Luo Qiang

An oversize correction method of dry density for non-cohesive soils filling the embankment of high-speed railway

Non-cohesive soils have been widely used in construction of high-speed railway for their excellent physical and mechanical properties, and the determination of maximum and minimum dry density of such soils containing oversize particles is an important topic. In this study, the influence of oversize particles on dry density of non-cohesive soils is investigated by packing tests. Test results show that oversize particles will make “extra” voids around their surfaces, which increase significantly if the size ratio of oversize material to matrix material is not very big. The dry density of the total material will be overestimated by Elimination Method due to the omission of the “extra” voids. Thus, a geometric model is proposed by which the “extra” voids can be taken into account, and a new oversize correction method for non-cohesive soils is developed. Test results confirm the applicability of this method on the condition of oversize fraction being less than 40% by mass.