Mechanical behavior and microstructure evolution of Malan loess under dynamic compaction

Dynamic compaction is a common foundation treatment method for loess and it is significant to understand the mechanical behavior of loess after compaction for engineering construction in loess areas. To gain insight into the variation of mechanical properties and microscopic mechanisms of loess under different compaction conditions, a series of indoor tests including particle size analysis, oedometer test, unconfined compressive strength test and scanning electron microscope imaging were carried out using intact and compacted loess in the compaction field as test materials. The results show that the ameliorative effects of dynamic compaction on the compressibility, collapsibility, and compressive strength of loess decline with increasing soil depth. Furthermore, the mechanical behaviors of loess at the compaction point are more pronounced than that of the loess between compaction points. Although increasing the ramming energy can improve the reinforcement effect, it does not change the spatial variability of the engineering properties of compacted loess with depth, compaction point and inter- compaction location. During the compaction process, the directional distribution of pores is weakened and the morphological complexity is increased as the macropores within the loess change to mesopores and then to small pores and micropores. The sequence of evolution for the loess structure is overhead-mosaic-flocculent with an increase in compactness. In addition, the clay content and nonuniformity coefficient are all positively correlated with the mechanical properties. These discoveries help better cognition of the reinforcement process for Malan loess subjected to dynamic compaction, as well as the stability study of loess foundations.