： Investigation of Saturated Loess Ground Base
Introduction
Soil is a key factor in the design and construction of all civil engineering works such as buildings, bridges, dams, and all kinds of structure. Soil behaves differently under different environmental conditions, and it is essential to understand its performance in conditions specific to the current project.
This paper focuses on saturated loess as a base for construction, which has unique behaviour and characteristics, and special measures must be taken to ensure that building teams are aware of the risks of working with this type of soil.
First we will look at the special physical characteristics of loess and then examine the processes available for analysing and investigating the saturated loess ground.
Physical Characteristics of Loess
Loess is a highly porous soil type that is mainly composed of silt and is characterised by its weak shear strength, good permeability and high erosion rate. It has a grey-yellow colour and consists primarily of windblown silty material. Loess also possesses a high porosity, so it is able to absorb and retain substantial amounts of water.
The strength of saturated loess compared to other soil types is relatively low, making it a challenging ground base for construction. Because of its lack of strength and stiffness, it is prone to settlement and deformation under loading and vibration, which can lead to failure. It is also very sensitive to heavy rainfall and can quickly become saturated, resulting in instability and danger to construction works, particularly large structures such as bridges, buildings and dams.
Analysis and Investigation
In order to accurately analyse and investigate the saturated loess ground, both laboratory and field techniques are necessary. In order to determine the behaviour of the saturated loess, it is important to collect information about the terrain, soil type, material properties and structural design, and use a range of laboratory and field testing processes to assess the performance of the ground.
The specific set of field tests and laboratory tests used to analyse and investigate the saturated loess ground will depend on the project, but typically they will include:
• Field survey of the site
• In-situ testing to measure soil properties
• Laboratory analysis of soil samples
• Geophysical survey of the site to investigate subsurface features
• Analysis of geological and geological formations
• Inspection of structural elements
Each of these methods have their own distinct advantages and drawbacks. For example, while field surveys can be used to quickly assess surface features and material properties, they lack the accuracy provided by in-situ testing of soil samples. On the other hand, in-situ testing can take much longer and can be much more costly than simply relying on field surveys for a quick assessment of soil conditions.
Conclusion
Saturated loess is a special type of soil with unique behaviour and characteristics, which can often present significant challenges for construction projects. An effective approach must be taken when analysing and investigating loess ground, with a thorough combination of both laboratory and field techniques. By accurately assessing the soil and preparing the necessary precautions, construction teams will be better equipped to deal with this unique material and its associated risks.
