Abstract:
Polymers are well established in geotechnical applications, for example in ground improvement, where
the polymers act as a binder that, when cured, holds the grains together by adhesive and cohesive forces.
The subject of this research work is an innovative composite of polymers and gravel, which differs from
conventional grouting materials due to its adjustable material properties. With these specific properties,
the semi-rigid material can be optimally adapted to the local ground conditions and the individual
framework conditions of a construction project.
For the characterization of the composite material, state-of-the-art methods, such as image processing by
segmentation, are presented. Segmentation is suitable for quality assurance and monitoring of laboratory
samples and soil samples directly from ground improvement on the construction site. The load-bearing
capacity of the innovative material can even be increased to the order of magnitude of concrete. For this
reason, the soil mechanical laboratory tests in this research had to be modified and even expanded by rock
mechanical laboratory tests.
Based on the experimental investigations, the importance of this innovative material for practical
application is demonstrated by a calculation example from construction practice, which shows that even
difficult ground conditions can be handled with it.