A Simple Method to Predict Tensile Strength of Gravelly Soil Using Shear Strength Indexes

Abstract

The tensile strength of gravelly soil plays a decisive role in the formation or initiation of longitudinal cracks or hydraulic fracturing in the core of earth and rockfill dams. For this study, a series of uniaxial tensile tests and consolidated drained triaxial shear tests was carried out to study the relationships between the tensile strength and shear strength indexes of gravelly soils with gravel contents ranging from 0% to 50%. The test results indicate that the tensile strength decreases linearly with increasing gravel content when the soil is at its maximum dry density and optimum water content. An equation for estimating tensile strength of gravelly soil without tensile strength testing is proposed. The relevant test results can provide guidance for anti-crack designs for earthcore rockfill dams.