Comparison of two fine sands under torsional loading

Abstract

In this paper the behaviour of two “standard research sands”, widely used for experimental purposes, is compared in a torsional hollow cylinder apparatus under monotonic and cyclic loading conditions. Both sands are fine and uniform with D50= 0.22 and 0.29 mm, respectively. However, their response to undrained monotonic loading at similar void ratios is dramatically different, with the finer sand showing strength reduction after peak and the coarser sand showing continuous increase in strength with torsional shear. The difference in response is mainly attributed to grain angularity and to a lesser degree to their grading. The results of drained torsional hollow cylinder tests show initial contraction followed by dilation. The stress ratio at phase transformation is uniquely defined by both drained and undrained tests for each sand. Cyclic loading instability is manifested by a sudden increase in shear strain and excess pore-water pressure leading to initial liquefaction. The instability initiates across the instability line for the sand showing strength reduction and across the phase transformation line for the sand showing continuous increase in strength with shearing. Both lines are defined under monotonic loading conditions. The liquefaction, stiffness, and damping characteristics of the sands are given in this paper.