Time-Dependent Deformation Characteristics of Unsaturated Sand–Bentonite Mixture under Drying–Wetting Cycles
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 147, Issue 3
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to investigate the primary consolidation and creep characteristics of two unsaturated sand–bentonite mixtures subjected to drying–wetting cycles. An extensive array of laboratory testing was performed to examine index physical, mineralogical properties, soil-water retention characteristics, and compressibility of the tested materials. A modified osmotic oedometer was used to measure compressibility, creep, and swelling indexes of the sand–bentonite mixtures under three sets of drying–wetting at matric suction values of 200, 400, and 800 kPa. The results showed that the elastic compressibility indexes of the tested sand–bentonite mixtures were not affected by hydraulic loading. The results demonstrated kinematic hardening under hydraulic and mechanical loadings. Hydraulic loading stimulated hardening behavior and a decrease in creep index at all suctions. Results from the two test sets performed in the current study were used along with three other sets of laboratory measured data from the literature to calibrate and validate a model to determine the creep index of unsaturated soils by incorporating the role of stress state and matric suction.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the submitted article.
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Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 147 • Issue 3 • March 2021
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© 2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 31, 2019
Accepted: Sep 15, 2020
Published online: Dec 17, 2020
Published in print: Mar 1, 2021
Discussion open until: May 17, 2021
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