Date of Award
5-2015
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Advisor(s)
Dawit Negussey
Keywords
Continuous Joints, Geofoam, Image Analysis, Mix Density, Pre-straining
Subject Categories
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Abstract
In order to have a deeper understanding of the engineering performances of EPS geofoam, it is necessary to study the stress-strain response and internal strain distribution when loaded. In this investigation, the key objective is to study the stress-strain behavior of EPS geofoam under different conditions and develop construction practical suggestions when using geofoam. The scope of this research is divided into three main sections: (1) study the effect of induced anisotropy on the stress-strain behavior of EPS geofoam; (2) evaluate stress distribution within EPS blocks by using image analysis system; (3) analyze the effect of combining different EPS densities and also the different stress-strain reactions for the conditions of with and without continuous joints.
The pre-strain behavior of EPS blocks was analyzed by doing pre-loading tests on fresh samples and exhumed samples. Characteristics of inherent and induced anisotropy of EPS geofoam was investigated by testing pre-stressed geofoam. Induced anisotropy was observed to reduce the modulus significantly.
The non-contact image analysis system, ARAMIS, was used to search the different forms of stress-strain behavior and how the strain is distributed within the solid EPS blocks as well as the combined EPS with soft blocks, stiff blocks and those in-between. A GeoJac automatic load testing system with conventional displacement transducer was used together with ARAMIS. The strain distribution within the whole EPS geofoam and the average property of strain is illustrated and compared.
The effect of combining different EPS densities and the condition of with or without continuous joints when installed are demonstrated by doing laboratory tests and Finite Element Analysis at the same time.
Access
Open Access
Recommended Citation
Liu, Chen, "STRESS-STRAIN BEHAVIOR BY IMAGE ANALYSIS, MIX DENSITY AND PRE-STRAIN EFFECTS OF EPS GEOFOAM" (2015). Theses - ALL. 103.
https://surface.syr.edu/thesis/103
