Mechanism of Chemical Environment on Compression and Shear Strength of Compacted Loess: A Case Study from Chinese Loess Plateau
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 36, Issue 4
Abstract
The mechanical properties of loess are strongly dependent on the environment where it is deposited. To investigate the effects of acidic, alkaline, and saline environments on the strength and deformation properties of compacted loess, the consolidation test and direct shear test were carried out on loess samples contaminated with different concentrations of acetic acid, sodium hydroxide, and sodium sulfate. In addition, changes in zeta potential, mineralogy, chemical composition, and microstructure of the loess samples at different chemical environments were also measured. The results show that the reduction in the thickness of the diffuse double layer for the loess contaminated with acetic acid leads to the aggregation of clay particles, laying the foundation for the expansion of loess pores, while the dissolution of carbonate cement and chemical cement makes the soil structure looser. Hence, the compacted loess has significantly lower shear strength and higher compressibility in an acidic environment. The mechanical properties in the saline environment show similar variation characteristics to the acidic environment, but this is mainly due to carbonate solubilization. In the alkaline environment, the degree of interparticle cementation of the loess is enhanced by the generation of calcite due to dedolomitization and the generation of colloidal flocs of , , and . In addition, the pore connectivity is greatly reduced by the extensive distribution of clay particles caused by the development of a diffuse double layer. As a result, its compressibility and shear strength are improved compared to uncontaminated loess. These findings can be used as a reference for geoengineering practice in loess areas.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
This research is supported by the Key Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 41931285), and the Key Research and Development Program of Shaanxi Province (Grant No. 2019ZDLSF05-07).
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Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 36 • Issue 4 • April 2024
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© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Mar 3, 2023
Accepted: Sep 15, 2023
Published online: Jan 19, 2024
Published in print: Apr 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Jun 19, 2024
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