Particle Shape Effects on Packing Density, Stiffness, and Strength: Natural and Crushed Sands

The size and shape of soil particles reflect the formation history of the grains. In turn, the macroscale behavior of the soil mass results from particle level interactions which are affected by particle shape. Sphericity, roundness, and smoothness characterize different scales associated with particle shape. New experimental data and results from published studies are gathered into 2 databases to explore the effects of particle shape on packing density and on small-to-large strain mechanical properties of sandy soils. In agreement with prior studies, this data confirms that increased angularity or eccentricity produces an increase in e-sub-max and e-sub-min. Furthermore, the data shows that increasing particle irregularity causes a decrease in stiffness yet heightened sensitivity to the state of stress; an increase in compressibility under zero-lateral strain loading; an increase in the critical state friction angle Φ-sub-cs; and an increase in the intercept Γ of the critical state line (there is a weak effect on the slope λ). Therefore, particle shape emerges as a significant soil index property that needs to be properly characterized and documented, particularly in clean sands and gravels. The systematic assessment of particle shape will lead to a better understanding of sand behavior.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/3519342
• Authors:
  • CHO, GYE-CHUN
  • Dodds, Jake
  • Santamarina, J Carlos
• Publication Date: 2006-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 591-602
• Serial:
  • Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
  • Volume: 132
  • Issue Number: 5
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 1090-0241
  • Serial URL: http://ojps.aip.org/gto

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Compression; Geotechnical engineering; Grain shape; Grain size; Sandy soils; Soil mechanics; Soil particles; Soil science
• Uncontrolled Terms: Particle shape; Soil index tests
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; I42: Soil Mechanics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01026248
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 29 2006 9:12AM