Stability of long trench in soft soils by bentonite-water slurry

Abstract

A series of centrifuge model tests exploring the effects of different types of slurry on long-trench stability in soft clay were conducted. The influence of groundwater conditions relative to trench stability was examined by constructing long trenches using different slurries. The soil deformation and surface settlement induced by the excavation of the trench are found to be closely related to slurry type and excavation depth of the long trench. Increasing the bentonite concentration of the slurry has beneficial effects on stability: 1) larger particles can improve local and global stability in cases where filter cakes do not form, and 2) larger viscosity can promote filter cake formation on the walls of long trenches excavated in soft clay and enhance their stability.

Keywords

slurry trench / soft clay / stability / centrifuge model test

References

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