Water Content Influence on Properties of Red-Layers in Guangzhou Metro Line, China

Abstract

In order to reveal water content influence on shear strength, swelling, and creep properties of red-layers in Guangzhou Metro, Southern China, the typical red-layers rock and soil specimens were experimentally studied by direct shear test, UU triaxial test, swelling test, and creep test, and the measured data were analyzed. The results showed that soil internal friction angle exponentially decreased with the water content increase and cohesion in accordance with the Gaussian function firstly increased and then decreased with the increase of water content. Expansion rate significantly decreased with the initial water content increase. The red sandstone had very strong isotropic expansion and disintegration properties. The mechanism of water content effect on red-layers properties was water induced microstructures and mineral compositions change which caused the macro physical and mechanical characteristics degradation. The results should provide the reference for further research for water induced damage mechanism or creep damage control of red-layers in engineering practice.