ISSN: 1945-7545
CODEN: GTJODJ
Page Count: 5

Development of an Erosion Test for Soil Cement

Oswell, JM
Geotechnical engineer, EBA Engineering Consultants Ltd., Calgary, Alberta

Joshi, RC
Professor, The University of Calgary, Alberta,

Abstract

The development and initial testing of an erosion test apparatus for soil cement mixtures is described. The device differs from other test apparatuses in that it combines the impacting forces of waves and debris. The apparatus consists of a water jet that impacts the sample causing erosion and also a number of small stones that are activated by the water jet, resulting in further erosion of the test specimen.

Samples of plastic soil cement cured for different periods of time were tested in the apparatus. The pressure of the water jet was varied between 70 and 280 kPa (10 and 40 psi) to simulate impact of 1.5- to 6.5-m (5- to 21-ft) high waves of varying periods.

Preliminary test results (and regression equations for the data) obtained from testing of various mixes are presented. Test data suggest a strong correlation between compressive strength and erosion resistance. The data indicate that to minimize soil cement erosion caused by waves of even 1.5 m (5 ft) in height, soil cement should attain a compressive strength of 16 MPa (2300 psi) or higher.

Keywords:
soil cement, erosion tests, compressive strength, abrasion, impacting debris, water jet, soil cement erosion

Paper ID: GTJ10607J
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ10607J
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