Experimental technique of defining the elastic modulus of bulk materials in laboratory conditions

Abstract

Defining the elastic modulus of bulk materials is an important issue in quality assurance of design and construction of motorway bases. The analysis of current regulatory framework shows that there are no applicable methods for defining the elastic modulus of loose (bulk) materials in laboratory conditions. Moreover, if new or underinvestigated materials are used for motorway bases, it is necessary either to abandon their use or define their compliance with the regulations after motorway base construction. In view of the latter, an experimental technique and a device for defining the elastic modulus of bulk materials in laboratory conditions are developed. Following this technique, the elastic modulus of 5 mm – 20 mm, 20 mm – 40 mm crushed dump blast furnace and steelmaking slags was defined. Comparison of the obtained results with the recommended design values of the elastic modulus of similar materials shows good convergence (the difference is within 8%). There is no connection between the diameter of a stamp transmitting load to a sample and the specified value of the elastic modulus. Deviations do not exceed 10% for ∅50 mm, ∅120 mm, ∅150 mm stamps.