Patterns in the thermal stability of soils

Conclusions

• 1. As a result of the investigations performed, the need for a complex approach to the study of thermal effects in rock is well founded, an approach which would permit the establishment of optimal regimes for thermal action for maximum strengthening of a rock mass.

• 2. The maximum strengthening effect at T=550°C is attained without altering the crystal structure and is caused by the partial sintering of the particles because of a decrease in pore space, due to the removal of free and physically bound water as well as to the uniform grain size, i.e., the presence of a large amount of a finely dispersed clay fraction (38–77%).

• 3. With thermal effects, the structural and textural features of the rocks must be considered, which will permit the determination of the expediency of their use in strengthening a rock mass.