Strength Recovery Model of Clay during Thixotropy

Thixotropy is a hot topic in the field of rheology of dispersed systems. Many researchers have proposed different models and hypotheses to explain the thixotropy of clay. In this paper, the strength recovery model of Zhanjiang Formation clay in the process of thixotropy is studied. Firstly, through unconfined compressive strength test, the influence of soil sensitivity, moisture content, and density on the strength growth of remolded soil was studied. The results show great influence of sensitivity, moisture content, and density on the thixotropic strength of the Zhanjiang Formation clay: the higher the sensitivity and the density, the stronger the thixotropy of soil; the higher the moisture content, the weaker the thixotropy of soil. Based on the test results, a strength recovery model of Zhanjiang Formation clay in the process of thixotropy was established. The model was verified by the validation test data and the data obtained from the existing literature. The results suggest that the model prediction is in good agreement with the verification test data and data from existing literature, which proves the confidence of the model in predicting the degree of strength recovery in the process of thixotropy of Zhanjiang Formation clay. The model provides basis for stability calculation of surrounding soil after construction disturbance of underground structures in this stratum.