Effect of particle strength on the monotonic shear strength of clinker ash

Abstract

Particle crushing tests were performed on single particles from six types of clinker ash, as well as a series of monotonic shear tests using effective confining pressures [Formula: see text] of 50, 100 and 200 kPa at an intended degree of compaction Dc = 100%, in order to investigate the relationship between particle strength and monotonic shear strength. Samples with intended degrees of compaction Dc = 85% and 90% were also tested at [Formula: see text] = 50 and 100 kPa in order to investigate the effect of degree of compaction on the shear strength of clinker ash. It was found that clinker ash is a crushable material with weak particle strength when compared with natural sands, although it has higher shear strength especially at Dc ≥ 95%, where the shear resistance angle exceeds 45°. The average crushing stress σf of the particles shows a strong correlation with the residual secant friction angle φres, with φres increasing along with the average crushing stress σf. It was also found that σf can be used to calculate φres and, in turn, the peak secant friction angle φpeak of clinker ash.