• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.495-502
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• 2023

In this study, stress relaxation tests were carried out by keeping silt type soil specimens under different strain levels. Decreases in the stress values with time data was collected to better understand the effect of the strain level on the relaxation properties of soil specimens. In addition, the stress relaxation effect on the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) values of the specimens was investigated with a series of tests. According to the results obtained from this study, the UCS values of the silt specimens significantly vary as a result of the stress relaxation effect. The UCS values were determined to increase with an increase of relaxation strain level to a threshold value. On the other hand, the UCS values were found to be affected adversely in case of high stress levels at the initiation of the relaxation, which are close to the peak level.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.343-352
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• 2019

For quality control and the economical design of grouted sand, the prior establishment of the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) estimating formula is very important. This study aims to develop an empirical UCS estimating formula for grouted sand based on the physical properties of sands and the UCS of cured pure grout. Four sands with varying particle sizes were grouted with both microfine cement and Ordinary Portland cement. Grouted specimens were prepared at three different relative densities and at three different water-to-cement ratios, and unconfined compression tests were performed. The results demonstrate that UCS of grouted sand can be expressed as the power function of the UCS of cured pure grout: $UCS_{grouted\;sand}/1MPa=A_{soil}{\cdot}(UCS_{pure}/1MPa)^N$. Because the exponent N strongly depends on the combination of pore area and pore size, N is expressed as the function of porosity (n) and specific surface ($S_a$). Additionally, because $S_a$ determines the area of the sand particle that cement particles can adsorb and n determines the number of cementation bondings between sand particles, $A_{soil}$ is also expressed as the function of n and $S_a$. Finally, the direct relationship between $A_{soil}$ and N is also investigated.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.491-498
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• 2018

The Earth Mechanics Institute (EMI) was established at the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) in 1974 to develop innovations in rock mechanics research and education. During the last four decades, extensive rock mechanics research has been conducted at the EMI. Results from uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), Brazilian tensile strength (BTS), point load index (PLI), punch penetration (PP), and many other types of tests have been recorded in a database that has been unexamined for research purposes. The EMI database includes over 20,000 tests from over 1,000 different projects including mining and underground construction, and analysis of this database to identify relationships has been started with preliminary results reported here. Overall, statistically significant correlations are identified between bulk density and mechanical strength properties through UCS, BTS, PLI, and PP testing of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. In this paper, bulk density is considered as a surrogate metric that reflects both mineralogy and porosity. From this analysis, sedimentary rocks show the strongest correlation between the UCS and bulk density, whereas metamorphic rocks exhibit the strongest correlation between UCS and PP. Data trends in the EMI database also reveal a linear relationship between UCS and BTS tests. For the singular case of rock coral, the database permits correlations between bulk density of the core versus the deposition depth and porosity. The EMI database will continue under analysis, and will provide additional insightful and comprehensive understanding of the variation and predictability of rock mechanical strength properties and density. This knowledge will contribute significantly toward the increasingly safe and cost-effective geostructures and construction.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.573-594
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• 2024

This article presents a research study, with both laboratory and field tests, of a deep foundation in a markedly anisotropic medium. Particularly it has focused on the evaluation of the behavior of a pile, one meter in diameter, embedded in a rocky environment with difficult conditions, in the Flysch of the Spanish city of San Sebastián. To carry out the research, the site of a bridge over the Urumea River was chosen, which was supported by pre-excavated reinforced concrete piles. 4 borings were carried out, by the rotation and washing method, with continuous sampling and combined with flexible dilatometer tests. In the field, an Osterberg load test (O-cell) was performed, while in the laboratory, determinations of natural moisture, natural unit weight, uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), point load strength (PLS), compressive wave propagation velocity (V_c) and also triaxial and direct shear tests were carried out. The research results indicate the following: a) the empirical functions that correlate the UCS with the PLS are not always linear; b) for the studied Flysch it is possible to obtain empirical functions that correlate the UCS with the PLS and with the V_c; c) the bearing capacity of the studied Flysch is much greater than if it is evaluated by different load capacity theories; d) it is possible to propose an empirical function that allows evaluating the mobilized shear strength (τ_m), as a function of the UCS and the displacement relative of the pile (δ_r).

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.115-125
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• 2020

This study aims to explore practical and useful equations for rapid evaluation of uniaxial compressive strength of concrete (UCS-C) during the preliminary design stage of aggregate selection. For this purpose, aggregates which were produced from eight different intact rocks were used in the production of concretes. Laboratory experiments involved the tests for uniaxial compressive strength (UCS-R), point load index (PLI-R), P wave velocity (UPV-R), apparent porosity (n-R), unit weight (UW-R) and aggregate impact value (AIV-R) of the rock samples. UCS-C, point load index (PLI-C) and P wave velocity (UPV-C) of concrete samples were also determined. Relationships between UCS-R-rock parameters and UCS-C-concrete parameters were developed by regression analyses. In the simple regression analyses, PLI-C, UPV-C, UCS-R, PLI-R, and UPV-R were found to be statistically significant independent variables to estimate the UCS-C. However, higher coefficients of determination (R²=0.97-1.0) were obtained by multiple regression analyses. The results of simple regression analysis were also compared to the limited number of previous studies. The strength conversion factor (k) values were found to be 14.3 and 14.7 for concrete and rock samples, respectively. It is concluded that the UCS-C can roughly be estimated from derived equations only for the specified rock types.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.85-109
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• 2017

The paper presents the laboratory study of clayey soil stabilized with Pond ash (PA), Rice husk ash (RHA), cement and their combination used as stabilizers to develop and evaluate the performance of clayey soil. The effect of stabilizer types and dosage on fresh and mechanical properties is evaluated through compaction tests, unconfined compressive strength tests (UCS) and Split tensile strength tests (STS) performed on raw and stabilized soil. In addition SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and XRD (X-ray diffraction) tests were carried out on certain samples in order to study the surface morphological characteristics and hydraulic compounds, which were formed. Specimens were cured for 7, 14 and 28 days after which they were tested for unconfined compression tests and split tensile strength tests. The moisture and density curves indicate that addition of RHA and pond ash results in an increase in optimum moisture content (OMC) and decrease in maximum dry density (MDD). The replacement of clay with 40% PA, 10% RHA and 4% cement increased the strength (UCS and STS) of overall mix in comparison to the mixes where PA and RHA were used individually with cement. The improvement of 336% and 303% in UCS and STS respectively has been achieved with reference to clay only. Developed stabilized soil mixtures have shown satisfactory strength and can be used for low-cost construction to build road infrastructures.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.67-79
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• 2015

This article presents the result of laboratory study conducted on expansive soil specimens treated with lignin, rice husk powder (RHP) and rice husk ash (RHA). The amount of lignin produced from paper industry and RHP were varied from 0 to 20% and RHA from 0 to 10% by weight. The treated specimens were subjected to unconfined compressive strength (UCS),swelling test and Atterberg limit tests. The effect of additives on UCS and atterberg limit test results were reported. It was observed that the additives and curing duration had a significant effect on the strength value of treated specimens. Generally (except the sample treated with 20% RHP for 3-day) with increasing additive and curing duration the UCS value increases. A RHP content of 15% was found to be the optimum with regard to 3-day cure UCS.

• Advances in Computational Design
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.195-207
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• 2020

The present study focuses on the application of artificial neural network (ANN) and Multiple linear Regression (MLR) analysis for developing a model to predict the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and split tensile strength (STS) of the fiber reinforced clay stabilized with grass ash, fly ash and lime. Unconfined compressive strength and Split tensile strength are the nonlinear functions and becomes difficult for developing a predicting model. Artificial neural networks are the efficient tools for predicting models possessing non linearity and are used in the present study along with regression analysis for predicting both UCS and STS. The data required for the model was obtained by systematic experiments performed on only Kaolin clay, clay mixed with varying percentages of fly ash, grass ash, polypropylene fibers and lime as between 10-20%, 1-4%, 0-1.5% and 0-8% respectively. Further, the optimum values of the various stabilizing materials were determined from the experiments. The effect of stabilization is observed by performing compaction tests, split tensile tests and unconfined compression tests. ANN models are trained using the inputs and targets obtained from the experiments. Performance of ANN and Regression analysis is checked with statistical error of correlation coefficient (R) and both the methods predict the UCS and STS values quite well; but it is observed that ANN can predict both the values of UCS as well as STS simultaneously whereas MLR predicts the values separately. It is also observed that only STS values can be predicted efficiently by MLR.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.487-497
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• 2023

Penetration rate (PR) and penetration depth (Pe) are crucial parameters for estimating the cost and time required in tunnel construction using tunnel boring machines (TBMs). This study focuses on investigating the impact of rock strength on PR and Pe through full-scale experiments. By conducting controlled tests on rock-like specimens, the study aims to understand the contributions of various ground parameters and machine-operating conditions to TBM excavation performance. An earth pressure balanced (EPB) TBM with a sectional diameter of 3.54 m was utilized in the experiments. The TBM excavated rocklike specimens with varying uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), while the thrust and cutterhead rotational speed were controlled. The results highlight the significance of the interplay between thrust, cutterhead speed, and rock strength (UCS) in determining Pe. In high UCS conditions exceeding 70 MPa, thrust plays a vital role in enhancing Pe as hard rock requires a greater thrust force for excavation. Conversely, in medium-to-low UCS conditions less than 50 MPa, thrust has a weak relationship with Pe, and Pe becomes directly proportional to the cutterhead rotational speed. Furthermore, a strong correlation was observed between Pe and cutterhead torque with a determination coefficient of 0.84. Based on these findings, a predictive model for Pe is proposed, incorporating thrust, TBM diameter, number of disc cutters, and UCS. This model offers a practical tool for estimating Pe in different excavation scenarios. The study presents unprecedented full-scale TBM excavation results, with well-controlled experiments, shedding light on the interplay between rock strength, TBM operational variables, and excavation performance. These insights are valuable for optimizing TBM excavation in grounds with varying strengths and operational conditions.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.85-95
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• 2024

This study investigates the influence of nano-silica and basalt fiber content, curing duration, and freeze-thaw cycles on the static and dynamic properties of soil specimens. A comprehensive series of tests, including Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), static triaxial, and dynamic triaxial tests, were conducted. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was employed to examine the microstructure of treated specimens. Results indicate that a combination of 1% fiber and 10% nano-silica yields optimal soil enhancement. The failure patterns of specimens varied significantly depending on the type of additive. Static triaxial tests revealed a notable reduction in the brittleness index (IB) with the inclusion of basalt fibers. Specimens containing 10% nano-silica and 1% fiber exhibited superior shear strength parameters and UCS. The highest cohesion and friction angle were obtained for treated specimens with 10% nano-silica and 1% fiber, 90 kPa and 37.8°, respectively. Furthermore, an increase in curing time led to a significant increase in UCS values for specimens containing nano-silica. Additionally, the addition of fiber resulted in a decrease in IB, while the addition of nano-silica led to an increase in IB. Increasing nano-silica content in stabilized specimens enhanced shear modulus while decreasing the damping ratio. Freeze-thaw cycles were found to decrease the cohesion of treated specimens based on the results of static triaxial tests. Specimens treated with 10% nano-silica and 1% fiber experienced a reduction in shear modulus and an increase in the damping ratio under freeze-thaw conditions. SEM analysis reveals dense microstructure in nano-silica stabilized specimens, enhanced adhesion of soil particles and fibers, and increased roughness on fiber surfaces.