Study on the Shear Strength Characteristics of Remolded Laterite from Western Henan under Different Moisture Contents

Abstract

In the western Henan region of China, laterite, as a typical type of special soil, plays a significant role in the engineering properties that directly impact infrastructure development and geological disaster prevention in the area. The effect of moisture content on its mechanical properties is particularly significant. To investigate the relationship between the shear strength and moisture content of remolded laterite in western Henan, this study employs a ring shear device to conduct shear tests under various moisture content and vertical stress conditions. The analysis of the shear strength variation with strain reveals that as moisture content increases, the shear strength generally decreases. After exceeding 30% moisture content, the shear strength decreases rapidly. The cohesion decreases quickly at first with increasing moisture content, then more slowly, and finally decreases sharply. The internal friction angle decreases gradually with increasing moisture content, but the rate of decrease accelerates only after the moisture content surpasses 30%. This study provides a theoretical basis for foundation treatment and slope stability assessment in laterite areas.