Laboratory Investigation of the Mechanical Properties of a Rubber–Calcareous Sand Mixture: The Effect of Rubber Content

Xin Liu,Chaoyang Tian,Hengxing Lan

doi:10.3390/app10186583

Abstract

This paper introduces a rubber–calcareous sand mixture as a lightweight building material in offshore engineering. The mechanical properties of mixtures of varying rubber contents were investigated by performing a one-dimensional (1-D) compression test in a modified oedometer cell, as well as a resonant column test. A discussion on the test results, along with detailed interpretations regarding the role of rubber chips in the mixtures, are provided. It was found that the virgin compression curves of the rubber–calcareous sand mixtures tended to converge at a certain stress level, whilst the stress level depended on the rubber content. Moreover, the relative breakage was examined by comparing the particle size distribution curves of the calcareous sand before and after the compression test. It was shown that the grain crushing of calcareous sand was less remarkable with the inclusion of rubber chips. Furthermore, the small strain shear modulus (G0) of the mixtures decreased with the rubber content, yet the modulus reduction and damping curves exhibited little difference for the specimens of varying rubber contents.

Highlights

Calcareous sediments characterized by unique grain morphology are widely distributed near coral reefs [1]
They are commonly adopted as a building material in offshore engineering, ranging from conventional geotechnical applications to offshore hydrocarbon industries [2,3,4,5]
Grain crushing under heavy loads was recognized as the major problem for calcareous sands, which is often associated with a loss of soil strength and the occurrence of ground deformation [6,7]

Summary

Introduction

Calcareous sediments characterized by unique grain morphology are widely distributed near coral reefs [1]. They are commonly adopted as a building material in offshore engineering, ranging from conventional geotechnical applications (e.g., foundations, embankments, and retaining walls) to offshore hydrocarbon industries [2,3,4,5]. Understanding the engineering properties of calcareous sand is of great importance. The mechanical properties of calcareous sand have received global focus at both the academic and the practical levels. Grain crushing under heavy loads was recognized as the major problem for calcareous sands, which is often associated with a loss of soil strength and the occurrence of ground deformation [6,7]. Wei et al [8]

Methods

Results

Conclusion