The Cohesive and Fatigue Damage Mechanics of Cement-Stabilized Soil Composites using New Generation Sustainable Cement

Abstract

In this study, fracture toughness (KIc) and cohesive fracture properties of sandy-clay soils stabilized with low (%2) and high (%10) cement under static and cyclic loading using semicircular (SCB) specimens were investigated by experimental and numerical analysis. Higher KIc values were obtained with samples containing high amounts of cement compared to soils containing low amounts of cement. A significant decrease in KIc value was also observed under cyclic loading compared to monotonic loading test results. Load-crack opening displacement (COD) plots obtained by cyclic loading experiments showed high plastic deformation accumulation before final fracture. Beside these, cohesive and stable critical crack length and the initiation of unstable crack propagation were determined using nonlinear simulations and cohesive fracture analyses of the FRANC2D program. Thus, combined evaluation of the findings from both experimental and numerical studies in this research could lead to improved design strategies for stabilized soil composites by strengthening a comprehensive understanding of fracture mechanics alongside empirical data.