Key factors that influence the design of paved and unpaved roads are the strength and stiffness of the pavement layers. Among other factors, the strength of pavements depends on the thickness and quality of the aggregates used in the pavement base layer. In India and many other countries, there is a high demand for good quality aggregates and the availability of aggregate resources is limited. There is a need for the development of sustainable construction methods which can handle aggregate requirements with least available resources and provide good performance. Hence it is imperative to strive for alternatives to achieve improved quality of pavements using supplementary potential materials and methods. The strength of pavement increases with increase in the thickness of the base which has a direct implication on construction cost whereas decreasing the thickness of the base makes it weak which results in low load bearing capacity especially for unpaved roads. The use of different types of geosynthetics like geocell and geogrid are a potential and reliable solution for the lack of availability of aggregates and studies are conducted in this direction. To better understand the performance of any geosynthetically reinforced base layers, it is essential to characterize the pavement material by studying the behavior of these materials under static as well as repeated loading. For unpaved roads, the base layer, made of granular aggregates plays a crucial role in the reduction of permanent deformation of the pavements. The resilient modulus (Mr) of these materials is a key parameter for predicting the structural response of pavements and for characterizing materials in pavement design and evaluation. Usually, during the design of flexible pavements, pavement materials are treated as homogeneous and isotropic. The use of rollers in the field during pavement construction leads to a higher compaction of material in the vertical direction which introduces stress-induced anisotropy in the base material. The effect of stress-induced anisotropy on the properties of the granular material is studied and discussed in the first part of the research by conducting repeated load triaxial tests. Isotropic consolidated and anisotropically consolidated samples were prepared to investigate the behavior of base materials under stress induced anisotropic conditions. An additional axial load was applied on the isotropically consolidated sample to create anisotropically consolidated sample. The axial loading was provided such that the stress ratio (σ1/σ3), during anisotropic consolidation was kept constant for all the tests at different confining pressures. The effect of repeated loading on the permanent deformation and the resilient modulus for both isotropically and anisotropically consolidated samples, at different confining pressure and loading conditions, are discussed. The behavior of both anisotropically and isotropically consolidated samples has been explained using the record of the excess pore pressures generated during the experiments. The experimental studies show that the permanent strains measured in the vertical direction of the anisotropically consolidated samples are less compared to the results obtained for isotropically consolidated samples. The resilient moduli of the anisotropically consolidated samples were also observed to be higher than that of the isotropically consolidated sample. The study conducted on the pore pressure of both the samples explains better performance of the anisotropically consolidated samples. The studies showed that the isotropically consolidated samples showed higher pore pressures compared to the anisotropically consolidated specimens. Another factor which influences the resilient modulus of the pavement materials is the geosynthetic reinforcement. Geocell and geogrid reinforced triaxial samples were prepared to study the effect of reinforcement in the resilient modulus of the base materials. From the literature, it can be seen that most of the research in the triaxial testing equipment were carried out in the non-destructive range of confining pressure and deviatoric stress. Several studies have been conducted by the researchers to visualize the pavement response in the elastic range. However, the studies in the plastic creep range and incremental collapse range were highly limited. In the current study, testing is carried out on the triaxial samples for two different stress ranges. In the first sections, loading was applied in the elastic and elastic shakedown range as per AASTHO T-307. For various loading sequences, a comparative analysis has been done for the resilient modulus of the geogrid and geocell. In the next section, the loading was applied on the sample in the plastic shakedown range and incremental collapse range. The results of the permanent strains and resilient modulus of the sections are compared with the corresponding results of the unreinforced section. In the plastic shakedown and incremental collapse range also the permanent strains of reinforced samples were less than those observed in the unreinforced section. The performance of geosynthetically reinforced pavement layers can be better understood by studying the samples prepared under realistic field conditions. In the case of triaxial experiments the sample size is very less compared to the field conditions and the effect of other pavement layers on the performance of the base layers cannot be studied on triaxial samples. Samples were prepared in the laboratory by modeling the pavement sections in a cuboidal tank, in which different pavement layers are laid one over the other, and a static loading or repeated loading is applied to overcome the bottleneck of small sample size in the triaxial setup. The experiments were conducted on the unreinforced section; geocell reinforced section and geogrid reinforced section placed above strong and weak subgrade. The results of the study are examined regarding the resilient deformation, permanent deformation, pressure distribution and strain measurements for different thicknesses of base layers under repeated loading. The initial parts of the study present the results of experiments and analysis of the results to understand the behavior of geocell reinforced granular base during repeated loading. In this study, an attempt is made to understand the various factors which influence the behavior of geocell reinforced granular base under repeated loading by conducting plate load tests. The loads applied on the pavements are much higher than the standard axle loading used for the design of pavements. High pressure was applied on all the test sections to simulate these higher loading conditions in the field. The optimum width and height of the geocell to be provided, to get maximum reduction in permanent deformation is studied in detail. The effect of resilient deformation of reinforced and unreinforced base layers is quantified by calculating the resilient modulus of these layers. The studies showed that the geocell reinforcement was effective in reducing the permanent and resilient deformations of base layer when compared to the unreinforced samples. The resilient modulus calculated was higher for the reinforced sample with half of the thickness of the unreinforced sample. The effect of reinforcement in the stress distribution within the base layer is also studied by measuring the pressures at different depths of the base layer. The results showed that the pressure getting transferred to the subgrade level was much lower in the case of geocell reinforced base layer. The ultimate aim of any pavement design method is to reduce the distress in the subgrade level and thus leading to increased life of pavements. Pressures at the subgrade level for reinforced and unreinforced sections are studied in detail, the main parameter under study being the stress distribution angle, to investigate the distress in the subgrade level. It was observed that the geocell reinforced sample showed higher stress distribution angle when compared to its unreinforced counterpart. Another important factor that has to be studied is the strains at the subgrade level since it is the governing factor of causing rutting in the pavements. From the experiments conducted in the study, it was shown that the reinforcement is very effective in reducing the strains at the top of subgrades. The implications of the current study are brought out in terms of improved pavement performance as the carbon emission reductions. It is important to analyze the performance of reinforced section under realistic field conditions. To do that experiment were conducted on reinforced and unreinforced base layers placed on top of weak subgrade material. The study showed that the reinforcements are effective in reducing the deformations under weak subgrade conditions also but not as effective as it was under strong subgrade case. The experimental results were then validated with the two-dimensional mechanistic-empirical model for geocell reinforced unpaved roads for predicting the performance of pavements under a significant number of cycles. The modified permanent deformation model which incorporates the triaxial test results and strains measured directly from the base sections were used to model and validate. Plate load experiments were also conducted on base layers reinforced with geogrid to understand the behavior of these reinforced samples under repeated loading. Several factors like the width of the geogrid to be provided and the depth of placing the geogrid in the base layer were studied in detail to achieve maximum reduction in deformations. Permanent and resilient deformation studies were carried out for both reinforced and unreinforced sections of varying thicknesses, and a comparison was made to understand the effect of reinforcement. The geogrid reinforcement could effectively reduce the permanent and resilient deformations when compared to the unreinforced sections. A study was also carried out on the resilient modulus, which explained the better performance of the geogrid reinforced samples by showing higher resilient modulus for reinforced samples than the unreinforced specimens. The performance of the geogrid reinforced base layers was further verified by studying the pressure distribution at the subgrade level and by calculating the stress distribution angle corresponding to the reinforced and unreinforced samples. The strains at the subgrade level were also studied and compared with the unreinforced sample which showed a better performance of geogrid reinforced samples. The results from the strain gauges fixed in the geogrid were further used to model and validate the permanent deformation model. Experiments were conducted on geogrid-reinforced base layer placed above weak subgrade conditions. The results showed that the reinforcement was effective in reducing the deformations under weak subgrade conditions also. Apart from conducting the laboratory studies, experimental results were numerically modeled to accurately back-calculate the resilient moduli of the layers used in the study. 3D numerical modeling of the unreinforced and honeycomb shaped geocell reinforced layers were carried out using finite element package of ANSYS. The subgrade layer, geocell material, and infill material were modeled with different material models to match the real case scenario. The modeling was done for both static and repeated load conditions. The material properties were changed in a systematic fashion until the vertical deformations of the loading plate matched with the corresponding values measured during the experiment. The experimental study indicates that the geocell reinforcement distributes the load in the lateral direction to a relatively shallow depth when compared to the unreinforced section. Numerical modeling further strengthened the results of the experimental studies since the modeling results were in sync with the experimental data.

[pt] Este estudo apresenta o comportamento de um solo argiloso reforçado e não reforçado com fibras de coco verde (resíduo proveniente do consumo da água de coco), através da realização de ensaios de caracterização e ensaios mecânicos de compactação e de ensaios triaxiais isotropicamente drenados. A fibra de coco utilizada foi obtida por processo mecânico na empresa ECOFIBRA, que possui uma parceria com a Companhia de Limpeza Urbana da cidade do Rio de Janeiro (COMLURB) em projeto piloto de coleta seletiva das cascas de coco verde. O material recebido foi estudado de duas maneiras, as fibras foram inseridas ao solo moídas e cortadas (no comprimento aproximado de 2cm). O solo argiloso, de origem coluvionar, foi retirado do campo experimental da PUC-Rio. Busca-se estabelecer padrões de comportamento que possam explicar a influência da adição da fibra de coco verde, relacionando-a com os parâmetros de resistência ao cisalhamento do solo e dos compósitos. Os ensaios foram realizados em amostras compactadas na densidade máxima e umidade ótima, com teores de fibra moída de 0,5 por cento e 1 por cento e teores de fibra cortada de 0,5 por cento, 0,75 por cento, 1 por cento, 1,25 por cento e 1,5 por cento, em relação ao peso seco do solo. Observa-se um incremento na resistência ao cisalhamento das misturas solo-fibra, uma vez que se observa um discreto aumento do ângulo de atrito e em um expressivo aumento da coesão das misturas reforçadas, em comparação aos dados obtidos para o solo puro. Os resultados se mostraram satisfatórios para aplicação do solo reforçado com fibras de coco em camadas de aterros temporários submetidos a carregamentos estáticos, dando assim uma destinação mais sustentável a este resíduo, atendendo às questões ambientais e sócio-econômicas. / [en] This study presents the behavior of reinforced and unreinforced clay soil with green coconut fibers (waste from consumption of coconut water), by conducting tests for the characterization and mechanical compaction tests and isotropically drained triaxial tests. The coconut fiber used is obtained by a mechanical process in ECOFIBRA company, which has a partnership with the Urban Cleaning Company of the city of Rio de Janeiro (COMLURB) in a pilot project about separate collection of green coconut shells. The received material was studied in two ways; the fibers were inserted into the milled and cut (in the approximate length of 2 cm). The clay soil, with colluvium origin, was removed from the experimental field of PUC-Rio. Seeks to establish patterns of behavior that might explain the influence of the addition of green coconut fiber, relating it to the parameters of shear strength and deformation of soil and composites. The tests were performed on samples compressed at maximum density and optimum moisture content in the milled fiber of 0.5 percent and 1percent fiber content and the cut of 0.5 per cent, 0.75 per cent, 1 per cent, 1.25 per cent and 1.5 per cent on dry weight of the soil. Observed na increase in shear strength of the soil-fiber mixtures, since it was observed a modest increase in friction angle and a significant increase in the cohesion of reinforced mixtures, ompared to the data obtained for the pure soil. The results ere satisfactory for application of soil einforced with coconut fiber layers temporary landfills subjected to static loads, thus giving a more sustainable destination to this residue, given the environmental and socio-economic.

[pt] Este estudo apresenta o comportamento de solos reforçados com borracha moída de pneus inservíveis, através de estudo experimental. Os solos utilizados foram: um solo maduro argiloso de origem coluvionar e uma areia fina, limpa e mal graduada Foram realizados ensaios de caracterização física e mecânica, compactação Proctor Normal e ensaios triaxiais consolidados isotropicamente drenados (CID) para buscar estabelecer padrões de comportamento que possam explicar a influência da adição de borracha moída de pneu, relacionando-a com os parâmetros de resistência ao cisalhamento. Os ensaios triaxiais CID foram realizados em amostras de solo argiloso compactadas na densidade máxima seca e umidade ótima, com teores de borracha moída de 0 por cento, 5 por cento, 10 por cento, 20 por cento, 30 por cento e 40 por cento, em relação ao peso seco do solo. Os ensaios triaxiais CID em amostras de areia foram realizadas para uma densidade relativa de 50 por cento e umidade de 10 por cento, com teores de borracha moída de 0 por cento, 5 por cento e 10 por cento, em relação ao peso seco do solo. Os resultados mostraram que o teor de borracha e o nível de tensão confinante influenciam o comportamento mecânico final dos compósitos, sendo que não há uma tendência de comportamento bem definida ao analisar cada fator independentemente. Assim, para os compósitos de solo argiloso a inserção de borracha é mais efetiva para tensões de confinamento até 200 kPa, sendo que para tensões maiores a presença de borracha é prejudicial. O teor de borracha ótimo situa-se entre 10 por cento e 20 por cento. Para os compósitos de solo arenoso a inserção de borracha é mais efetiva para tensões de confinamento entre 100 e 200 kPa e o teor de borracha ótimo está entre 0 por cento e 5 por cento. Todos os compósitos possuem características de resistência que poderiam cumprir as exigências de determinadas obras geotécnicas, como por exemplo, em camadas de aterros sanitários, taludes e aterros sobre solos moles. / [en] This study presents the behavior of soils reinforced with ground rubber from waste tires through experimental study. Tow type of soils were used: a coluvionar and lateritic soil and a fine, clean and barely graduated sand. Physical characterization, Standard Proctor and consolidated drained triaxial tests were performed to establish patterns of behavior that may explain the influence of the addition of tire ground rubber, linking it with shear strength parameters. The CD triaxial was performed on samples of clayey soil compacted within the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content with ground rubber ratios of 0 per cent, 5 per cent, 10 per cent, 20 per cent, 30 per cent and 40 per cent by dry weight of soil. CD triaxial tests on sand samples were made to a relative density of 50 per cent and 10 per cent of moisture content, with ground rubber ratios of 0 per cent, 5 per cent and 10 per cent by dry weight of soil. The results showed the rubber content and level of confining pressure influence on the final mechanical behavior of the composite. There is not a define behavior when the composites are analyzed individually. Thus, for the clay composites the ground rubber is more effective for confinement stresses up to 200 kPa, for higher confinement stresses the presence of rubber is detrimental. The optimum rubber content is between 10 per cent and 20 per cent. For sand composites rubber inclusions are more effective confinement stresses between 100 and 200 kPa and the optimum rubber content is between 0 per cent and 5 per cent. All composites have strength characteristics that could accomplish the requirements of certain geotechnical projects like landfills, slopes and embankments on soft soil. Therefore, the use of ground rubber, in these works, contributes with the reduction of consumption of natural resources and consequently reduce the costs of transportation and earthmoving.

A adoção de técnicas de melhoramento de solos é prática cada vez mais recorrente em obras geotécnicas, contudo, os critérios de dosagem e parâmetros de previsão do comportamento desses solos parecem não acompanhar a evolução tecnológica das referidas técnicas. O parâmetro de estado para areias (ψ) não consegue representar o comportamento de areias artificialmente cimentadas, por levar em consideração apenas a influência do índice de vazios e do estado de tensões. Propõe-se, neste estudo, instituir o índice porosidade/teor volumétrico de cimento (η/Civ) como um parâmetro de estado para areias artificialmente cimentadas, por ser um critério racional que relaciona a porosidade da mistura compactada com o teor volumétrico de cimento adicionado. A partir da utilização desse parâmetro, é possível calibrar a quantidade de cimento e a energia de compactação utilizada, a fim de proporcionar uma mistura que atenda aos requisitos de projeto e que seja viável de executar em obra com os recursos materiais e financeiros disponíveis. O programa experimental compreendeu a realização de 17 ensaios triaxiais, drenados e não drenados, analisados em conjunto com resultados já obtidos em estudos anteriores. Análises do comportamento tensão-deformação, variação volumétrica-deformação axial, geração de poropressão, trajetórias de tensões drenadas e não drenadas, envoltórias de resistência, comportamento tensão-dilatância, da aplicação da teoria do estado crítico e uma breve análise estatística embasaram a comprovação de que o parâmetro η/Civ é adequado para previsão do comportamento de corpos de prova de areia artificialmente cimentados. / The adoption of soil improvement techniques is becoming more frequent in geotechnical works, however, the dosage criteria and the parameters used to predict the soil behavior do not seem to follow the technological evolution of these techniques. The state parameter for sands (ψ) cannot represent the behavior of artificially cemented sands because it considers only the influence of the void ratio and the stress state. It is proposed to establish the porosity/volumetric content of cement (η/Civ) as a state parameter for artificially cemented sands, since it is a rational criterion which relates the porosity of the compacted mixture to the volumetric content of cement added. By using this parameter, it is possible to calibrate the amount of cement and the compaction energy used in order to provide a mixture that meets the design requirements and that is feasible to perform on site construction with the material and financial resources available there. The experimental program included the realization of 17 triaxial testes, performed in the drained and undrained conditions, analyzed simultaneously with other results obtained from previous studies. Analysis of stress-strain behavior, volumetric variation-axial strain, pore pressure development, drained and non-drained stress paths, resistance envelope, stress-dilatation behavior, the application of the critical state theory, and a brief statistical analysis supported that the η/Civ parameter is suitable for predicting the behavior of artificially cemented sand specimens.

A fim de avaliar a contribuição das ligações cimentantes no comportamento tensão-deformação dos solos cimentados, bem como quantificar a variação das tensões de início de plastificação e incremento de tensão de plastificação em função do índice de vazios de cura, foram realizados dezoito ensaios de compressão isotrópica em amostras artificialmente cimentadas curadas com diferentes tensões confinantes, índices de vazios e teores de cimento. As amostras foram inicialmente adensadas a várias tensões confinantes ao longo da linha de compressão normal do solo sem cimentação, simulando a formação de elementos de solos em diferentes profundidades de um depósito sedimentar cimentado. Após o adensamento, as amostras eram curadas para posterior aplicação de incrementos de tensão isotrópica. Complementarmente, dezenove ensaios triaxiais drenados foram realizados em amostras artificialmente cimentadas curadas sob diferentes tensões confinantes e índices de vazios de forma a analisar as modificações dos parâmetros de resistência, deformabilidade e plastificação em função do índice de vazios e tensão de cura. Por final, um novo modelo matemático foi proposto para simular os ensaios isotrópicos das amostras curadas com diferentes índices de vazios e teores de cura, descrevendo o comportamento teórico dos elementos de solo situados nas diferentes profundidades do depósito fictício de solo cimentado. A capacidade do modelo de simular os resultados dos ensaios isotrópicos para uma gama ampla de índice de vazios de cura e teores de cimento também foi apresentada. Comentários acerca das respostas obtidas com simulações de amostras curadas a altos e baixos índices de vazios, e solicitadas a elevadas tensões isotrópicas, também são apresentadas juntamente com uma análise dos três parâmetros adicionais requeridos pelo modelo em relação ao modelo Cam Clay: um parâmetro de medida de nível de cimentação, um parâmetro definidor do tipo de comportamento da estrutura cimentante (rígido, rígido-plástico, linear, etc.), e um parâmetro que relaciona a magnitude das tensões da estrutura cimentante com o nível de cimentação da amostra. / To evaluate the contribution of cementation on the stress-strain behaviour of cemented soils, as well as to quantify the variation of the initial yielding stress and yielding stress increment based on the curing void ration, a series of eighteen isotropic compression tests were performed en artificially cemented samples cured under different confining stresses, void ratio and cement content. The samples were initially consolidated to different stresses on the normal compression line of the non-cemented soil, in order to simulate the soil formation at different depths in cemented sedimentary deposits. After consolidated, the samples were cured and then isotropic increments of tension were applied. Complementary, nineteen drained triaxial tests were performed on artificially cemented samples cured under different confining stresses and void ratio in order to analyze the modification on the shear strength parameters, deformability and yielding based on the void ratio and curing stress. At the end, a new mathematical model was proposed to simulate the isotropical tests performed on samples cured with different void ratio and cement content, describing the theorical behavior of the soil elements situated on different depths of a fictitious deposit of cement soil. The model’s ability to simulate the results of the isotropic tests performed for a wide range of curing void ratio and cement was also presented. Comments about the simulations of samples cured with low and high void ratios and consolidated to high isotropic stresses are also presented together with an analysis of the three additional parameters required by the model in relation to Cam Clay model: a parameter measuring the cementation level, a parameter defining the kind of cementing structure behaviour (rigid, rigid-plastic, linear, etc.) and a parameter that relates the stress magnitude of the cementing structure with the cementation level of the sample.

A adoção de técnicas de melhoramento de solos é prática cada vez mais recorrente em obras geotécnicas, contudo, os critérios de dosagem e parâmetros de previsão do comportamento desses solos parecem não acompanhar a evolução tecnológica das referidas técnicas. O parâmetro de estado para areias (ψ) não consegue representar o comportamento de areias artificialmente cimentadas, por levar em consideração apenas a influência do índice de vazios e do estado de tensões. Propõe-se, neste estudo, instituir o índice porosidade/teor volumétrico de cimento (η/Civ) como um parâmetro de estado para areias artificialmente cimentadas, por ser um critério racional que relaciona a porosidade da mistura compactada com o teor volumétrico de cimento adicionado. A partir da utilização desse parâmetro, é possível calibrar a quantidade de cimento e a energia de compactação utilizada, a fim de proporcionar uma mistura que atenda aos requisitos de projeto e que seja viável de executar em obra com os recursos materiais e financeiros disponíveis. O programa experimental compreendeu a realização de 17 ensaios triaxiais, drenados e não drenados, analisados em conjunto com resultados já obtidos em estudos anteriores. Análises do comportamento tensão-deformação, variação volumétrica-deformação axial, geração de poropressão, trajetórias de tensões drenadas e não drenadas, envoltórias de resistência, comportamento tensão-dilatância, da aplicação da teoria do estado crítico e uma breve análise estatística embasaram a comprovação de que o parâmetro η/Civ é adequado para previsão do comportamento de corpos de prova de areia artificialmente cimentados. / The adoption of soil improvement techniques is becoming more frequent in geotechnical works, however, the dosage criteria and the parameters used to predict the soil behavior do not seem to follow the technological evolution of these techniques. The state parameter for sands (ψ) cannot represent the behavior of artificially cemented sands because it considers only the influence of the void ratio and the stress state. It is proposed to establish the porosity/volumetric content of cement (η/Civ) as a state parameter for artificially cemented sands, since it is a rational criterion which relates the porosity of the compacted mixture to the volumetric content of cement added. By using this parameter, it is possible to calibrate the amount of cement and the compaction energy used in order to provide a mixture that meets the design requirements and that is feasible to perform on site construction with the material and financial resources available there. The experimental program included the realization of 17 triaxial testes, performed in the drained and undrained conditions, analyzed simultaneously with other results obtained from previous studies. Analysis of stress-strain behavior, volumetric variation-axial strain, pore pressure development, drained and non-drained stress paths, resistance envelope, stress-dilatation behavior, the application of the critical state theory, and a brief statistical analysis supported that the η/Civ parameter is suitable for predicting the behavior of artificially cemented sand specimens.

A fim de avaliar a contribuição das ligações cimentantes no comportamento tensão-deformação dos solos cimentados, bem como quantificar a variação das tensões de início de plastificação e incremento de tensão de plastificação em função do índice de vazios de cura, foram realizados dezoito ensaios de compressão isotrópica em amostras artificialmente cimentadas curadas com diferentes tensões confinantes, índices de vazios e teores de cimento. As amostras foram inicialmente adensadas a várias tensões confinantes ao longo da linha de compressão normal do solo sem cimentação, simulando a formação de elementos de solos em diferentes profundidades de um depósito sedimentar cimentado. Após o adensamento, as amostras eram curadas para posterior aplicação de incrementos de tensão isotrópica. Complementarmente, dezenove ensaios triaxiais drenados foram realizados em amostras artificialmente cimentadas curadas sob diferentes tensões confinantes e índices de vazios de forma a analisar as modificações dos parâmetros de resistência, deformabilidade e plastificação em função do índice de vazios e tensão de cura. Por final, um novo modelo matemático foi proposto para simular os ensaios isotrópicos das amostras curadas com diferentes índices de vazios e teores de cura, descrevendo o comportamento teórico dos elementos de solo situados nas diferentes profundidades do depósito fictício de solo cimentado. A capacidade do modelo de simular os resultados dos ensaios isotrópicos para uma gama ampla de índice de vazios de cura e teores de cimento também foi apresentada. Comentários acerca das respostas obtidas com simulações de amostras curadas a altos e baixos índices de vazios, e solicitadas a elevadas tensões isotrópicas, também são apresentadas juntamente com uma análise dos três parâmetros adicionais requeridos pelo modelo em relação ao modelo Cam Clay: um parâmetro de medida de nível de cimentação, um parâmetro definidor do tipo de comportamento da estrutura cimentante (rígido, rígido-plástico, linear, etc.), e um parâmetro que relaciona a magnitude das tensões da estrutura cimentante com o nível de cimentação da amostra. / To evaluate the contribution of cementation on the stress-strain behaviour of cemented soils, as well as to quantify the variation of the initial yielding stress and yielding stress increment based on the curing void ration, a series of eighteen isotropic compression tests were performed en artificially cemented samples cured under different confining stresses, void ratio and cement content. The samples were initially consolidated to different stresses on the normal compression line of the non-cemented soil, in order to simulate the soil formation at different depths in cemented sedimentary deposits. After consolidated, the samples were cured and then isotropic increments of tension were applied. Complementary, nineteen drained triaxial tests were performed on artificially cemented samples cured under different confining stresses and void ratio in order to analyze the modification on the shear strength parameters, deformability and yielding based on the void ratio and curing stress. At the end, a new mathematical model was proposed to simulate the isotropical tests performed on samples cured with different void ratio and cement content, describing the theorical behavior of the soil elements situated on different depths of a fictitious deposit of cement soil. The model’s ability to simulate the results of the isotropic tests performed for a wide range of curing void ratio and cement was also presented. Comments about the simulations of samples cured with low and high void ratios and consolidated to high isotropic stresses are also presented together with an analysis of the three additional parameters required by the model in relation to Cam Clay model: a parameter measuring the cementation level, a parameter defining the kind of cementing structure behaviour (rigid, rigid-plastic, linear, etc.) and a parameter that relates the stress magnitude of the cementing structure with the cementation level of the sample.

A adoção de técnicas de melhoramento de solos é prática cada vez mais recorrente em obras geotécnicas, contudo, os critérios de dosagem e parâmetros de previsão do comportamento desses solos parecem não acompanhar a evolução tecnológica das referidas técnicas. O parâmetro de estado para areias (ψ) não consegue representar o comportamento de areias artificialmente cimentadas, por levar em consideração apenas a influência do índice de vazios e do estado de tensões. Propõe-se, neste estudo, instituir o índice porosidade/teor volumétrico de cimento (η/Civ) como um parâmetro de estado para areias artificialmente cimentadas, por ser um critério racional que relaciona a porosidade da mistura compactada com o teor volumétrico de cimento adicionado. A partir da utilização desse parâmetro, é possível calibrar a quantidade de cimento e a energia de compactação utilizada, a fim de proporcionar uma mistura que atenda aos requisitos de projeto e que seja viável de executar em obra com os recursos materiais e financeiros disponíveis. O programa experimental compreendeu a realização de 17 ensaios triaxiais, drenados e não drenados, analisados em conjunto com resultados já obtidos em estudos anteriores. Análises do comportamento tensão-deformação, variação volumétrica-deformação axial, geração de poropressão, trajetórias de tensões drenadas e não drenadas, envoltórias de resistência, comportamento tensão-dilatância, da aplicação da teoria do estado crítico e uma breve análise estatística embasaram a comprovação de que o parâmetro η/Civ é adequado para previsão do comportamento de corpos de prova de areia artificialmente cimentados. / The adoption of soil improvement techniques is becoming more frequent in geotechnical works, however, the dosage criteria and the parameters used to predict the soil behavior do not seem to follow the technological evolution of these techniques. The state parameter for sands (ψ) cannot represent the behavior of artificially cemented sands because it considers only the influence of the void ratio and the stress state. It is proposed to establish the porosity/volumetric content of cement (η/Civ) as a state parameter for artificially cemented sands, since it is a rational criterion which relates the porosity of the compacted mixture to the volumetric content of cement added. By using this parameter, it is possible to calibrate the amount of cement and the compaction energy used in order to provide a mixture that meets the design requirements and that is feasible to perform on site construction with the material and financial resources available there. The experimental program included the realization of 17 triaxial testes, performed in the drained and undrained conditions, analyzed simultaneously with other results obtained from previous studies. Analysis of stress-strain behavior, volumetric variation-axial strain, pore pressure development, drained and non-drained stress paths, resistance envelope, stress-dilatation behavior, the application of the critical state theory, and a brief statistical analysis supported that the η/Civ parameter is suitable for predicting the behavior of artificially cemented sand specimens.

A fim de avaliar a contribuição das ligações cimentantes no comportamento tensão-deformação dos solos cimentados, bem como quantificar a variação das tensões de início de plastificação e incremento de tensão de plastificação em função do índice de vazios de cura, foram realizados dezoito ensaios de compressão isotrópica em amostras artificialmente cimentadas curadas com diferentes tensões confinantes, índices de vazios e teores de cimento. As amostras foram inicialmente adensadas a várias tensões confinantes ao longo da linha de compressão normal do solo sem cimentação, simulando a formação de elementos de solos em diferentes profundidades de um depósito sedimentar cimentado. Após o adensamento, as amostras eram curadas para posterior aplicação de incrementos de tensão isotrópica. Complementarmente, dezenove ensaios triaxiais drenados foram realizados em amostras artificialmente cimentadas curadas sob diferentes tensões confinantes e índices de vazios de forma a analisar as modificações dos parâmetros de resistência, deformabilidade e plastificação em função do índice de vazios e tensão de cura. Por final, um novo modelo matemático foi proposto para simular os ensaios isotrópicos das amostras curadas com diferentes índices de vazios e teores de cura, descrevendo o comportamento teórico dos elementos de solo situados nas diferentes profundidades do depósito fictício de solo cimentado. A capacidade do modelo de simular os resultados dos ensaios isotrópicos para uma gama ampla de índice de vazios de cura e teores de cimento também foi apresentada. Comentários acerca das respostas obtidas com simulações de amostras curadas a altos e baixos índices de vazios, e solicitadas a elevadas tensões isotrópicas, também são apresentadas juntamente com uma análise dos três parâmetros adicionais requeridos pelo modelo em relação ao modelo Cam Clay: um parâmetro de medida de nível de cimentação, um parâmetro definidor do tipo de comportamento da estrutura cimentante (rígido, rígido-plástico, linear, etc.), e um parâmetro que relaciona a magnitude das tensões da estrutura cimentante com o nível de cimentação da amostra. / To evaluate the contribution of cementation on the stress-strain behaviour of cemented soils, as well as to quantify the variation of the initial yielding stress and yielding stress increment based on the curing void ration, a series of eighteen isotropic compression tests were performed en artificially cemented samples cured under different confining stresses, void ratio and cement content. The samples were initially consolidated to different stresses on the normal compression line of the non-cemented soil, in order to simulate the soil formation at different depths in cemented sedimentary deposits. After consolidated, the samples were cured and then isotropic increments of tension were applied. Complementary, nineteen drained triaxial tests were performed on artificially cemented samples cured under different confining stresses and void ratio in order to analyze the modification on the shear strength parameters, deformability and yielding based on the void ratio and curing stress. At the end, a new mathematical model was proposed to simulate the isotropical tests performed on samples cured with different void ratio and cement content, describing the theorical behavior of the soil elements situated on different depths of a fictitious deposit of cement soil. The model’s ability to simulate the results of the isotropic tests performed for a wide range of curing void ratio and cement was also presented. Comments about the simulations of samples cured with low and high void ratios and consolidated to high isotropic stresses are also presented together with an analysis of the three additional parameters required by the model in relation to Cam Clay model: a parameter measuring the cementation level, a parameter defining the kind of cementing structure behaviour (rigid, rigid-plastic, linear, etc.) and a parameter that relates the stress magnitude of the cementing structure with the cementation level of the sample.

[pt] Muitos autores concordam que areias em estado fofo, sob carregamento não drenado crescente e granulometria favorável à liquefação, necessariamente liquefazem em algum momento. Este trabalho tem como objetivo principal avaliar se duas amostras de areia, com características muito distintas uma da outra, submetidas às mesmas condições descritas acima, entram em liquefação. A primeira amostra é uma areia limpa que foi extraída de um aterro hidráulico localizado em Camboinhas, Niterói, RJ, Brasil. A segunda é um rejeito arenoso de ferro extraído de uma barragem de rejeitos localizada em Mariana, MG, Brasil. As avalições foram feitas através de ensaios de compressão triaxial com deformação controlada. Avaliou-se o comportamento desses materiais em condições de baixa compacidade e sob diferentes tensões de confinamento, com a finalidade de observar se ocorreria a liquefação. Em caso de não ocorrência da liquefação, o objetivo era compreender os motivos de tal resposta e no caso de ocorrência, avaliar a influência da tensão de confinamento, assim como delimitar as zonas de instabilidade não drenada. Verificou-se que a areia de Camboinhas entrou em liquefação total apenas para tensões de confinamento baixas, e apresenta comportamento oposto ao comportamento normal de solos arenosos fofos, tendo baixa resistência à liquefação em baixa tensão de confinamento e alta resistência à liquefação em grandes tensões de confinamento. O rejeito arenoso de Mariana entrou em liquefação total em tensões de confinamento baixas e altas. O rejeito apresentou comportamento diferente da areia de Camboinhas e semelhante ao comportamento normalmente obtido em solos arenosos fofos sob condições não drenadas. / [en] Many authors agree that loose sands, under increasing undrained loading and liquefaction favorable granulometry, necessarily liquefy at some moment. This work has as main objective to evaluate if two sand specimens, with characteristics very different from each other, under the same conditions as described above, enter into liquefaction. The first specimen is a clean sand that was extracted from a hydraulic embankment located in Camboinhas, Niterói, RJ, Brazil. The second is a sandy tailing of iron extracted from a tailing dam located in Mariana, MG, Brazil. The evaluations were made through triaxial compression tests with controlled deformation. The behavior of these materials was evaluated under conditions of low compactness and under different confininig pressure, in order to observe if liquefaction would occur. In case of no liquefaction, the objective was understand the reasons for such response and in case of occurrence, evaluate the influence of the confining pressure, as well as mark the zones of instability undrained. It was verified that the Camboinhas sand entered in total liquefaction only for low confining pressure, and it has the opposite behavior to the normal behavior of loose granular soils, having low strength to liquefaction in low confining pressure and high strength to liquefaction in large confining pressure. The Mariana granular tailing also entered in total liquefaction for low and higth confinig pressure. The tailing showed different behavior of the Camboinhas sand and similar to the behavior normally obtained in loose granular soils under undrained conditions.