S-wave velocity in samples of calcareous waste

Abstract

The studies have been carried out in the calcareous waste area “White Seas” of the closed factory Solvay Sodium Plant in Krakow in southern Poland. The study was conducted to determine the S-wave velocity of samples of the anthropogenic subsoil. It was aimed at the possibility of using post-production waste for construction purposes. Due to the high humidity of the analysed samples, the tests were carried out on samples taken using Shelby type probes, from the 12m borehole. The saturation level of soil samples was estimated based on Skempton’s law (B>0.95). The Swave velocity was determined depending on the different degree of saturation as well as the different degree of consolidation of the soil sample. Only S-wave velocity was analysed because properties of samples caused difficulties in determining of the first arrivals of P-wave. The measurements were carried out in the triaxial apparatus equipped with Bender element (BE). Finally, the shear modulus G of the samples were calculated. Results showed the effect of S-wave velocity increase with increase of degree of saturation and with the increase of effective stress in tested samples. The Swave velocity significant increased up to about 100 kPa, and then this increase was smaller.

Keywords

• Solvay plant
• Calcareous waste
• Bender element test
• P- and S- wave velocity