Evaluation of Structural Response in Cement-Treated and Reinforced Silty Clay under Dynamic Load

Abstract

The scarcity of building materials and the need for green construction worldwide open research opportunities in bio-based materials and focus on reducing carbon emissions and controlling greenhouse gases. To achieve this goal, Geotechnical engineering also plays a part in increasing the durability features of soil by adding different bio-based materials, also considering soils with subpar engineering characteristics. This study focuses on identifying dynamic characteristics of soil that are strain-dependent. Bagasse was used as the reinforcing agent (RA), and ordinary Portland cement (OPC) was used as the stabilizer. The selected soil is locally available clayey material, and samples were prepared with a defined range of additive proportions based on dry soil mass. The RA was added in the proportions of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1%, while OPC was added at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10%. The equipment used to test the characteristics is a Resonant Column, and the scenario considered for this study is machine vibrations. The loading frequency was considered as 30 Hz and strains as 0.0001%. An increase in shear modulus was observed on addition of bagasse and cement, but the damping ratio reduced on addition of cement, while bagasse helped in increasing the damping ratio.   Specimens were prepared at the optimum moisture content associated with each additive content and tested at a confining pressure of 500 kPa. The experimental program compared untreated, reinforced, and cement-treated soils using sweep testing and free vibration decay. The results provide a basis for comparing the additives under the investigated conditions; further testing is needed before extrapolating these findings to other field conditions.