Equivalent void ratio controlling the mechanical properties of cementitious material-clay mixtures with high water content

Abstract

This research develops a parameter defined as the equivalent void ratio, ést, which is able to accurately describe the dependence of the mechanical properties of cementitious material-clay mixtures on the influencing parameters, i.e., the mixing proportion, curing time, and initial state of the mixture, for different types of cementitious materials based on the results of unconfined compression, oedometer, and triaxial tests. Besides Portland cement, cementitious materials, such as fly ash and rice husk ash, are considered supplementary cement with different levels of efficiency. This equivalent cementitious material concept is then adapted for parameter development in conjunction with the effective void ratio proposed from our previous study. The developed single parameter, ést, can assess the mechanical properties of cementitious material-clay mixtures with different types of cementitious materials and under different test conditions.