Dynamic properties of sand- EPS geofoam beads mixtures / Safwat Hassan Hussein Ramadan ; Supervised Mohamed Abdullah Elkhouly , Rami Mahmoud Elsherbiny

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Engineering - Department of Civil Engineering

Soils modified with expanded polystyrene (EPS) particulates could be used as lightweight fill in a variety of geotechnical engineering applications including embankments over compressible soils. This research aims at investigating the static and dynamic properties of sand mixtures at increasing percentages of EPS. The evaluation of the mechanical properties of the sand-EPS mixtures included: static properties determined using CD triaxial tests, resonant column tests for low strain dynamic properties (Gmax and Dmin) and finally, cyclic triaxial tests for large strain dynamic properties. Results indicate that for each half percent increase in EPS content there is an average reduction of 12% in dry unit weight. The strength of the modified soils shows no reduction with the addition of EPS geofoam up to effective confining pressure of approximately 100 kPa. The influence of EPS content on the mixtures stiffness and damping at different strain amplitudes have been discussed and compared with results of typical soils reported in the literature. Overall, the present work showed good properties, which promote the use of the mix as an alternative construction material in geotechnical engineering applications

Issued also as CD