Abstract: Currently, the flocculation-solidification combined method (FSCM) is a significant approach for the treatment and resource utilization of high-water-content dredged mud slurry (HW-MS). Extensive experimental evidence has demonstrated that flocculants significantly enhance the dewatering performance of slurry-like mud and amplify the strength multiplier effect through dehydration promotion. However, due to the complexity of the involved physicochemical processes, it remains unclear whether flocculants have additional effects on the curing reaction, shear behavior, and deformation characteristics of solidified mud beyond their role in enhancing dehydration and strength. Based on this, one-dimensional consolidation tests, unconfined compressive strength tests, and triaxial undrained shear tests were conducted to compare and analyze the compression, deformation, and triaxial shear characteristics of FSCM- and pure cement solidification method (PCSM)-treated slurry-like mud under no-dewatering conditions. Additionally, the study investigates the influence of flocculants on the strength and deformation characteristics of modified slurry-like mud under varying cementitious binder contents, focusing on the underlying mechanisms and patterns. Furthermore, field acoustic emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) analyses revealed the intrinsic mechanism at the microscopic level. The results show that, even without dehydration, flocculant addition does not adversely affect the strength development of modified slurry-like mud but significantly enhances its toughness. Under similar peak strength conditions, FSCM solidified slurry-like mud exhibits significantly higher failure strain compared to PCSM solidified mud, with its stress-strain behavior transitioning from brittle to ductile. Flocculant-induced toughness enhancement improves the safety and freeze-thaw resistance of modified slurry-like mud fills.

Key words: slurry-like mud, flocculation, solidification, strength, stress-strain behavior, deformation characteristics