Measurement of Changes of Stiffness Due to Saturation on Crushed Gravel Made from Weak Rock

Abstract

Crushed gravel derived from weak rocks can be susceptible to degradation of its material properties. Saturation of this gravel can lead to significant changes. This article focuses on the laboratory measurement of crushed claystone from Czech Republic under 1D compression conditions. The tests involved varying initial water content, and samples were saturated at specific loads. Parameters of interest included the vertical deformation of the sample and changes in stiffness during loading and due saturation of the sample. The measurements revealed, that the saturation of this crushed gravel has a significantly affects its stiffness, leading to high compaction of the loaded sample. This process could potentially have a substantial negative impact on ground construction using this material.