Effect of Void Formation on Shear Strength of Sand

모래 지반 내에 형성된 공극이 전단강도에 미치는 영향

In this study, the effect of void formation resulting from gas hydrate dissociation or loss of some particles within soil structure on the strength of soil is examined. Beag-ma river sands with uniform gradation were used to simulate a gas hydrate bearing or washable soil structure. Empty capsules for medicine are used to mimic large voids, which are bigger than soil particle. Beag-ma river sand was miced with 8% cement ratio and 14% water content and compacted into a shear box. The number and direction embedded into a specimen. After 4 hours curing, a series of direct shear test is performed on the capsule embedded cemented sands. Shear strength of cemented sands with capsules depends on the volume and direction. The volume and direction formed by voids are most important factors in strength. A shear strength of a specimen with large voids decreases up to 39% of a specimen without void. The results of this study can be used to predict the strength degradation of gas hydrate bearing sediments after dissociation and loss of fine particles within soil structure.