Durability classification of red beds rocks in central Yunnan based on particle size distribution and slaking procedure

Moisture induced disintegration of soft rock in Red Beds is common all over the world. The slake durability index test is most useful to quantify durability of the soft rocks. Based on a series of slaking test, this article aims to develop a durability classification involving particle size and slaking procedure. To describe the slaking procedure in detail,the Relative Slake Durability Index(Id_i) is proposed. The Id_i is the percentage ratio of the i^(th) weight of oven-dry retained portion to the(i-1)^(th) weight of ovendry retained portion. Results show that the Id_i of samples have a large difference in certain slaking procedure, whereas the traditional Durability Slake Index(Id) is almost constant. Considering this limitation of Id in durability classification, an advanced classification by applying the Id_i and disintegration ratio(DR) is further established in this article. Compared to the durability classification based on Slake Durability Index(Id), the new classification accounts for the particle size of the slaked material and the slaking procedure, so it provides a better measure of the degree of slaking. The classification recommended in this article divide the slake durability into three classes(i.e., low, medium and high class). Furthermore, it divides both the low class and the medium class into 3 subclasses.

Modelling the Soil Loss in the Watershed of the Chaddad Wadi in Terms of Both Rockiness and Soil Slaking Indexes

Currently we are at a phase where morphogenesis is gaining more prominence and dimension regarding the pedogenesis. The numerous multidisciplinary studies on the soil showed that the erosive action as well as the various problems that result from it, bring out a very serious state of soil degradation in the semi-arid field [1]-[9]. Several attempts have established to set empirical and experimental methods for a quantitative estimation of soil loss caused by diffuse erosion. In this perspective, this research intends to track soil losses in the watershed of the Chaddad wadi, the average-flowing stream of the Nebhana wadi belonging to the lower semi-arid field. The main stream and its tributaries drain an area of 26.5 km2 from the eastern slopes of Ejhaf mountain (517 m) and Fartout mountain (476 m), as well as the southern slope of Ediour mountain (405 m). The dividing line of the waters with the Khalfallah wadi and Bel Assoued wadi is caused by rows of hills with an altitude ranging between 220 m and 306 m such as the hills of Sidi Salah and those of Es-Souida and Ain Fres. The Wischmeier Equation will be improved by two corrective parameters: the rockiness on the one hand and the soil slaking index on the other, aiming to develop and optimize the potential of this empirical model. This application allowed overcoming some of the limitations that came with the Wischmeier equation, which is primarily designed for an application within different physical conditions on the scale of a land plot. This research is an opportunity to make a detailed contribution to the potential sensitivity of the watershed to water erosion. A good demarcation of the physical anthropogenic framework of the erosive action will provide substantial support in terms of soil protection and the stabilization of watersheds emitting sediments.

SLAKING AN OLYMPIC THIRST

Chronically water-short Beijing is carrying out elaborate plans to ensure a steady flow for 2008 "Water demand during the 2008 Olympics will be guaranteed," said Wu Jisong, director of the water supply program under (he Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games. Wu's confident response belies what is, to say the least, a difficult situation. Beijing

Effect of slake durability on time dependent swelling behavior of red-bed siltstone in Sichuan Basin

The swelling behavior of red-bed rocks is a significant factor in the abnormal uplift of subgrades for high-speed railways constructed on the red stratum in the Sichuan Basin,China.The prime objective of this paper is to investigate the impact of mineralogical composition,moisture content,and overburden load on the time-dependent unconfined and oedometric swelling behavior of red-bed siltstone in the context of differences in the slake durability.Twenty samples were prepared for the swelling test,with eleven used for the unconfined swelling and slake index tests and nine for the oedometric swelling test.The temporal dependency of swelling is characterized by the viscosity coefficient of water absorption in a proposed swelling model.Results indicate that the swelling deformation of red-bed rocks is due to a combination of hydration swelling within the rock matrix and crack expansion caused by air breakage.In the unconfined swelling test,the final axial swelling strain of red-bed rocks decreases linearly with increasing slake index,while the viscosity coefficient increases exponentially with the slake index.In the oedometric swelling test,red-bed rocks with lower slake durability show greater sensitivity to lateral constraint and overburden load compared to those with higher slake durability.

Investigation on Fractal Characteristics of Disintegration Process and Strength of Rockfill under Water Pressure

The paper aimed to investigate internal mechanics between disintegration of the rockfill material and stability of the dam, and further provide scientific evidence for the design of rockfills, through the conducted disintegration of water pressure and triaxial test to analyze fractal characteristics, strength and deformation of the rockfill in whole disintegration procedure. As the results that the water pressure was low 0.2 MPa, the increasing water pressure would delay the disintegration rate of rockfill;while the water pressure was above 0.2 MPa, it would promote the disintegration rate of the rockfill. In addition, in the disintegration process, the cohesion force of rockfill rapidly slowed down at the beginning and then gradually increased. The internal friction angle increased gradually during the whole disintegration process. Furthermore, when the water pressure increased from 0 MPa to 0.6 MPa, the partial stress firstly decreased to a minimum level when the water pressure was 0.2 MPa, and then increased gradually with water pressure.

Water-induced softening behavior of clay-rich sandstone in Lanzhou Water Supply Project,China

The strength of clay-rich sandstone decreases significantly when in contact with water due to softening effects.This scenario can pose a severe threat to the stability of water diversion tunnels during construction and operation periods.To address the issues related to water-induced softening in clay-rich sandstone zones in a water diversion tunnel of Lanzhou Water Supply Project,the microscopic and micromechanical variations of rocks due to increasing water content in two different zones i.e.zones A and B,were determined by various testing methods,such as X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),thin section microscopy,micro-indentation test,sonic velocity test,and slake durability test.The microscopic analysis confirms the presence of montmorillonite mineral which is the dominant problematic geomaterial in engineering application.The integrity and durability of clay-rich sandstone were determined with sonic velocity and slake durability tests to calibrate the results obtained by the micro-indentation test.It shows that the elastic modulus and hardness of clay-rich sandstone decrease with the increase of saturation time,up to 144 h,which is more significant and rapid during early stage of saturation.After 144 h of saturation,the elastic modulus decreases by 89% and 97%,and the hardness decreases by 89% and 99% for zones A and B sandstones,respectively.The results of slake durability and sonic velocity indicate that zone A sandsto ne remains 56.19% durability after 144 h of saturation,while zone B sandstone loses its durability merely after 72 h of saturation.The clay-rich sandstone starts to dissolve in water when the saturation time exceeds 144 h.The significant decreases in strength and durability of clay-rich sandstone due to water-induced softening are serious threats to tunnel stability.The improvements in the strength of surrounding rock mass by grouting and permeability by installation of drainage galleries can reduce the damage caused by water-induced softening.

Comparative study on activating fly ash by quick lime and slaked lime: effects and kinetics

Lime, which is a frequently used activating agent of fly ash (FA), has two main states: slaked lime and quick lime. We studied the effects of slaked lime and quick lime on activating FA, and discussed their kinetics. The results show that slaked lime is more beneficial for activating FA than quick lime given the condition of equivalent CaO amount. The use of slaked lime has superiority in technology and economy on activating FA. Theoretical analysis revealed that the kinetic constant of the activation reaction using slaked lime is higher than using quick lime, credited to the better volume stability and fineness, and smaller water demand of slaked lime.

Effects of Spraying Plant Nutrient, Slaked Lime and Pokeberry Root Powder on Cadmium Reduction in Rice

The pot experiment was carried out in this study to further explore the impact of plant nutrient, slaked lime, pokeberry root powder on cadmium （Cd） absorption by rice, and to screen practical agronomic measures which could reduce the accumulation of cadmium. In the control treatment nothing but water was sprayed into rice, while in other treatments, plant nutrient, slaked lime and pokeberry root powder were sprayed on rice at the tillering stage, the heading stage and the dough stage, respectively. The plant samples and soil samples were collected after the harvest and then analyzed on aimed indexes. The results showed that Cd contents in rice plants were significantly decreased, total Cd contents in brown rice were significantly （P〈0.05） decreased after rice was sprayed with plant nutrient, slaked lime and pokeberry root powder at different growing stages. However, while rice was sprayed with the three materials all at the tillering stage, the heading stage and the dough stage, the total Cd contents in brown rice were decreased by a maximum reduction that was 53.4% to 57.5% below that of the control, which was signifcantly （P〈0.05） lower than other treatments. Meanwhile, the biggest reduction of Cd inrice sprayed with the three materials at the tillering stage was 19.6% to 35.1% below that of the control, which was signifcantly （P〈0.05） lower than other treatments. In conclusion, spraying plant nutrient, slaked lime and pokeberry root powder on rice at different growing stages could not only reduce the absorption accumulation of Cd by root system, but also change the activities of rice and physical and chemical properties of soil, and then inhibit the absorption of Cd by the root system and the transfer of Cd in the rice plant. Therefore, the multiple factors may be the main causes of reducing Cd contents in the brown rice when the three materials are sprayed on rice at different growing stages.