Exploring the Impact of Incorporating Fine-Grained Materials on the Resistance Characteristics of Cement-Reinforced Clay

Abstract

This study, conducted with meticulous attention to detail, examined the influence of fine-grained materials on the resistance components of clay, with and without cement reinforcement. Micro-silica, perlite, crystal barite, gypsum, silica and talc were added to investigate this matter and samples were created and modeled under standard laboratory conditions. The current study aimed to examine the effectiveness of organic granules with varying weight categories and their impact on the fracture angle of the samples, as well as the soil resistance. The research also examined the effect of cement consolidator on all samples and presented the outcomes. It should be noted that the research comprehensively demonstrates the impact of the presence or absence of cement stabilizer in conjunction with the addition of fine aggregate. Various weight conditions for fine grain and cement were explored during the laboratory modeling phase. The prototypes were divided into 13 different categories and strength testing was performed using Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) on 234 samples, with three different categories for the weight mixing of fine grain and cement. All 234 samples were tested under identical and curing conditions within seven days. According to the findings, the samples that contained gypsum and crystal barite exhibited a larger impact on increasing the soil's resistance when cement was considered. However, it is worth mentioning that other fine-grained materials also enhanced the soil's resistance, albeit with a slightly lower effect than gypsum and crystal barite. The manner and angle of fracture in the samples suggest that incorporating fine grains and cement into the soil had a notable impact on the fracture angle and its deviation from the normal state.