Since cemented sands are common to many seismically active areas of the world, a better understanding of the response of these sands to cyclic loads is needed. The response of artificially cemented soils is important as well, due to their role in ground modification. Admixtures such as lime and cement have been used to increase soil strength, and promising methods to mitigate liquefaction risk in built-up areas are being developed based on grouting techniques. The main objectives of the proposed research are to improve the fundamental understanding of cemented sands and to develop methods to predict their response to monotonic and cyclic loads.

From: Z. D. Jastrzebski (1959) Nature and Properties of Engineering Materials

This project is designed to investigate if GGBFS is an appropriate material for ground modification for different clays. It will provide information regarding the improved strength and deformation characteristics of the modified clays, which will be beneficial in the design, construction, and repair of roadways. The goal of this research is to determine the mechanisms by which the mechanical properties of soils are improved with the addition of GGBFS, and develop guidelines for its use.

Damage from recent earthquakes has provided evidence that one of the current challenges for engineers and scientists is the mitigation of losses from future earthquakes. Our built environment contains a large number of structures designed and constructed before the development and implementation of modern seismic design specifications, tools, and procedures. Therefore we need accurate models to represent the soil and structure to predict performance during earthquakes and develop retrofit methods. This objective of this project is to develop and implement soil models and interface elements.