Influence of morphological features on mechanical properties of granular soils from different depositional environments

Abstract

The behavior of granular soils is intricately linked to their origin and sedimentation mechanisms, as evidenced by their unique morphological characteristics shaped by depositional environments. This study investigates into the critical relationship between these morphological attributes, including sphericity, angularity, and roundness, and the mechanical properties of granular soils. Such understanding is pivotal for applications like piled foundations, large dam filters, and pavements in geotechnical engineering. To assess this relationship, three granular soils from distinct depositional environments were selected, and their morphological features were meticulously examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and analyzed using ImageJ software. Additionally, surface roughness parameters were quantified through an optical profilometer. The mechanical response of these soils was comprehensively investigated through direct shear tests, with a specific focus on the impact of shape factors. The results of this study unveiled striking differences between river sand deposits and coastal sand in terms of morphological attributes. River sand exhibited higher angularity, reduced roundness, and a greater number of surface asperities, contributing to heightened frictional resistance and pronounced dilatancy effects when subjected to shear loads. This paper underscores the significance of morphological features in influencing the macroscale properties of granular soils and provides valuable insights for geotechnical engineering applications.