Journal Published Online: 21 March 2013
Volume 36, Issue 3

Geotechnical Properties of Sucrose-Saturated Fused Quartz for Use in Physical Modeling

CODEN: GTJODJ

Abstract

This study presents the geotechnical properties of a synthetic transparent soil made of fused quartz saturated with a water-based sucrose solution that is suitable for modeling the behavior of sand in small-scale model tests. Geotechnical properties presented include particle size, dry density, peak angle of friction, hydraulic conductivity, and compressibility index. Sucrose is inert and non-toxic, which facilitates its use in educational settings. The availability of a safe and easy-to-use transparent sand permits measurement of three-dimensional deformation patterns and flow characteristics in controlled research experiments. The introduction of an aqueous solution permits the use of two immiscible pore fluids, one made of mineral oil and the other made of a sucrose solution, for modeling multi-phase flow problems, as well as coupled flow–deformation problems.

Author Information

Guzman, Ivan
Polytechnic Institute of New York Univ., Brooklyn, NY, US
Iskander, Magued
Polytechnic Institute of New York Univ., Brooklyn, NY, US
Pages: 7
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: GTJ20120182
ISSN: 0149-6115
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ20120182