Abstract
Owing to complex aspects of cemented sand and gravel (CSG), such as included unscreened aggregates, CSG properties differ from those of ordinary concrete. Fractal theory is introduced to study the effects of aggregate characteristics on CSG properties, quantifying aggregate gradation and shape. Numerical simulation and analyses show that: (1) improved aggregate gradation decreases the gradation fractal dimension and increases the CSG peak stress and elastic modulus; (2) more irregularly shaped aggregates increase the shape fractal dimension and decrease the CSG peak stress and elastic modulus; (3) the relationship quantified between aggregate characteristics and CSG mechanical properties provides a theoretical basis for aggregate allocation in engineering design and construction. Mixing artificial aggregates can improve aggregate gradation but reduces CSG performance. Appropriately blending artificial and on-site aggregates achieves optimal CSG performance; in this study, this is attained using 20% artificial aggregates added under standard gradation.
Highlights
RESUMEN: Estudio del efecto de las características fractales de los áridos sobre el comportamiento mecánico de arena y grava cementada
In research performed by Sánchez–Roldán et al [7], it was observed that recycled coarse aggregates (RCA) have less angular shapes compared to natural aggregates; this characteristic, together with better particle coupling, provides greater compactness to the whole mixture
In terms of numerical simulation, Xiong and Xiao [9] determined that round aggregates reduce the stress concentration intensity inside concrete compared to irregular aggregates; this suggests that the resulting concrete strength is relatively high, which is consistent with experimental results
Summary
RESUMEN: Estudio del efecto de las características fractales de los áridos sobre el comportamiento mecánico de arena y grava cementada. Responding to the United Nations’ call for new, green building materials [2], CSG can be used in modern dam construction technology to pursue efficient, low-cost construction while protecting natural resources. An increasing number of studies have focused on the relationship between aggregate shapes and the resulting macroscopic properties of composite materials. Huang [5] proposed from his experiments that the more sphere-like the shape of a coarse aggregate, the greater the compressive strength and elastic modulus of the resulting concrete. The above literature focuses on concrete, it is applicable only to standard gradation; the gradation characteristics of CSG with unscreened aggregates remain to be studied further. Li et al [17] adopted fractal dimensions to describe the particle shape and gradation of concrete aggregates
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