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Article
Publication date: 1 January 2013

N.N.S. Yapage and D.S. Liyanapathirana

Several constitutive models are available in the literature to describe the mechanical behaviour of cement stabilized soils. However, difficulties in implementing such models…

Abstract

Purpose

Several constitutive models are available in the literature to describe the mechanical behaviour of cement stabilized soils. However, difficulties in implementing such models within commercial finite element programs have hindered their application to solve related boundary value problems. Therefore, the aim of this study is to implement a constitutive model, which has the capability to simulate cement stabilized soil behaviour, into the finite element program ABAQUS through the user material subroutine UMAT.

Design/methodology/approach

After a detailed review of existing constitutive models for cement stabilized soils, a model based on the elasto‐plastic theory and the extended critical state concept with an associated flow rule is selected for the finite element implementation. A semi‐implicit integration method (cutting plane algorithm) with a continuum elasto‐plastic modulus and path dependent stress prediction strategy has been used in the implementation. The performance of the new finite element formulation of the constitutive model is verified by simulating triaxial test data using the finite element program with the new implementation and predictions from constitutive equations as well as experimental data.

Findings

The paper provides the implementation procedure of the constitutive model into ABAQUS but this method is useful for the implementation of any other constitutive model into ABAQUS or any other finite element program. Simulated results for the volumetric deformation of cement stabilized soils show that the cement stabilized soils do not obey the associated flow rule at high confining pressures. The parametric study shows that the influence of cementation increases the brittle nature and the bearing capacity of treated clay. In addition the results show that proposed finite element implementation has the ability to illustrate key features of the cement stabilized clay.

Originality/value

This paper presents an implementation of an elasto‐plastic constitutive model, based on the extended critical state concept, for cement stabilized soils into a finite element programme, which has been identified as an important and challenging topic in computational geomechanics. This implementation is useful in solving boundary value problems in geomechanics involving cement stabilized soils, incorporating key characteristics of these soils.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 30 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2005

Woo‐Sik Kim, Nguyen Minh Tam and Du‐Hwoe Jung

This paper describes the effect of factors on the strength characteristics of cement treated clay from laboratory tests performed on cement mixed clay specimens. It is considered…

Abstract

This paper describes the effect of factors on the strength characteristics of cement treated clay from laboratory tests performed on cement mixed clay specimens. It is considered that several factors such as soil type, sample preparing method, quantity of binder, curing time, etc. can have an effect on strength characteristics of cement stabilized clay. A series of unconfined compression tests have been performed on samples prepared with different conditions. The results indicated that soil type, mixing method, curing time, dry weight ratio of cement to clay (Aw), and water‐clay to cement (wc/c) ratio were main factors which can have an influence on unconfined compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, and failure strain of cement stabilized clay. Unconfined compressive strength of soil‐cement samples prepared from dry mixing method was higher than those prepared from wet mixing method.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 3 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 February 2018

Namal Yapage and Samanthika Liyanapathirana

This paper aims to investigate the behaviour of geosynthetic reinforced deep cement mixed (DCM) column-supported embankments constructed over soft soils.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the behaviour of geosynthetic reinforced deep cement mixed (DCM) column-supported embankments constructed over soft soils.

Design/methodology/approach

Coupled consolidation analyses based on the finite element method are carried out assuming that the soil and DCM columns are fully saturated porous mediums. In the first part of the paper, a case study of an embankment constructed over a very soft soil deposit in Finland is presented. Two- and three-dimensional finite element models for the case study are developed including isolated and attached DCM columns beneath the embankment to capture the arching mechanism between DCM columns. The model simulations were carried out considering the actual staged construction procedure adopted in the field. Finite element predictions show good agreement with field data and confirm that the load transfer is mainly between attached columns beneath the embankment. Next, the significance of geosynthetic reinforcement on the load transfer mechanism is investigated. Finally, the influence of permeability of columns and soft soil on the performance of geosynthetic reinforcement column-supported embankments is studied.

Findings

Results demonstrate that the excess pore pressure dissipation rate is fast in DCM column-improved ground compared to the same case without any columns, although the same permeability is assigned to both DCM columns and surrounding soft soil. When DCM column permeability exceeds soil permeability, excess pore pressure dissipation rate shows a remarkable increase compared to that observed when the DCM column permeability is less than or equal to the permeability of surrounding soft soil. [ ]

Originality/value

This paper investigates the contribution of permeability and geosynthetic layer on the vertical load transfer mechanism of the embankment and modelling issues related to application of the embankment load and the properties of the cement-improved columns.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 16 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 February 2021

Vinicius Luiz Pacheco, Lucimara Bragagnolo and Antonio Thomé

The purpose of this article is to analyze the state-of-the art in a systematic way, identifying the main research groups and their related topics. The types of studies found are…

454

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to analyze the state-of-the art in a systematic way, identifying the main research groups and their related topics. The types of studies found are fundamental for understanding the application of artificial neural networks (ANNs) in cemented soils and the potential for using the technique, as well as the feasibility of extrapolation to new geotechnical or civil and environmental engineering segments.

Design/methodology/approach

This work is characterized as being bibliometric and systematic research of an exploratory perspective of state-of-the-art. It also persuades the qualitative and quantitative data analysis of cemented soil improvement, biocemented or microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) soil improvement by prediction/modeling by ANN. This study sought to compile and study the state of the art of the topic which possibilities to have a critical view about the theme. To do so, two main databases were analyzed: Scopus and Web of Science. Systematic review techniques, as well as bibliometric indicators, were implemented.

Findings

This paper connected the network between the achievements of the researches and illustrated the main application of ANNs in soil improvement prediction, specifically on cemented-based soils and biocemented soils (e.g. MICP technique). Also, as a bibliometric and systematic review, this work could achieve the key points in the absence of researches involving soil-ANN, and it provided the understanding of the lack of exploratory studies to be approached in the near future.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the research topic the article suggested other applications of ANNs in geotechnical engineering, such as other tests not related to geomechanical resistance such as unconfined compression test test and triaxial test.

Practical implications

This article systematically and critically presents some interesting points in the direction of future research, such as the non-approach to the use of ANNs in biocementation processes, such as MICP.

Social implications

Regarding the social environment, the paper brings approaches on methods that somehow mitigate the computational use, or elements necessary for geotechnical improvement of the soil, thereby optimizing the same consequently.

Originality/value

Neural networks have been studied for a long time in engineering, but the current computational power has increased the implementation for several engineering applications. Besides that, soil cementation is a widespread technique and its prediction modes often require high computational strength, such parameters can be mitigated with the use of ANNs, because artificial intelligence seeks learning from the implementation of the data set, reducing computational cost and increasing accuracy.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 38 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 July 2011

H.I. Park and Y.T. Kim

Reinforced lightweight soil (RLS) consisting of dredged soil, cement, air‐foam, and waste fishing net is considered to be an eco‐friendly backfilling material because it provides…

1250

Abstract

Purpose

Reinforced lightweight soil (RLS) consisting of dredged soil, cement, air‐foam, and waste fishing net is considered to be an eco‐friendly backfilling material because it provides a means to recycle both dredged soil and waste fishing net. It may be difficult to find an optimum mixing ratio of RLS considering the design criteria and the construction's situation using the limited test results because the unconfined compressive strength is complicatedly influenced by various mixing ratios of admixtures. As a result, in order to expedite the field application of RLS, an appropriate prediction method is needed. The paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) model that was based on experimental test results performed on various mixing ratios, was developed to predict the unconfined compressive strength of RLS.

Findings

It was found that the unconfined compressive strength of RLS at a given mixing ratio could be reasonably estimated using the developed neural network model. In addition, sensitivity analysis was also conducted to evaluate the effect of mixing conditions on the compressive strength of RLS.

Practical implications

RLS is considered to be environmentally friendly because it provides a means to recycle both dredged soil and waste fishing net. The contractors could use the proposed ANN model as an alternative method to predict the strength of RLS with a specific mixing ratio.

Originality/value

This paper reveals that the developed ANN model can be served as a simple and reliable predictive tool for the strength of RLS without excessive laboratory tests for various admixture contents. An optimum admixture ratio of composed materials to get a designed strength could be easily found by using the proposed ANN model.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 28 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 August 2023

Uche Emmanuel Edike, Olumide Afolarin Adenuga, Daniel Uwumarogie Idusuyi and Abdulkabir Adedamola Oke

The purpose of this study is to advance the application of pulverised cow bone ash (PCBA) as a partial replacement of cement in soil stabilisation for the production of bricks…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to advance the application of pulverised cow bone ash (PCBA) as a partial replacement of cement in soil stabilisation for the production of bricks. The study investigated the impact of PCBA substitution on the characteristic strength of clay bricks under variant curing media.

Design/methodology/approach

Dried cow bones were pulverised, and an energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence test was conducted on PCBA samples to determine the chemical constituents and ascertain the pozzolanic characteristics. Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and PCBA were blended at 100%, 75%, 50%, 25% and 0% of cement substitution by mass to stabilise lateritic clay at 10% total binder content for the production of bricks. The binder-to-lateritic clay matrixes were used to produce clay bricks and cylinders for compressive and splitting tensile strength tests, respectively.

Findings

The study found that PCBA and OPC have similar chemical compositions. The strength of the clay bricks increased with curing age, and the thermal curing of clay bricks positively impacted the strength development. The study established that PCBA is a suitable substitute for cement, up to 25% for stabilisation in clay brick production.

Practical implications

Construction stakeholders can successfully use a PCBA-OPC binder blend of 1:3 to stabilise clay at 10% total binder content for the production of bricks. The stabilised clay bricks should be cured at an elevated temperature of approximately 90°C for 48 h to achieve satisfactory performance.

Originality/value

The PCBA-OPC binder blend provides adequate soil stabilisation for the production of clay bricks and curing the clay bricks at elevated temperature. This aspect of the biomass/OPC binder blend has not been explored for brick production, and this is important for the reduction of the environmental impacts of cement production and waste from abattoirs.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 June 2017

Shubham Raj, Sher Mohammad, Rima Das and Shreya Saha

This study aims to investigate the optimum proportion of coconut fibre and cement suitable for rammed earth wall construction. Coconut fibres and cement can be easily incorporated…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the optimum proportion of coconut fibre and cement suitable for rammed earth wall construction. Coconut fibres and cement can be easily incorporated into the soil mixture which adds strength and durability to the wall. This paper highlights the salient observations from a systematic investigation on the effect of coconut fibre on the performance of stabilized rammed earth blocks.

Design/methodology/approach

Stabilization of soil was done by adding Ordinary Portland Cement (2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 per cent by weight of soil), whereas coconut fibre in length about 15 mm was added (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 per cent by weight of soil) as reinforcement. Thirty types of mixes were created by adding different proportions of cement and fibre to locally available soil and compacting the mix at constant compaction energy in three layers with Proctor rammer.

Findings

Samples were tested for compressive strength and tensile strength, and failure patterns were analysed. The use of cement and fibre increases ultimate strengths significantly up to an optimum limit of 0.8 per cent fibre content, provides a secondary benefit of keeping material bound together after failure and increases residual strength. Benefits of fibre reinforcement includes both improved ductility in comparison with raw blocks and inhibition of crack propagation after its initial formation.

Originality/value

After analysing the results, it is recommended to use 0.8 per cent fibre and 5-10 per cent cement by weight of soil to achieve considerable strength. This research may add a value in the areas of green and sustainable housing, waste utilization, etc.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 14 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2005

Amer Al‐Rawas, Hossam F. Hassan, Ramzi Taha, Abdulwahid Hago, Bader Al‐Shandoudi and Yahia Al‐Suleimani

To investigate the effect of cement and cement by‐pass dust (CBPD) as a stabilizer on the geotechnical properties of oil‐contaminated soils resulting from leaking underground…

1384

Abstract

Purpose

To investigate the effect of cement and cement by‐pass dust (CBPD) as a stabilizer on the geotechnical properties of oil‐contaminated soils resulting from leaking underground storage tanks, or soils surrounding petroleum refineries and crude oil wells.

Design/methodology/approach

Oil‐contaminated soil (untreated soil) and a soil treated by bio‐remediation (treated soil) as well as a natural soil were obtained from Northern Oman. These soils were stabilized with cement and cement by‐pass dust at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 percent, by dry weight of the soil, and cured for seven, 14 and 28 days. Compaction, compressive strength, direct shear, permeability and leaching tests were carried out on the stabilized soils.

Findings

The results indicate that cement and cement by‐pass dust improve the properties of oil‐contaminated soils. Traces of arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium and lead were found in the oil soils, but none of them exceeded the EPA limits.

Practical implications

Reuse in construction applications provides a safe and useful solution for the problem of the disposal of oil‐contaminated soils.

Originality/value

The paper addresses an environmental problem facing many oil companies in disposing of or treating contaminated soil. The approach presented in the paper offers a beneficial, safe and economical solution to this problem.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 16 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 January 2021

Preetpal Singh, Amardeep Boora and Ashok Kumar Gupta

The purpose of this paper is to use the waste materials in soil stabilization and low traffic volume roads so as to minimize the cost of subgrades for road construction along with…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use the waste materials in soil stabilization and low traffic volume roads so as to minimize the cost of subgrades for road construction along with solving disposal problems of waste materials thus protecting the environment.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive laboratory study has been carried out on various samples of soil alone and along with waste materials such as municipal solid waste incineration ash and marble dust by adding cement to evaluate their effect on geotechnical characteristics of clayey soils.

Findings

The experimental study revealed that mixture of soil:Municipal solid waste incineration ash (MSWIA):Cement and soil:Marble dust (MD):Cement can be successfully used for the construction of low traffic volume roads. The differential free swell of the clayey soil is nil on adding MSWIA: cement and MD: cement to clayey soil in optimum amounts.

Research limitations/implications

The research needs further experimentation on combining both MSWIA and MD together to stabilize clayey soil.

Practical implications

The research can be successfully used by government agencies in subgrades of low traffic roads.

Social implications

The utilization of waste materials in the study solved the disposal problem of both waste materials, thus protecting the environment and giving quality living standards to people.

Originality/value

The use of MSWIA along with cement and use of MD along with cement for evaluating geotechnical properties has not been studied in the past. The present study is focussed on the use of both these materials along with cement in soil stabilization.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 20 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 July 2021

Sarfo Mensah, Collins Ameyaw, Blondel Akun Abaitey and Hayford Obeng Yeboah

Over dependence on river/sea sand as building material has impacted the environment negatively. However, laterite, which is an environment-friendly indigenous building material in…

Abstract

Purpose

Over dependence on river/sea sand as building material has impacted the environment negatively. However, laterite, which is an environment-friendly indigenous building material in sub-Saharan Africa, has been less exploited as a suitable alternative. This paper aims to ascertain the optimum cement–laterite mix proportion at which laterite can be stabilized for production of walling units.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an experimental method, laterite was collected from three borrow pit sites. Sieve analysis was performed to determine the particle size distribution. Also, the degree of workability of the cement–laterite mix was ascertained using slump test. Compressive strengths were determined at cement stabilization percentages of 3%, 7% and 10% on 12 cubes of100 mm cast and cured for 14 and 28 days, respectively.

Findings

The results showed that the lateritic soil investigated, achieves its optimum strength in 28 days of curing, at a stabilization level of 10%. An average compressive strength of 2.41 N/mm2, which is 20.5% greater than the target strength, was achieved.

Practical implications

To meet the desired compressive strength of alternative walling units while achieving environmental sustainability and efficiency in production, cement stabilization of lateritic soils should become a recommended practice by built environment professionals in sub-Saharan Africa.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first research works that attempts to determine the optimum level at which the abundant sub-Saharan laterite can be chemically stabilized for the production of non-load bearing walling units. This research promotes an environment-friendly alternative building material to sea sand, river sand and off-shore sand.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 20 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

1 – 10 of 148