The influence of freeze–thaw cycles on the shear strength of illite clay

Geo-energy infrastructure, such as ground source heat systems (thermo-active structures), induce thermal cycles that can result in changes of the bearing capacity of soil by changing, for example, the void ratio, soil structure, unit weight and hydraulic conductivity. The influence of repeated freeze/thaw (FT) cycles and different freezing rates...

Concrete Flow in Diaphragm Wall Panels: A Full-Scale In-Situ Test

Flow processes, taking place during the concreting of diaphragm wall panels (D-wall panels), are of great importance for the quality of the wall. During this phase, the bentonite, present in the excavated trench, should be completely replaced by concrete in a controlled way. In literature several cases are described in which this process...

Tunnel Face Stability & New CPT Applications

Nearly all tunnels bored in soft soils have encountered problems with the stability of the tunnel face. In several cases these problems led to an extended stand-still of the boring process. A better understanding of the face stability, and of the soil conditions around the tunnel boring machine, can reduce the risks during boring, and can avoid...

Appraisal of stickiness of natural clays from laboratory tests

Excavation of clayey soils by mechanical tools is often hindered by the stickiness of the clay on metal parts. Hindrance may occur at the cutting tool itself, or during the subsequent transport of the soil through the excavation system. The effects of stickiness were also experienced in a recent tunnel boring project carried out in The...