Assessing the mechanical properties of a cemented sand focusing on experimental and theoretical studies

¹ Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
² Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Department of Civil Engineering, Porto Alegre
³ University of Bristol, Faculty of Engineering, Bristol, United Kingdom

^* Corresponding author: marina@puc-rio.br

Abstract

The incorporation of cement to improve soil properties and attract the re-use of locally available materials has become a part of current geotechnical engineering projects. Its applicability varies from construction of pavement base layers, slope protection for earth dams, to support layer for shallow foundations. Unconfined behaviour might be used to evaluate the basic mechanical properties and efficiency of the cemented soils. The proposed relationship between porosity () and volumetric cement content (C_iv), presented as porosity cement index (/C_iv), was shown to play an important role in the initial shear stiffness (G₀), tensile (q_t) and compressive (q_u) strength of cemented materials. This research aims to assess these parameters through experimental investigation and modelling predictions. Bender elements testing were carried out to assess the maximum initial shear stiffness (G₀) prior to specimens testing, and assessing G₀ evolution during cement hydration, focusing on the anisotropic/isotropic behaviour established during specimen moulding. Results show a good correlation between experimental and numerical data. It was also observed that cementation isotropises G₀ during curing.