Triaxial test on load-bear capacity of the vibro-compaction coral sand foundation in the South China Sea

Vibro-compaction is the main improvement method for hydraulic reclamation coral sand sites. Currently, the load-bearing characteristics of coral sand composite foundation reinforced by vibro-compaction have not been clarified. This paper investigates strength characteristics of coral sand composite samples (core and shell) by artificially preparing radial variable-density coral sand composite samples and performing consolidated drained triaxial tests under different area replacement rates, core-shell density ratios, and confining pressures. The results of the study show that the contribution of the core gradually increases with the increasing area replacement rate. The peak strength and peak friction angle of samples also increase gradually, but the growth tendency gradually slows down. The stress concentration coefficient of sample core is variable and follows a development pattern of first increasing and then decreasing. The secant Young's modulus of composite samples increases in a power function type with the increase of area replacement rate. The particle breakage of samples is mainly the rupture and abrasion of the 0.5–1 mm and 0.1–0.25 mm particle groups that serve as fillers. The research results can provide technical support for coral reef engineering construction.