Characterization of the Dynamic Properties of Clay–Gravel Mixtures at Low Strain Level

Abstract

In order to support the dynamic design of subgrade filling engineering, an experiment on the dynamic shear modulus (G) and damping ratio (D) of clay–gravel mixtures (CGMs) was carried out. Forty-two groups of resonant column tests were conducted to explore the effects of gravel content (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60%, which was the mass ratio of gravel to clay), gravel shape (round and angular gravels), and confining pressure (100, 200, and 300 kPa) on the dynamic shear modulus, and damping ratio of CGMs under the same compacting power. The test results showed that, with the increase of gravel content, the maximum dynamic shear modulus of CGMs increases, the referent shear strain increases linearly, and the minimum and maximum damping ratios decrease gradually. In CGMs with round gravels, the maximum dynamic shear modulus and the maximum damping ratio are greater, and the referent shear strain and the minimum damping ratio are smaller, compared to those with angular gravels. With the increase of confining pressure, the maximum dynamic shear modulus and the referent shear strain increase nonlinearly, while the minimum and maximum damping ratios decrease nonlinearly. The predicting equation for the dynamic shear modulus and the damping ratio of CGMs when considering confining pressure, gravel content, and shape was established. The results of this research may put forward a solid foundation for engineering design considering low-strain-level mechanical performance.