• Geomechanics and Engineering
• /
• v.17 no.5
• /
• pp.439-444
• /
• 2019

It is generally known that high strength soil is indicative of well-graded particle size distribution. However, there are some special cases of firm ground despite poor grade distribution, especially a specific gap-graded soil. Based on these discoveries, this study investigated the development of an additive of gap-graded soils designed to increase soil strength. This theoretical concept was used to calculate the mixed ratio required for optimal soil strength of the ground sample. The gap-graded aggregate was added according to Plato's polyhedral theory and subsequently calculated ratio and soil strength characteristics were then compared to characteristics of the original soil sample through various test results. In addition, the underground stress transfer rate was measured according to the test conditions. The test results showed that the ground settlement and stress limit thickness were reduced with the incorporation of gap-graded soil. Further field tests would confirm the reproducibility and reliability of the technology by using gap-graded soil to reinforce soft ground of a new construction site. Gap-graded soil has the potential to reduce the construction cost and time of construction compared to other reinforcing methods.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.17 no.4
• /
• pp.319-324
• /
• 2016

Soils with various particle sizes generally show good shear strength. Some soils have a relatively strong resistance to shear failure in spite of narrow particle distribution, such as gap grading. Based on this example, it can be inferred that appropriate arrangements of particle size in soils might result in an increase in shear strength. This study investigates the strength variation of soils with respect to the particle size distribution. Gap, well, and uniform graded soils were prepared with a desired ratio, and a wide range of direct shear tests were done using the prepared samples. The test results show that there is a strong relationship between the particle size ratio and internal frictional angle. Gap graded soil has a greater frictional angle than a well-graded sample, even when specimens have the same maximum particle size, which is also the case for the uniform grade specimen. The results have potential for developing a methodology for stronger soils through a simple manipulation of particle size distribution.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.56-62
• /
• 2018

In this study, an artificially formed Gap graded soil, designed to increase its shear strength, was analyzed to determine the strength parameters through direct shear tests. Uniform and fine grain size samples were compared to the Gap graded soil to investigate the increase in the shear strength. Plate loading tests were conducted using 13mm and 19mm aggregates to confirm the reproducibility of the strength enhanced samples for site application. This test confirmed that the particle size ratio and the internal friction angle are correlated to the shear strength, and the shear resistance angle significantly increased in the specific particle size ratio range. The calculation of the ultimate bearing capacity by the plate load test demonstrated that the grain size adjustment method greatly influences the strength increase rate. Therefore, the findings were verified and it was confirmed that a high shear strength is achievable despite the existence of a poor particle size distribution.