Optimal water-cement ratio of cement-stabilized soil. (21st February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Fangtong; Li, Kaiqi; Liu, Yong
• Is Part Of: Construction & building materials. Volume 320(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02-21
• Subjects: Water-cement ratio -- Laboratory tests -- Deep soil mixing -- Cement-stabilized soil -- Boundary moisture content; Building materials -- Periodicals; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.126211
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-0618

Abstract

Highlights: An empirical model was proposed to estimate the optimal water-cement ratio. The calculated water-cement ratio can satisfy the fluidity and prevent bleeding. The strength and stiffness with the optimal water-cement ratio can be predicted. Abstract: Since the water-cement ratio of cement-stabilized soil has a significant influence on strength and stiffness, this study aimed to investigate a new water-cement ratio selection method for deep soil mixing construction. An empirical model was established to estimate the optimal water-cement ratio of cement-stabilized soil with different cement contents based on the results of a series of liquid limit tests, bleeding limit tests, particle grading tests, unconfined compressive tests, and viscosity tests. The water-cement ratio calculated by this model can satisfy the fluidity of the cement-stabilized soil and prevent bleeding. The test results indicate that the optimal water-cement ratio changes with the cement content, and it can be accurately described by the proposed model. Besides, this model can also predict the 7-day unconfined compressive strength and stiffness of cement-stabilized soil with the optimal water-cement ratios. The cement-stabilized soil with the optimal water-cement ratio can guarantee the uniformity and strength. The proposed model shall be of practical value in dealing with the engineering problems on the selection of water-cement ratio in deep soil mixing construction.