STEADY STATE TESTING OF LOOSE SANDS: LIMITING MINIMUM DENSITY

Recent studies have suggested that a limiting minumum density exists, below which a sample will show no steady state shear strength at all. This limiting density appears to occur at a relative density of D=0 to 10%. Data is presented here regarding this apparent limiting density, based on the results of laboratory testing performed on 3 different sands. It was noted that for all 3 sands, the limiting minimum density appears to nearly coincide with the maximum void ratio as defined for purposes of relative density evaluation for relatively clean sands. While steady state testing is hardly a convenient means for determining this maximum void ratio, this finding suggests that there is additional physical significance to this soil parameter: the maximum void ratio apparently corresponds approximately to the lowest density at which a soil will exhibit undrained residual or steady state strength.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/07339410
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  345 East 47th Street
  New York, NY  United States  10017-2398
• Authors:
  • Riemer, M F
  • Seed, Raymond B
  • Nicholson, P G
  • Jong, H-L
• Publication Date: 1990-2

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 332-337
• Serial:
  • Journal of Geotechnical Engineering
  • Volume: 116
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0733-9410

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Residual strength; Sand; Soil tests; Specific gravity; Steady state; Void ratios
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; I42: Soil Mechanics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00493837
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 30 1990 12:00AM