MICROSCOPIC STUDY OF SHEAR MECHANISMS IN SOILS

A general microscopic mechanism has been clarified using both rate process theory and the adhesion theory of friction. Physical evidence for the existence of solid-to-solid contact between clay particles in the form of microphotographs from the scanning electron microscope and acoustic emissions is presented. A generalized concept for the normal force acting at contact points between particles and intergranular stress during shear is also developed. Theoretical considerations for a microscopic model of shear resistance and the microscopic meaning of soil strength parameters are developed based on these generalized concepts. As a result the proportionality coefficient which relates the shear resistance of soils to normal forces acting at the contact points between particles, is given a physical basis on the microscopic scale, and the meanings of the true angle of friction and conventional strength parameters in effective stress representations are clarified.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/3519342
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  345 East 47th Street
  New York, NY  United States  10017-2398
• Authors:
  • Matsui, T
  • Ito, T
  • Mitchell, J K
  • ABE, N
• Publication Date: 1980-2

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 137-152
• Serial:
  • Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
  • Volume: 106
  • Issue Number: GT2
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 1090-0241
  • Serial URL: http://ojps.aip.org/gto

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Acoustic measuring instruments; Acoustics; Effective stress; Electron microscopes; Friction; Shear strength; Strength of materials
• Uncontrolled Terms: Friction angle
• Old TRIS Terms: Acoustic measurement
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00310714
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: ASCE 15221
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 8 1980 12:00AM