Influence of Cement Type and Sample Preparation on the Small-Strain Behaviour of Sands

Cementing of soil grains occurs naturally in many weak rocks and soils due to various environmental processes, which might be attributed mainly to the stress state, curing, and type of cement. This study reports an intensive series of triaxial testing results based on the small-strain measurements of artificially cemented sand grains. Influence of five different sample preparation methods, and four different cement types on the triaxial behaviour, were studied. The cementing agents used during the experimental works were gypsum, lime, calcite, and Portland cement. It was observed that type of cement has a significant effect on the testing results. The change in triaxial behaviour of sands due to the differences in sample preparation techniques was slightly affected by Portland cement, but significantly affected by the gypsum, lime, and calcite.