Evolution of layered physical properties in soluble mixture: Experimental and numerical approaches

The dissolution of soluble minerals may influence the mechanical properties of soils used in earth structures or foundations and may compromise the safety of such structures. This study focuses on changes in the physical properties of soluble mixtures (salt–sand mixtures) during dissolution. Experimental and numerical studies are performed to monitor the behavior of particulate materials during the dissolution process in soluble mixture. Experimental results show that during salt dissolution the shear wave velocity decreases, and subsequently increases to a stable value. Dissolution initiated from the bottom plate causes shear wave velocities to increase slightly in the upper layer, as a result of fabric changes, arching (force chain) generation, and horizontal stress locking. Numerical results show that the mixture fabric changes to a more anisotropically packed state, and becomes more unstable, due to the dissolution. The experimental and numerical results provide valuable insights into the micro-behaviors of soluble mixtures.