CONSTANT-VOLUME FRICTION ANGLE OF GRANULAR MATERIALS

The postulate that the constant-volume friction angle phi sub cv of a granular material is unique and a function of mineral composition is verified experimentally. Granular materials comprised of particles ranging from minerals to metals are tested in a ring shear apparatus. Test samples are subjected to large shear displacements until a constant lower bound friction angle 0 sub cv is mobilized. Possible effects of confining pressure, initial packing density, gradation, and particle shape on the value of 0 sub cv are investigated. Friction angles mobilized in drained shear at the instant of maximum contraction and in undrained shear at phase transformation and steady state are compared with 0 sub cv values. The experimental results confirm a broader fundamental significance of 0 sub cv as a material parameter in that it is a consistent minimum drained friction angle equal to friction angles mobilized at phase transformation and steady state in undrained shear.

• Corporate Authors:

  National Research Council of Canada

  1200 Montreal Road
  Ottawa, Ontario  Canada  K1A 0R6
• Authors:
  • Negussey, D
  • Wijewickereme, WKD
  • Vaid, Y P
• Publication Date: 1988-2

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 50-55
• Serial:
  • CANADIAN GEOTECHNICAL JOURNAL
  • Volume: 25
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: National Research Council of Canada

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Friction; Granular materials; Ring stress; Steady state
• Uncontrolled Terms: Friction angle; Ring shear
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; I42: Soil Mechanics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00469046
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 30 1988 12:00AM