不同颗粒级配下石英砂-钙质砂统一临界状态模型

Unified critical state model for quartz sand and calcareous sand under different particle gradations

  • 摘要: 石英砂与钙质砂是内陆地区和南海岛礁的主要建筑材料,不同砂土颗粒级配差异显著,研究颗粒级配对砂土临界状态线演化的影响是建立石英砂与钙质砂统一临界状态数学模型的迫切需求。以福建石英砂和南海某吹填岛礁钙质砂为对象,引入颗粒级配参数(IG)表征砂土颗粒级配,开展3种颗粒级配和4种相对密实度下的三轴等向固结排水剪切试验,探究砂土颗粒破碎与临界状态内在联系随颗粒级配的演化规律。结果表明:随着IG从0.603增至0.773,砂样峰值强度提高,达到峰值强度所需轴向应变减小。石英砂和钙质砂临界状态线都随IG增大而向下移动,石英砂颗粒破碎小,临界状态线斜率几乎不变。随着应力水平和IG增大,钙质砂的相对破碎率差值逐渐增大,临界孔隙比差值逐渐减小,导致其临界状态线发生旋转,斜率减小。建立适用于石英砂和钙质砂的统一颗粒级配参数-相对破碎率-临界孔隙比定量关系式,临界孔隙比计算值约为实测值的0.85~1.15倍。基于砂土状态相关剪胀方程,提出考虑颗粒级配影响的本构模型,能够准确预测石英砂和钙质砂在不同颗粒级配、不同密实度和不同应力水平下的剪切特性。不同颗粒级配和固结压力引起的颗粒破碎差异,是导致剪切后砂土临界状态线发生旋转的主要原因。

     

    Abstract: Quartz sand and calcareous sand are extensively utilized as fundamental construction materials in inland regions and South China Sea island reefs, respectively. These two types of sand exhibit markedly different particle gradation characteristics, which play a pivotal role in determining their mechanical behavior, particularly the evolution of the critical state line (CSL). Establishing a unified critical state mathematical model that accurately captures the influence of particle gradation is of paramount importance for addressing practical engineering challenges such as foundation design, slope stability analysis, and infrastructure development in diverse geological environments. This study aims to bridge the gap between the behavior of quartz sand and calcareous sand by developing a comprehensive framework that incorporates particle gradation effects. The experimental investigation employed a systematic approach using triaxial isotropically consolidated drained shear tests on carefully prepared specimens of Fujian quartz sand and calcareous sand collected from a reclaimed island reef in the South China Sea. The particle gradation parameter (IG) was introduced as a robust quantitative indicator to characterize particle size distributions. The experimental program was designed to encompass three distinct gradation conditions (IG = 0.603, 0.686, and 0.773) and four relative densities (Dr = 30%, 50%, 70%, and 90%) to ensure comprehensive coverage of possible field conditions. The comprehensive results from the experimental program revealed several significant findings. As IG increased from 0.603 to 0.773, both quartz and calcareous sands demonstrated substantial improvements in peak strength characteristics. Specifically, the peak strength enhancement was more pronounced in calcareous sand than in quartz sand under identical conditions. Concurrently, the axial strain required to reach peak strength decreased significantly, indicating a transition towards more brittle behavior. The critical state lines of both sand types exhibited downward shifts with increasing IG values; however, while quartz sand maintained essentially constant critical state line slopes due to minimal particle breakage, calcareous sand showed remarkable changes in both the position and orientation of its critical state line. Calcareous sand exhibited substantial particle breakage under increasing stress levels, with the relative breakage (Br) showing a strong correlation with both consolidation pressure and initial gradation. The differential relative breakage between different IG values increased with rising stress levels, while the corresponding differential critical void ratios decreased progressively. This interdependent relationship directly contributed to the observed rotation of the critical state line, with the slope decreasing as IG increased from 0.603 to 0.773. Based on these experimental observations, a unified quantitative relationship integrating the particle gradation parameter, relative breakage, and critical void ratio was developed through rigorous mathematical formulation. The model parameters were calibrated using advanced optimization techniques, resulting in excellent agreement between calculated and measured critical void ratios with ratios ranging from 0.85 to 1.15. The constitutive model, built upon the state-dependent dilatancy framework, successfully incorporates the effects of particle gradation through carefully derived mathematical expressions that account for the complex interactions between particle breakage, density conditions, and stress levels. Validation using independent experimental data from the literature confirmed the model's robustness and predictive capabilities across different loading conditions and initial states. The model demonstrates particular strength in capturing the transition from contractive to dilative behavior and accurately predicting the stress-strain response under various combinations of particle gradation, density, and confinement conditions. The research findings have substantial implications for geotechnical engineering practice, particularly for projects involving sand foundations, embankments, and offshore structures where particle gradation variations are inevitable. The developed model provides engineers with a practical tool for more accurate prediction of soil behavior, leading to improved design efficiency and enhanced safety margins. Future research directions include extending the model to incorporate time-dependent effects, cyclic loading conditions, and partial saturation scenarios to address an even wider range of practical applications.

     

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