Geological and Physical Factors Affecting the Friction Angle of Compacted Sands
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 134, Issue 10
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of physical characteristics and geologic factors on the shear strength of compacted sands from Wisconsin that are used as granular backfill for mechanically stabilized earth walls and reinforced soil slopes. Physical properties and shear strength were determined for 30 compacted sands collected from a broad range of geological deposits. Relationships between strength/deformation behavior, geologic origin, and physical properties were used to categorize the sands into four friction angle groups. Sands with the lowest friction angle are derived from weathering of underlying sandstones, and tend to be medium-fine, well-rounded, and poorly graded sands. Sands with the highest friction angle are from recent glacial activity and tend to be coarser grained, well-graded, and/or angular sands. A multivariate regression model was developed that can be used to predict friction angle of compacted sands from comparable geological origins based on effective particle size , maximum dry unit weight , and Krumbein roundness .
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Acknowledgments
Financial support for this study was provided by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) through the Wisconsin Highway Research Program. The assistance of Daniel Reid, Dennis Althaus, and Bruce Pfister of WisDOT is greatly appreciated. Xiaodong Wang, geotechnical laboratory manager at University of Wisconsin-Madison, assisted with the laboratory testing. X-ray diffraction analyses were conducted by K/T Geoservices, Inc. of Argyle, Texas. The findings and inferences that have been reported are solely those of the writers. This paper has not been reviewed by WisDOT. Endorsement by WisDOT is not implied and should not be assumed.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 134 • Issue 10 • October 2008
Pages: 1476 - 1489
Copyright
© 2008 ASCE.
History
Received: Jan 17, 2007
Accepted: Feb 6, 2008
Published online: Oct 1, 2008
Published in print: Oct 2008
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