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Construction Materials and Other Related Materials: Basic Theory, Applied Technology and Advanced Research Methods

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Construction and Building Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 August 2023) | Viewed by 20922

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Civil Engineering, School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
Interests: rock mass characterization and classification; geomechanical laboratory testing; environmental geotechnics; coupled hydro-thermomechanical FE modeling of geomaterials; nanomaterials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen, 52056 Aachen, Germany
Interests: remedeation and management of brownfields; risk prognosis; environmental geotechnics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Fachgebiet Ingenieurgeologie, Technische Universität Berlin, sec. BH 3-1, Ernst-Reuter-Platz 1, 10587 Berlin, Germany
Interests: geohazards (landslides and earthquakes); geomonitoring with wireless sensor networks (WSN); virtual outcrop models and joint analysis with LiDAR and SFM; geodata science and data mining; clay mineralogy and geotechnical properties of soils
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil Engineering, School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
Interests: computer simulation of engineering structures; performance evaluation; repair of existing structures
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With the development of science and technology, the crossover and diversification of disciplines have produced new technologies and techniques, so more and more new technologies and methods are applied to the development of construction materials, making the development of construction materials change day by day. The research on construction materials always aims at the frontier of high-tech development, based on the theory of mechanics, and constantly absorbs the latest research results of mechanics and related disciplines to enrich itself and better solve engineering problems and refine new ideas, new principles, and new methods, with the characteristics of both theoretical and applied research and multidisciplinary crossover. The study of the mechanical properties of construction materials has been cross-developed with modern engineering science and technology to become the basis of aviation and aerospace, machinery, automation technology, materials and processing, and biomedical materials science, with a wide range, complexity, and diversity, reflecting the interdisciplinary development and mutual promotion, as well as the fundamental and essential role of mechanics, in solving major engineering and technology problems.

The scope of this Special Issue is to collect original fundamental and applied research from experimental, theoretical, computational, and case studies that contribute to the understanding of basic theory, applied technology, and advanced research methods of construction materials and other related materials. This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.51978401) and Natural Science Foundation Project of Shanghai Science and Technology Commission (23ZR1443600).

It is our pleasure to invite you to submit a manuscript to this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Youliang Chen
Prof. Dr. Rafig Azzam
Prof. Dr. Tomas Manuel Fernandez-Steeger
Prof. Dr. Bin Peng
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • multifunctional materials
  • soil
  • concrete
  • rock
  • applications
  • biomedical materials
  • metal materials

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (16 papers)

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Editorial

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6 pages, 179 KiB  
Editorial
Special Issue “Construction Materials and Other Related Materials: Basic Theory, Applied Technology and Advanced Research Methods”
by Xi Du, Youliang Chen, Rafig Azzam, Tomas Manuel Fernandez-Steeger and Bin Peng
Materials 2024, 17(1), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17010057 - 22 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 891
Abstract
The rapid advancement of science and technology has facilitated the creation of new technologies and techniques, leading to the convergence and diversification of fields [...] Full article

Research

Jump to: Editorial

20 pages, 3936 KiB  
Article
Chemical Corrosion-Water-Confining Pressure Coupling Damage Constitutive Model of Rock Based on the SMP Strength Criterion
by Youliang Chen, Huidong Tong, Qijian Chen, Xi Du, Suran Wang, Yungui Pan, Yang Dong and Hao Ma
Materials 2023, 16(18), 6234; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16186234 - 15 Sep 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 984
Abstract
Aiming at the problem of chemical-mechanics-hydro (C-M-H) action encountered by rocks in underground engineering, chemical damage variables, water damage variables, and force damage variables are introduced to define the degree of degradation of rock materials. Stone is selected as the sample for acid [...] Read more.
Aiming at the problem of chemical-mechanics-hydro (C-M-H) action encountered by rocks in underground engineering, chemical damage variables, water damage variables, and force damage variables are introduced to define the degree of degradation of rock materials. Stone is selected as the sample for acid corrosion treatment at pH 3, 4, and 7, and a chemical damage factor is defined that coupled the pH value and duration of exposure. Then based on the spatial mobilized plane (SMP) criterion and the Lemaitre strain equivalence hypothesis, this research develops a constitutive model considering rock chemical corrosion-water-confining pressure damage. The proposed damage constitutive model employs the extremum method to ascertain the two Weibull distribution parameters (m and F0) by theoretical derivation and exhibits satisfactory conformity between the theoretical and experimental curves. The damage constitutive model can be consistent in the stress–strain characteristics of the rock triaxial compression process, which verifies the rationality and reliability of the model parameters. The model effectively represents the mechanical properties and damage characteristics of rocks when subjected to the combined influence of water chemistry and confinement. The presented model contributes to a better understanding of tangible rock-engineered structures subjected to chemical corrosion in underwater environments. Full article
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15 pages, 2498 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Synergistic Effect on the Strength Characteristics of Modified Red Mud-Based Stabilized Soil
by Shengjin Chen, Jie Jiang, Xiaoduo Ou and Zhijie Tan
Materials 2023, 16(18), 6104; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16186104 - 7 Sep 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 973
Abstract
Based on the existing research results, this research team developed roadbed stabilized soil materials using nano-SiO2 synergistically modified red mud in order to study whether the strength of the stabilized soil materials meets the strength requirements of the roadbed materials, and at [...] Read more.
Based on the existing research results, this research team developed roadbed stabilized soil materials using nano-SiO2 synergistically modified red mud in order to study whether the strength of the stabilized soil materials meets the strength requirements of the roadbed materials, and at the same time, analyze its strength characteristics to make the feasibility of it being used as a roadbed material clear. Through different combination schemes, the effects of different nano-SiO2 and cement contents on the strength of the stabilized materials were explored. The test results show the following: In the synergistic modification of nano-SiO2 and cement, nano-SiO2 can significantly improve the early unconfined compressive strength of red mud-based stabilized soil. In the synergistic modification of nano-SiO2, gypsum, and cement, the 7 d unconfined compressive strength of red mud-based stabilized soil is greater than 2 MPa, which meets the strength requirements of road base materials and shows the superiority of synergism. The nominal stress–strain curves are divided into five stages: compressed and compacted stage, elastic deformation stage, plastic deformation stage, damage deformation stage, and residual deformation stage. The macroscopic compressive damage pattern of the specimens shows that the modified red mud-based stabilized soil mostly exhibits brittle damage. Tests have shown that the strength of modified terracotta-based stabilized soil meets the requirements of roadbed strength. Full article
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16 pages, 3671 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study on the Curing Mechanism of Red Mud-Based Stabilized Soil Co-Modified by Nano-SiO2 and Gypsum
by Shengjin Chen, Xiaoduo Ou, Jie Jiang and Zhijie Tan
Materials 2023, 16(17), 6016; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16176016 - 1 Sep 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1054
Abstract
In order to effectively utilize red mud and reduce its occupation of land resources, as well as its impact on the environment, experiments were conducted to develop stabilized soil materials using nano-SiO2 synergistically modified red mud and to investigate the curing mechanism [...] Read more.
In order to effectively utilize red mud and reduce its occupation of land resources, as well as its impact on the environment, experiments were conducted to develop stabilized soil materials using nano-SiO2 synergistically modified red mud and to investigate the curing mechanism of stabilized soil. The unconfined compressive strength, microscopic morphology, and curing mechanism of the red mud-based stabilized soil materials with different amounts of modified materials were investigated. The test results show that after 7 days of curing, the unconfined compressive strength of red mud-based stabilized soil meets the compressive strength requirement of road base material when nano-SiO2, gypsum, and cement are synergistically modified. In such cases, the soil structure has the lowest fracture rate and the best structural compactness when the amount of nano-SiO2 is 1%. It is found that the needle-like and columnar calcium alumina in the modified red mud-based stabilized soil increases, and the binding energy of hydration product ions in the modified material is improved. The chemical curing mechanism of modified red mud-based stabilized soil includes hydration reaction, pozzolanic reaction, promotion effect of nano-SiO2, and enhancement effect of gypsum. On this base, a model of the early start hydration process of red mud-based stabilized soil promoted by nano-SiO2 is established. Full article
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15 pages, 7208 KiB  
Article
Effect of Organic Matter Components on the Mechanical Properties of Cemented Soil
by Li Shao, Zhixuan Ding, Suran Wang, Kuashi Pan and Chuxue Hu
Materials 2023, 16(17), 5889; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16175889 - 28 Aug 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1170
Abstract
The organic matter in soft clay tends to affect the properties of cement-stabilized soil. The influence degree of different organic matter varies. In this paper, the influence weights and mechanism of the main organic matter components fulvic acid and humic acid on the [...] Read more.
The organic matter in soft clay tends to affect the properties of cement-stabilized soil. The influence degree of different organic matter varies. In this paper, the influence weights and mechanism of the main organic matter components fulvic acid and humic acid on the mechanical properties of cemented soil were investigated. Impacts of FA/HA (fulvic acid/humic acid) values and curing time on the unconfined compressive strength, deformation characteristics, and microstructure of cemented soil were explored through the unconfined compressive strength test and electrical resistivity test. The results show that with the increase of FA/HA, the unconfined compressive strength of cemented soil gradually decreased and the plastic properties enhanced. The increase in curing time changed the stress-strain relationship of cemented soil, and some specimens showed brittle damage. The initial resistivity and structural property parameters of cemented soil gradually decreased with the increasing FA/HA value and increased with the increase of curing time. It revealed the influence law of FA/HA and curing time change on the microstructure of cemented soil. Based on the experimental results, the quantitative relationship equations between FA/HA and curing time and unconfined compressive strength, failure strain, deformation modulus, and resistivity were established. Full article
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14 pages, 5941 KiB  
Article
Study on the Water-Sensitivity Passivation Effect and Mechanism of PA-ES Composite Materials
by Nan Wang, Runze Wang, Qingzhao Zhang, Yuanjie Luo and Hui Xu
Materials 2023, 16(17), 5872; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16175872 - 28 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1051
Abstract
The water-sensitive effect of expansive soil (ES) poses a serious challenge to the safety and durability of infrastructure. To reduce the effect of water sensitivity on expansive soil, a new powder soil passivator with polyacrylic (PA) as the main component was proposed. In [...] Read more.
The water-sensitive effect of expansive soil (ES) poses a serious challenge to the safety and durability of infrastructure. To reduce the effect of water sensitivity on expansive soil, a new powder soil passivator with polyacrylic (PA) as the main component was proposed. In this paper, a series of macroscopic and microscopic tests were conducted to evaluate the water-sensitive passivation effect and mechanism of PA-ES composites. The results showed that PA significantly attenuated the water sensitivity of ES. With the increase in PA content in the PA-ES composites, the water sensitivity of the composites decreased, swelling and shrinkage deformation decreased, and the strength of the composites increased significantly. In addition, when the content of PA in the PA-ES composite is 6%, it can significantly alleviate the deformation of the composite and improve the saturated shear strength of the composite, meeting the requirements of ES engineering disposal. Finally, the results show that the mechanism of PA passivation of ES water-sensitive effect mainly includes adsorption, binding, and filling. The study shows that PA has a broad engineering application prospect as an ES passivator. Full article
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10 pages, 3242 KiB  
Article
Insight on the Swelling Pressure–Suction Relationship of Compacted Bentonite during Hydration
by Yang Wang, Jun Teng, Qi Huang, Wei Wang and Yong Zhong
Materials 2023, 16(15), 5403; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16155403 - 1 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 985
Abstract
Investigation of the swelling pressure of buffer/backfill materials is a critical aspect in the design of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) disposal repositories. In this study, to clarify the swelling pressure–suction relation for compacted bentonite upon the hydration path, constant-volume swelling pressure tests with [...] Read more.
Investigation of the swelling pressure of buffer/backfill materials is a critical aspect in the design of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) disposal repositories. In this study, to clarify the swelling pressure–suction relation for compacted bentonite upon the hydration path, constant-volume swelling pressure tests with suction control were conducted. The swelling pressure–suction curves indicated that the swelling pressure of the specimens increased significantly with increasing dry density, while the shape of the curves during hydration depended on the dry density. Moreover, the swelling pressure–suction curves exhibited a distinction between unsaturated and saturated segments divided by the critical saturated state (CSS) curve, which proves the unique existence of a CSS curve in the stress space independent of the stress path. With the introduction of the CSS curve into the s–p space, the conventional stress space of unsaturated soil could expand to that of unsaturated expansive soil. The results obtained in this study could provide the mechanical parameters for the construction of disposal repositories. In addition, the stress space with CSS curve proposed in this study provides a new approach to building constitutive models of bentonite materials. Full article
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17 pages, 4955 KiB  
Article
Influence of Grout Properties on the Tensile Performance of Rockbolts Based on Modified Cable Elements
by Jianhang Chen, Shiji Wang, Yiqiang Zhao, Lei Liu, Krzysztof Skrzypkowski, Krzysztof Zagórski and Anna Zagórska
Materials 2023, 16(15), 5362; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16155362 - 30 Jul 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 868
Abstract
The grout annulus (GA) has a significant effect on the tensile performance of rockbolts in mining engineering. However, little research has been conducted to use modified cable elements to study this effect quantitatively. This paper used the modified cable elements in FLAC3D to [...] Read more.
The grout annulus (GA) has a significant effect on the tensile performance of rockbolts in mining engineering. However, little research has been conducted to use modified cable elements to study this effect quantitatively. This paper used the modified cable elements in FLAC3D to study the effect of the GA on the tensile performance of rockbolts. The two-stage coupling law was used to simulate the behaviour of the GA. The stress had a linear relation with the slippage before the shear strength (SS). After the SS, the stress decreased exponentially. Numerical in situ roadway reinforcement cases were used to study the influence of the grout annulus on the tensile performance of rockbolts. The results showed that, when the SS of the GA increased from 3.2 MPa to 6.4 Mpa, the peak force of rockbolts increased from 247 kN to 425 kN. Moreover, when the SS of the GA increased from 3.2 Mpa to 6.4 Mpa, the distance between the position of the maximum tensile capacity and the external end decreased from 1.17 m to 0.81 m. Last, for the circular roadway, the peak force in rockbolts installed in the lateral side was 171.7 kN, which was significantly larger than the top side of 72.3 kN. Full article
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25 pages, 8991 KiB  
Article
Study on the Constitutive Relationship between Ordinary Concrete and Nano-Titanium Dioxide-Modified Concrete at High Temperature
by Dongpeng Wu, Zhicheng Wang, Yungui Pan, Jian Huang, Tomás Manuel Fernández-Steeger, Chao Xu, Xinlong Tang, Zhiyu Long and Yufei Tang
Materials 2023, 16(14), 4910; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16144910 - 9 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1323
Abstract
After high-temperature treatment, both nano-titanium dioxide-modified concrete and ordinary concrete exhibit typical splitting failure. High-temperature heating reduces the mechanical properties and brittleness of concrete and improves the ductility of concrete. The stress–strain relationship of the specimens was obtained through the uniaxial compression test [...] Read more.
After high-temperature treatment, both nano-titanium dioxide-modified concrete and ordinary concrete exhibit typical splitting failure. High-temperature heating reduces the mechanical properties and brittleness of concrete and improves the ductility of concrete. The stress–strain relationship of the specimens was obtained through the uniaxial compression test of ordinary concrete and nano-titanium dioxide-modified concrete cube specimens under normal temperature and high-temperature conditions. In addition, the relationship between temperature and damage variables was established, and the unified constitutive model containing damage variables after room temperature and high-temperature treatment of ordinary concrete and nano-titanium dioxide-modified concrete were established. It provides a reference for future research on the mechanical properties of high-performance concrete structures after high temperatures (fire). Full article
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15 pages, 4605 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and Evaluation of Engineering Properties of Polymer-Coated Glass Beads
by Boyoung Yoon, Hyunwook Choo and Changho Lee
Materials 2023, 16(12), 4476; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16124476 - 20 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1576
Abstract
Modern construction projects are often challenging, which has increased the demand for innovative materials that ensure improved safety, durability, and functionality. To explore the potential of enhancing soil material functionality, this study synthesized polyurethane on the surface of glass beads and evaluated their [...] Read more.
Modern construction projects are often challenging, which has increased the demand for innovative materials that ensure improved safety, durability, and functionality. To explore the potential of enhancing soil material functionality, this study synthesized polyurethane on the surface of glass beads and evaluated their mechanical properties. The synthesis of polymer proceeded according to a predetermined procedure, where the polymerization was confirmed through analysis of chemical structure by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and microstructure observation by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) after complete synthesis. The constrained modulus (M) and the maximum shear modulus (Gmax) of mixtures with synthesized materials were examined by using an oedometer cell equipped with bender elements under a zero lateral strain condition. Both M and Gmax decreased with an increase in the contents of polymerized particles due to a decrease in the number of interparticle contacts and contact stiffness induced by the surface modification. The adhesion property of the polymer induced a stress-dependent change in M but was observed to have little effect on Gmax. Compared to the behavior of the rubber-sand mixtures, polymerized particles show the advantage of a smaller reduction of M. Full article
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16 pages, 5187 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Induction Heating and Self-Healing Properties of Steel Slag Powder Based Asphalt and Asphalt Mixture under Microwave Irradiation
by Hao Xu, Mingzhi Sun and Guobao Luo
Materials 2023, 16(9), 3312; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16093312 - 23 Apr 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1543
Abstract
This paper aims to study the application feasibility of steel slag powder (SSP) in replacing limestone powder (LP) to enhance the heat release and self-healing properties of asphalt and an asphalt mixture. First, the microwave-heating characteristics of SSP and LP asphalt mortar were [...] Read more.
This paper aims to study the application feasibility of steel slag powder (SSP) in replacing limestone powder (LP) to enhance the heat release and self-healing properties of asphalt and an asphalt mixture. First, the microwave-heating characteristics of SSP and LP asphalt mortar were analyzed, and the differences in the microstructure and chemical composition between SSP and LP were compared. Secondly, through the DSR frequency sweep test, the optimal healing temperature of the two asphalt mortars was determined. Finally, asphalt mixtures with different SSP contents were prepared by replacing part of LP in the mixture in a gradation with SSP. Under microwave radiation, the temperature distribution of the mixture was explored, and the self-healing properties and factors affecting the healing were analyzed. Results demonstrated that there are metal oxides with high electromagnetic parameters such as Fe2O3 and CaO in SSP, therefore, asphalt and a mixture containing SSP were seen to have excellent microwave absorption capacity. The healing temperature of the two kinds of asphalt mortar was between ~50 °C and 60 °C. Under microwave radiation, the temperature of the asphalt mixture increased with the increase in SSP content, and the temperature difference decreased with the increase in SSP content. Asphalt mixtures with an LP content of 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, and 70% replaced by SSP increased the healing index by 8.7%, 17.3%, 22.1%, 26.9%, and 27.7% compared with conventional asphalt mixtures. Temperature is the most important factor affecting the healing behavior of the asphalt mixture. With the increase in the damage times of the asphalt mixture, the overall healing index of the asphalt mixture showed a downward trend. However, the healing index of an asphalt mixture containing SSP can still be maintained at more than 50% after repeated mechanical damage. Full article
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23 pages, 4935 KiB  
Article
Time-Dependent Effect of Seepage Force on Initiation of Hydraulic Fracture around a Vertical Wellbore
by Hyonchol Rim, Youliang Chen, Jun Tokgo, Xi Du, Yi Li and Suran Wang
Materials 2023, 16(5), 2012; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16052012 - 28 Feb 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1527
Abstract
Fluid penetration into the rock during hydraulic fracturing has been an essential issue in studying the mechanism of fracture initiation, especially the seepage force caused by fluid penetration, which has an important effect on the fracture initiation mechanism around a wellbore. However, in [...] Read more.
Fluid penetration into the rock during hydraulic fracturing has been an essential issue in studying the mechanism of fracture initiation, especially the seepage force caused by fluid penetration, which has an important effect on the fracture initiation mechanism around a wellbore. However, in previous studies, the effect of seepage force under unsteady seepage on the fracture initiation mechanism was not considered. In this study, a new seepage model that can predict the variations of pore pressure and seepage force with time around a vertical wellbore for hydraulic fracturing was established by using the method of separation of variables and the Bessel function theory. Then, based on the proposed seepage model, a new circumferential stress calculation model considering the time-dependent effect of seepage force was established. The accuracy and applicability of the seepage model and the mechanical model were verified by comparison with numerical, analytical and experimental results. The time-dependent effect of seepage force on fracture initiation under unsteady seepage was analyzed and discussed. The results show that when the wellbore pressure is constant, the circumferential stress induced by seepage force increases over time, and the possibility of fracture initiation also increases. The higher the hydraulic conductivity, the lower the fluid viscosity and the shorter the time required for tensile failure during hydraulic fracturing. In particular, when the tensile strength of rock is lower, the fracture initiation may occur within the rock mass rather than on the wellbore wall. This study is promising to provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for further research on fracture initiation in the future. Full article
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19 pages, 5011 KiB  
Article
Physical Model Experiments on Failure Mechanism on Slopes of Weathered Basalt Soils during Heavy Rainfall Events
by Qingzhao Zhang, Zejun Luo, Ying Chen and Zhen Wang
Materials 2023, 16(2), 832; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16020832 - 15 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1268
Abstract
Basalt platforms are widely distributed in many areas of China, where landslides occur frequently. It is well recognized that landslide hazards seriously threaten engineering constructions and property safety. It is, therefore, of great significance to understand deformation and failure behaviors and their mechanisms [...] Read more.
Basalt platforms are widely distributed in many areas of China, where landslides occur frequently. It is well recognized that landslide hazards seriously threaten engineering constructions and property safety. It is, therefore, of great significance to understand deformation and failure behaviors and their mechanisms in basalt slopes to reduce the loss caused by landslides. In this work, the Pengshan Landslide in Zhejiang Province is taken as a prototype and slope model tests are carried out. During the tests, real-time monitoring of pore pressure, earth pressure and slope deformation is conducted. Based on the experimental data, the influence of rainfall intensity and the thickness of a weak interlayer on the slope stability are obtained. It is demonstrated that the rainfall and weak interlayer are the most important factors causing the slope instability of a basalt platform. Furthermore, damage from a basalt platform slope usually starts from local failure, and the slope foot is the most likely sliding part. Moreover, when the rainfall intensity is doubled, the initial deformation time of the slope is reduced by about half and the final failure time is advanced by one-third. In addition, when the thickness of the weak interlayer is doubled, the initial deformation time of slope is shortened by about half and the final failure time is advanced by one-quarter. Full article
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14 pages, 5178 KiB  
Article
Study on Shear Creep Characteristics of the Discontinuities with Different 3D Morphologies
by Qingzhao Zhang, Zejun Luo, Ying Chen and Zhen Wang
Materials 2023, 16(1), 405; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010405 - 1 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1425
Abstract
The rheological phenomenon of rock mass affects the long-term safety of rock mass engineering. In this study, gneiss samples with different 3D morphologies are prepared by splitting tests and are tested through multi-step creep tests. The long-term strength of rock discontinuities is determined [...] Read more.
The rheological phenomenon of rock mass affects the long-term safety of rock mass engineering. In this study, gneiss samples with different 3D morphologies are prepared by splitting tests and are tested through multi-step creep tests. The long-term strength of rock discontinuities is determined by using several methods. The test results show that as the 3D morphological parameter increases, the creep deformation, creep rate, and the duration of failure all decrease. The long-term strength of rock discontinuities is linearly related to the 3D morphological parameter. Based on the principle of damage mechanics for rock mass, a damage variable is introduced in the creep model, and an improved non-linear Burgers model is established. Research results are of great theoretical significance and practical value for the design, construction, and long-term safety of rock mass engineering. Full article
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23 pages, 14486 KiB  
Article
Investigation of Volumetric Block Proportion (VBP) Effect on Excavation-Induced Ground Response of Talus-like Rock Mass Based on DEM Simulations
by Shuaifeng Wang, Yinlian Yi, Xiaochang Li, Shaoqiang Zhang and Zixin Zhang
Materials 2022, 15(24), 8943; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15248943 - 14 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1488
Abstract
Due to the complexity of the talus-like rock mass with different values of volumetric block proportion (VPB), it is thus crucial to explore the VBP effect on the excavation-induced ground responses. We conduct a series of 2D DEM (discrete element method) simulations on [...] Read more.
Due to the complexity of the talus-like rock mass with different values of volumetric block proportion (VPB), it is thus crucial to explore the VBP effect on the excavation-induced ground responses. We conduct a series of 2D DEM (discrete element method) simulations on a common circular tunnel excavation in the talus-like rock mass with different VBPs (0%, 15%, 50%, 85% and 100%). For each VBP, two support scenarios, i.e., unsupported and supported by a rigid lining, are considered. The micro characteristics of the excavation-induced ground responses, including the contact force, force chain, coordination number and shear-slip contact, and the stress distribution and ground settlement are elaborated in detail. Accordingly, three types of talus-like rock masses are identified as soil-, hybrid- and rock-types, corresponding to VBP = 0–15%, 50%, and 85–100%, respectively. It is found that the lining support is essential for maintaining the ground stability of a tunnel excavation in the soil- and hybrid-type talus-like rock masses while the backbones formed by rock blocks in the rock-type talus-like rock mass can provide a certain support for the surrounding ground. Our findings have important implications for optimizing the construction scheme of tunnel excavation in different types of talus-like rock masses. Full article
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12 pages, 2684 KiB  
Article
Orthogonal Experimental Study on the Factors Affecting the Mechanical Properties of Alkali-Activated Slag Materials
by Kai Zhang, Haifeng Lu, Jie Li and Hao Bai
Materials 2022, 15(24), 8795; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15248795 - 9 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1195
Abstract
Blast furnace slag is one of the largest solid wastes in the world. The slag-based geopolymer obtained by alkali activation has many advantages, such as a high strength, a good corrosion resistance, low carbon and environmental protection. Existing studies have shown that the [...] Read more.
Blast furnace slag is one of the largest solid wastes in the world. The slag-based geopolymer obtained by alkali activation has many advantages, such as a high strength, a good corrosion resistance, low carbon and environmental protection. Existing studies have shown that the mechanical properties of slag-based geopolymers are related to the combined effects of many factors, but there is still a lack of reliable conclusions on the primary and secondary influence degree of each factor, which greatly affects the scientific preparation and application of slag-based geopolymers. In order to solve this problem, we choose to proceed from the two perspectives of the mix ratio of the alkali activator and the elemental composition of raw materials. Through the orthogonal analysis method, this paper studies the influence of the modulus of the alkali activator, the solid-to-liquid ratio of the activator, the water–cement ratio and the metakaolin replacement rate on the uniaxial compressive strength of a slag-based geopolymer. The results show that when the solid–liquid ratio is about 0.25, the modulus of the alkali activator is 1.3~1.5, the water–cement ratio is about 0.4 and the samples with higher strength can be prepared. With the addition of metakaolin, a new gel phase NASH was formed in the system, which significantly promoted the late strength and toughness growth of the sample. The research results comprehensively analyze the influence of different factors on the mechanical properties of the slag-based geopolymer, which can provide a valuable reference for the engineering application of alkali-activated slag materials. Full article
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