International Journal of Geosynthetics and Ground Engineering 

About: International Journal of Geosynthetics and Ground Engineering is an academic journal published by Springer Science+Business Media. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Geology & Environmental science. It has an ISSN identifier of 2199-9260. Over the lifetime, 468 publications have been published receiving 3885 citations. The journal is also known as: Geosynthetics and ground engineering.

Influence of Particle Size on the Friction and Interfacial Shear Strength of Sands of Similar Morphology

Abstract: Size and morphological characteristics of particles play vital role on the shear and interfacial shear strength of sands. Often, effects of these parameters are merged and cannot be easily separated. Effect of size of the particles on the shear and interfacial shear strength of sands is presented in this paper through direct shear and interface direct shear tests complemented with image analyses and surface roughness studies. To eliminate the effect of morphological characteristics, three sands of different particle sizes with similar morphological characteristics like angularity, roundness, sphericity and roughness were selected for the study. These morphological characteristics for all three sands were determined from the analysis of scanning electron microscope images and were found to be similar for all three sands. It was observed from the symmetric direct shear tests that the particle size has no effect on the peak friction angle when the tests were carried out at same void ratio. However, ultimate friction angles were affected by the particle size. Shear band thickness was estimated from image segmentation analysis of the profiles of colored sand columns during shear and the same was correlated to the particle size. Interface direct shear tests were carried out on sand–geomembrane interfaces to study the effect of particle size on the interfacial shear strength. Microscopic images of geomembranes were captured after the interface shear tests to understand the change in surface roughness of the geomembrane due to particle indentations. Surface roughness studies on geomembrane samples after the tests confirmed that the plowing and groove formation on geomembranes during interface shear tests depend on the particle size as well as the relative roughness of the sand particles with respect to the membrane. Sand of medium particle size showed highest interfacial strength because of more number of effective contacts per unit area of the interface.

Recycled Tire Chips Mixed with Sand as Lightweight Backfill Material in Retaining Wall Applications: An Experimental Investigation

Abstract: This paper presents studies on use of recycled tire shreds in sand–tire chips (STC) mixture for retaining wall applications. Small-scale physical model tests were performed on rigid retaining wall with different STC mixtures. Rigid retaining wall model of 600 mm height was constructed in a Perspex container. The wall was made with hollow rectangular steel sections. STC mixtures with different tire chips proportions, such as 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 % along with pure sand were considered as backfill materials. Static surcharge load, up to 10 kPa, was applied using concrete blocks. Model wall behaviour in terms of displacements and earth pressures has been discussed for sand alone (control case) and STC mixtures as backfill materials. The experimental results indicate that the horizontal displacements and lateral earth pressures are reduced to about 50–60 % of that of control case by using STC mixtures which functioned as light weight backfill materials.

A Critical Appraisal of the Role of Clay Mineralogy in Lime Stabilization

Abstract: The stabilization of problematic fine-grained soils using lime as an admixture is a widely accepted practice, owing to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. The optimal quantity of lime required for soil stabilization primarily depends upon the reactive nature of soil as well as the degree of improvement desired. The term ‘optimum lime content’ (OLC) defines the amount of lime required for satisfying the immediate/short-term soil–lime interaction, and still providing sufficient amount of free calcium and high residual pH necessary to initiate long-term pozzolanic reaction. Previous researchers proposed various empirical correlations and experimental methodologies for determining OLC, in terms of clay-size fraction and plasticity characteristics of virgin soil. However, the limiting lime content obtained using various conventional methods does not account for the most influencing inherent clay mineralogy of the soil; and hence, the results of these methodologies are observed to be quite disagreeing with each other. In view of these discrepancies, the present study attempts to validate the existing conventional methodologies for OLC determination at an elementary level, by comprehending the fundamental chemistry following soil–lime interactions. Based on the theoretical and experimental observations, it is quite evident that the accuracy of conventional tests is limited by combined influence of chemical and mineralogical properties of soils. Hence, it is proposed to develop a precise methodology to ascertain the required optimal lime dosage based on scientific criteria, by incorporating the influence of soil properties such as clay mineralogy, specific surface area, soil pH, cation exchange capacity, soil acidity, base saturation capacity, and buffer capacity.

Correlation Between Shear Wave Velocity (Vs) and SPT Resistance (N) for Roorkee Region

Abstract: For ground improvement, assessment of damage during an earthquake is very important issue which in turn depends on the ground motion. The characteristics of an earthquake motion at a site depend on the shear wave velocity (V s ). The shear wave velocity profile at a site may not be readily available however, the numbers of blows (N) from standard penetration test (SPT) are readily available. This paper presents a development of reliable correlation between V s measured by multi channel analysis of surface wave tests and N measured using SPT at various sites in Roorkee region. These tests have been carried out at ten different sites in Roorkee region (within a radius of 30 km). The SPT samples are tested in the laboratory for index properties. Roorkee is situated in high seismic zone, therefore the study is important for this region. Based on the statistical assessments, an empirical correlation between V s and N was developed. This is done separately for all types of soils, sands only and clays only. The developed relations fall within the range of other relations developed worldwide for other sites. A comparison with available relations is also presented. The proposed relations will be helpful in seismic microzonation of the region as ground motion is one of the important parameters.

Underground Mine Backfilling in Australia Using Paste Fills and Hydraulic Fills

Abstract: Underground mine backfilling is a form of ground improvement that has to be carried out in the mine sites. The backfilling provides ground support and regional stability, thus facilitating ore removal from nearby regions. The large underground voids created by the ore removal are backfilled with the waste tailings in the form of paste fills, hydraulic fills, and others. The tailings are placed in the form of slurry that undergoes self-weight consolidation. A small dosage of binder is added to paste fill and cemented hydraulic fill to enhance strength. Considering the high cement cost, mines are using fly ash and slag to partially replace cement with blended cements. This paper gives a practical overview of underground mine backfilling in Australia using paste fills and hydraulic fills. The mining methods and different types of backfills are briefly discussed, with major focus on paste fills and hydraulic fills.