Simulation of Lateral Earth Structure Resting on Gypseous Soil

Abstract

This study includes the behavior of lateral earth structures constructed on gypseous soil, wherein in some cases, we are forced to construct such heavy structures over such collapsible soil which may cause severe damage to the structures constructed. To recognize such a special case, a locally manufactured laboratory model was designed for this study. The model includes a thick and stiffened inside, rectangular plastic container (800*500*400mm). The soil used was natural gypseous soil with 5%gypsum content as a reference. additional gypsum percentages were mixed with the 5% gypseous soil reaches (25%, 40%, and 60%). The gypseous soil was compacted to 18kN/m3 density and placed at the lower portion of the container. A gravity precast concrete structure was prepared and placed over the collapsible soil. Highly permeable granular soil was placed beside the lateral gravity structure. Dial gauges were fixed at the top and beside the lateral concrete structure to investigate the vertical and horizontal deflection of such structures at dry and upon wetting by water from a special device manufactured locally, to simulate the rainfall of water from the top of the model, as in nature. The vertical and horizontal movements of the concrete wall are totally random, that is due to the uneven settlement of the wall resting on gypseous soil especially after 24 hours of continuous flooding of water because of fluctuation of water between soil particles and high dissolution of gypsum may have happened after this period due to leaching process and cavity formation ...