Characterizing Monotonic Behavior of Pond Ash within Critical State Approach
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 144, Issue 1
Abstract
The monotonic behavior of pond ash was studied experimentally and with a particular focus on evaluating the applicability of critical state soil mechanics framework in synthesizing and modeling the observed mechanical behavior. Specimens were reconstituted with a paste deposition technique that closely mimics the wet disposal of dominantly fine coal ash in ash ponds. This technique can produce segregation-free specimens over a wide range of as-formed density states. The test results indicated that the observed behavior was similar to granular geomaterials, except that only nonflow behavior could be observed in undrained shearing. More importantly, a unique and consistent critical state line (CSL) in triaxial compression was obtained in both and planes irrespective of its drainage conditions, initial density states, and stress histories. The CSL in the plane was used to predict behavior patterns. It was found that the state parameter, as defined relative to the CSL in plane, correlates with important modeling parameters. Thus, this study unambiguously supports the applicability of critical state soil mechanics framework in synthesizing and modeling the behavior of pond ash.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge the scholarships provided by the Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) and University of New South Wales at Canberra (UNSW Canberra) for supporting this study and the Research Publication Fellowship provided by the UNSW Canberra for drafting this paper.
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Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 144 • Issue 1 • January 2018
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©2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 4, 2016
Accepted: Jun 12, 2017
Published online: Oct 25, 2017
Published in print: Jan 1, 2018
Discussion open until: Mar 25, 2018
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