Application of Ultrasonic Technology for Measuring Physical and Mechanical Properties of Frozen Silty Clay

Abstract

To investigate the influence of temperature, water content, and dry density on ultrasonic wave velocity, a serial of ultrasonic tests were conducted on frozen silty clay by using the supersonic test meter. In the mean time, compressive strength of frozen silty clay was measured under various temperature conditions. Results indicate that the ultrasonic wave velocity rapidly changed in the range of −1°C to −7°C, due to the frozen pore water, and that their relations can be described by the same formula. The ultrasonic wave velocity increased with an increase in dry density and showed a good linear relationship with dry density. Ultrasonic wave velocity increased with an increase in water content until the water content reached the critical water content. In terms of the ultrasonic wave velocities versus unfrozen water content, it was found that they have linear relationships. Based on the ultrasonic tests and strength tests results, it is found that, as the compressive strength increased, ultrasonic wave velocity increased and both of them increased with the temperature. In terms of the ultrasonic wave velocities versus temperature and compressive strength versus temperature, the relationship can be set up between ultrasonic wave velocities and compressive strength. Based on the previous research and experimental data, the relationship between ultrasonic wave velocity and frozen silty clay strength was obtained through analysis. The fitting curves show that good correlations exist between them.