Effect of Organic Matter Components on the Mechanical Properties of Cemented Soil

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 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.

Special Issue “Construction Materials and Other Related Materials: Basic Theory, Applied Technology and Advanced Research Methods”

“…The present study conducted by Shao et al [ 4 ] examines the impact of organic matter constituents, namely fulvic acid (FA) and humic acid (HA), on the mechanical characteristics of cemented soil. The research findings indicate the association between an increase in the FA/HA ratio with a decrease in the uniaxial compressive strength of cemented soil while concurrently enhancing its compressibility.…”

“…Drawing upon the fundamental principles of mechanics, this approach continually incorporates the most recent research discoveries from mechanics and related fields, enhancing the disciplinary knowledge reservoir and adeptly tackling engineering challenges. This Issue encompasses theoretical and applied research contributions, with a particular emphasis on fostering collaboration across other disciplines [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ].…”

“…A classification scheme was created based on the themes and areas of attention of the study publications. The 15 papers in this Special Issue were divided into four general categories: Multi-Phase Materials and Enhancers, which investigated the analysis and evaluation of mechanical properties and performance enhancement methods for various materials [ 2 , 3 , 5 , 9 ]; Geotechnical Mechanics and Soil Engineering, which examined topics like rock mechanics, swelling pressure–suction relationship, grout properties, and excavation-induced ground response [ 1 , 6 , 7 , 14 ]; Concrete Mechanics and Materials, which concentrated on the effects of organic matter components, constitutive relationships, and concrete strength [ 4 , 8 , 15 ]; (Hydro-mechanics, Groundwater, and Slope Stability, involving the study of the time-dependent effect of seepage force on hydraulic fracture initiation and the failure mechanism of slopes during heavy rainfall events [ 11 , 12 , 13 ]. …”

“…Concrete Mechanics and Materials, which concentrated on the effects of organic matter components, constitutive relationships, and concrete strength [ 4 , 8 , 15 ];…”