Characterization of Properties of Soil–Rock Mixture Prepared by the Laboratory Vibration Compaction Method

This paper presents a study of the properties of soil–rock mixtures (SRM) prepared by the vibration compaction method. First, the results of laboratory experiments and field tests are compared to determine the reasonable parameters of the vibration compaction method (VCM) for soil–rock mixtures. The compaction characteristics, CBR, and resilient modulus of the laboratory-prepared soil–rock mixtures by the static pressure compaction method (SPCM) and vibration compaction method are compared. The effects of the soil to rock ratio and the maximum particle size and gradation on the compaction characteristic, resilient modulus and CBR of soil–rock mixtures prepared by the vibration compaction method are investigated. Finally, field measurements are subsequently conducted to validate the laboratory investigations. The results show that the reasonable vibration frequency, exciting force, and static surface pressure of the vibration compactor for soil–rock mixtures are recommended as 25 Hz, 5.3 kN, and 154.0~163.2 kPa, respectively. Soil–rock mixtures prepared by vibration compaction method has smaller optimum water content and gradation variation and larger density than specimens prepared by the static pressure compaction method, and the CBR and resilient modulus are 1.46 ± 0.02 and 1.16 ± 0.03 times those of specimens prepared by the static pressure compaction method, respectively. The ratio of soil to rock, followed by the maximum particle size, lead obvious influences on the properties of soil–rock mixtures. Moreover, the results show that the CBR and resilient modulus of soil–rock mixtures prepared by vibration compaction method have a correlation of 86.9% and 89.1% with the field tests, respectively, which is higher than the static pressure compaction method.

Influencing Factors and Prediction Model for the Antierosion Performance of Cement-Improved Loess Compacted Using Different Compaction Methods

To analyze the antierosion performance of cement-improved loess (CIL), several influencing factors have been investigated based on two different compaction methods, which include the quasi-static compaction method (QSCM) and the vertical vibration compaction method (VVCM). Then, a prediction model for the cumulative erosion mass loss (CEML) has been established. The effects of erosion on the strength deterioration of CIL were also studied. The results show that, compared with QSCM, specimens compacted using the VVCM have better antierosion performance. As the cement content and the compaction coefficient are increased by 1%, the antierosion performance is increased by 16% and 6.2%, respectively. The eroding time has a significant effect on the antierosion performance of CIL, and the CEML increases linearly with an increase in the eroding time. The compressive strength of CIL decreases significantly due to erosion, and based on the average deterioration degree of the specimens, the design criteria for strength of CIL are proposed, which can provide reference for the design of CIL.

MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF THE DYNAMICS DISPERSED MEDIA IN THE SHAPING PROCESSES BILLETS OF POWDER METALLURGY

A mathematical model has been developed for changing the dynamics of the movement of a dispersed medium in vibro-impact technological processes of shaping of powder metallurgy blanks. On the basis of the problem of two-dimensional dynamic interaction of dispersed particles of powder metal of a spacer dispersed medium, the obtained differential equation in partial derivatives under various boundary conditions. This equation describes the state of the local area of the dispersed medium. In it, the powder material of the workpiece passes from the concentrated dynamic force to the excitation phase. A partial differential equation is obtained. It describes the change in normal stress during vibrations of a dispersed medium during vibration compaction of a workpiece in powder metallurgy.

Investigation on cement-improved phyllite based on the vertical vibration compaction method

The vertical vibration compaction method (VVCM), heavy compaction method and static pressure method were used to form phyllite specimens with different degrees of weathering. The influence of cement content, compactness, and compaction method on the mechanical properties of phyllite was studied. The mechanical properties of phyllite was evaluated in terms of unconfined compressive strength (Rc) and modulus of resilience (Ec). Further, test roads were paved along an expressway in China to demonstrate the feasibility of the highly weathered phyllite improvement technology. Results show that unweathered phyllite can be used as subgrade filler. In spite of increasing compactness, phyllite with a higher degree of weathering cannot meet the requirements for subgrade filler. With increasing cement content, Rc and Ec of the improved phyllite increases linearly. Rc and Ec increase by at least 15% and 17%, respectively, for every 1% increase in cement content and by at least 10% and 6%, respectively, for every 1% increase in compactness. The higher the degree of weathering of phyllite, the greater the degree of improvement of its mechanical properties.

Effects of Silica Fume Addition on Properties of Fresh Mortar

In recent years, concrete structures have tended to be taller and larger than before. With that trend, concrete as a material has diversified, and various kinds have been developed to meet differing quality requirements. In particular, the need for high-strength concrete is increasing. In general, high-strength concrete has a low water-binder ratio, so its workability is inferior to general concrete. Including admixtures such as silica fume is one way to remedy this problem. Previous studies have discussed the quality and hardening characteristics achievable using silica fume. Nevertheless, expected increasing demand for high-strength concrete dictates the need to understand not only its properties when fresh, but also to have an accurate picture of its vibration compaction properties on construction sites. In this study, the effect of adding silica fume on the workability of mortar was investigated by evaluating its fresh properties, plastic viscosity, and vibration propagation characteristics. Changes to mortar’s fresh properties due to pressure were also investigated to clarify its behavior in pumping environments. The study confirmed that the addition of silica fume decreases plastic viscosity and increases vibration propagation characteristics, and that increased plastic viscosity due to pressurization can be reduced.

Compressive strength properties of hyper-compacted concrete

The most important property of a concrete mix is concrete workability, i.e., the ability of the mixture to spread and take a given form while maintaining solidity and uniformity. The main influence on the workability of the concrete mixture is exerted by water consumption and, in part, cement consumption. Workability is determined by the mobility of the concrete mixture at the time of filling the mold and plasticity, i.e., the ability to deform without breaking the continuity. In the process of vibrating and pressing the concrete mixture placed in the mold, the total volume of the mixture changes until the pressure is balanced by the resistance forces. Deformation of concrete mix or, more precisely, freshly laid concrete with any compaction methods, including vibration compaction, is divided into elastic (reversible) and residual (irreversible). Residual deformations during vibration compaction occur as a result of water squeezing out and redistribution of aggregate fractions. Permanent deformation is part of the total. Its value at the same composition of the concrete mixture depends on the shape and size of the pressed sample. At the same time, it is noteworthy that after reaching a certain pressure, only elastic deformations will be characteristic of the freshly laid concrete mixture. So, A.D. Nikitin, in the course of the experiments, found that at a pressure of 2.2 MPa, the elastic moduli of the components of the concrete mixture have the following values: for cement paste - 0.16 · 104 MPa, aggregate - 4.5 · 104 MPa and air - 3 MPa ... After reaching a static pressure of 2.2 MPa, the compressible mixture showed only elastic deformation. This indicates that by the time the specified pressure was reached, the relative movement of the aggregates had ended, i.e., they are located most compactly.