Interface direct shear tests with novel binders

Abstract

In the offshore/marine environment, foundation elements need to be particularly long or wide in diameter in order to reach a competent bearing stratum through weak, low-strength sediments. The seabed conditions in oil&gas and renewable energy projects can be difficult, and the skin friction produced during driving operations could be insufficient to support the service loads placed on the structures. In this study, low-pressure injections of an acrylate gel and a colloidal silica product were made into reference sand, and interface direct shear tests were conducted under constant stiffness conditions. Conventional ground improvement projects already employ these items. Oedometer tests on untreated sand were used to evaluate the stiffness properties of the sand, which provided the foundation for determining the stiffness in the DSTCNS system. At an initial low relative density (Dro) of 0.40, Holcim sand samples were generated. This value is thought to be representative of the top zone of normal sediment profiles under offshore settings. Shearing the sand over a steel plate has been done by direct shear experiments conducted under constant normal stiffness conditions. The effects of injection have been compared using pre- and post-grout interface shear tests. The new binders' activity is causing an increase in skin friction, according to the results.

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