Analysis of the Direct Shear Test and Microstructure of the Lunar Soil Simulant Solidified by Sodium Silicate

The lunar soil is an ideal building material for future base construction. In order to improve the strength of soil, basalt with similar composition was used simulate due lack real and simulated reinforced sodium silicate. study direct shear mechanical properties by silicate solidification, a series tests SEM microstructure were carried out, stress-displacement whole process curve obtained. Influence law characteristic parameters such as strength, deformation modulus, peak energy dissipation studied. results test show that stress-shear displacement sample changes from hardening softening increase content. modulus increased first then decreased. When content 5%, reached maximum, which 560 kPa 7224 kPa, respectively. addition 5% increases coefficient about 12%. microscopic N-A-S-H gel AFt formed alkali excitation adsorption will connect simulant particles into network structure, thereby improving strength.