This article experimentally evaluates the influence of the sample preparation method on the undrained monotonic and cyclic response of a saturated Malaysian kaolin. Two different sample preparation methods were adopted: slurry consolidation and moist compaction. The results of undrained monotonic triaxial tests showed the same critical state friction angle regardless of the sample preparation method and overconsolidation ratio. Under undrained cyclic loading, the well-known reduction in the number of cycles required to reach failure conditions with increasing cyclic stress ratios was evident regardless of the sample preparation method. However, important qualitative differences were observed depending on the sample preparation method, such as the degree of inherent anisotropy manifested in terms of the inclination of the effective stress paths, and the asymmetric vertical strain accumulation in the stress-strain space. The reasons for the observed differences in behavior are analyzed and discussed in the manuscript.

In the exploration of the moon and outer space, our preliminary mission lies in the construction of lunar base. To make lunar concrete with local materials on the moon becomes the key technology to promote the construction of lunar bases. In order to further study the feasibility of using lunar in-situ resources to prepare concrete and build a lunar base, the environment and resources on the lunar surface are analyzed, and the severe challenges brought by extreme environment to concrete preparation and the prerequisites of in-situ resources are clarified. In this paper, the research progress of lunar concrete is summarized from the aspects of raw material acquisition, concrete preparation methods and performance, and the comparative analysis of cement concrete, sulfur concrete, geopolymer concrete and polymer concrete is carried out. Existing studies have shown that in the acquisition of raw materials, sulfur concrete has more advantages, cement concrete and geopolymer concrete are also feasible, but polymer, as a scarce resource on the moon, is difficult to obtain. In terms of preparation methods, cement concrete and geopolymer concrete are more suitable for the production of prefabricated components in artificial environment due to the limitation of external environment and the demand of water circulation, while the in-situ preparation methods represented by sulfur concrete and polymer concrete can be used for the connection and node reinforcement of prefabricated components on the moon. In terms of performance, the mechanical properties of the four kinds of concrete all meet the basic requirements, but the service performance in the harsh environment of the moon needs to be further studied. Meanwhile, the key location characteristics for lunar base construction in different regions are analyzed in terms of topography, environment and in-situ resources. Finally, the future exploration direction of the construction of the lunar bases is proposed.

Planting concrete (PC) is a type of sustainable concrete. It remains challenging to prepare and design a PC by considering complex factors such as voidage and alkalinity. In this paper, preparation and mix design methods of PC are reviewed and compared, with particular emphasis on the influence of various factors on permeability, mechanical properties, durability, and plant compatibility. Alkali reduction measures, vegetation testing, and plant compatibility cannot be ignored in the design of PC. 25 similar to 30% voidage and 8-10 pH can ensure the durability of vegetation concrete, physiological characteristics of plants and fertilizer retention performance. In addition, the paper summarizes the application of PC in water purification, slope protection and green roof establishment. The cost and applicable conditions of different slope protection methods are further compared and analyzed. Finally, several essential areas that require further research efforts are suggested based on the current research results, including research direction and challenges of PC.