Experimental study on comprehensive improvement of shear strength and erosion resistance of yellow mud in Qiang Village

Abstract

To achieve better mechanical properties and higher scour resistance of yellow mud in Qiang Village, this study investigated how to improve yellow mud by single factors of straw, starch, cement, and epoxy resin. First, the effect of each material on the shear strength of yellow mud was analyzed through the direct shear test, and the effect of the respective material on the scour resistance of yellow mud was examined using a self-made spray device. Subsequently, combined with the results of the two experiments, the improvement effect of the material was comprehensively studied, and the optimal dosage of the respective material was determined. Lastly, an electron microscope was used to observe the microscopic morphology of the samples, and the improvement mechanism of each material was discussed from qualitative and quantitative perspectives. As revealed by the results, straw, starch, cement, and epoxy resin improved the shear strength and scour resistance of yellow mud. Peaks of straw, starch, and epoxy resin were found in their corresponding properties-dosage curves, corresponding to the optimal dosage in the experimental range. The corresponding performance curve of cement showed a unidirectional change, which was found with a significant improvement effect.