 5% clay; and 3–5% bitumen. Results presented show a very high in situ compressive strength of about 450 kN/m², a high ratio of tensile to compressive strength of about 22%, peak shear strength parameters of C_p′=15kN/m²and φ_p′ = 19° and residual parameters of C_r =0, φ_r = 18°. The compacted tar sand behaved like an overconsolidated soil with a preconsolidating pressure, P_c of 140 kN/m2. In general, the results of the in situ strength tests indicate that the Nigerian tar sand behaved as a soft sandstone.     

单轴压缩条件下冻土的动态损伤和分形演化规律

基于损伤和分形理论, 对单轴压缩条件下冻土的力学性质进行了研究。建立了损伤变量和分形维数随应力变化的数学经验表达式,并作出了其动态演化曲线。通过演化曲线可以看出,分形维数与损伤变量随应力的递增均呈非线性增加,但分维的变化较平缓;损伤变量在初期变化相对平缓,在后期变化速率明显加快。因此,该研究有助于进一步认识冻土的损伤破坏过程和力学性质。