A cohesive-frictional constitutive model for cemented sand based on in-situ X-Ray computed tomography

Cement stabilization is used to improve weak soils that support civil infrastructures. The mechanical behaviour of improved soils has been extensively investigated in the laboratory using conventional equipment. However, our knowledge of micro-mechanical behaviour of cemented sands are limited. This project investigated the mechanical behaviour cemented sand using in-situ X-Ray computed tomography. Small-scale experiments on cement bonds and cemented sand under pure shear, tension, compression and triaxial loading were conducted. Finally, a new cohesive-frictional constitutive model for cemented sand was developed based on experimental results and validated for triaxial loading conditions with improved predictions of mechanical behaviour and failure mechanisms.