Elastic Behavior of Sand

The total deformation of a mass of sand subjected to a constant stress ratio is divided into an elastic component due to the elastic deformations of the individual particles, and a sliding component due to the relative movements between the particles. The elastic deformations under these stress conditions are separated from the total deformations and correlated to the applied stresses. A theoretical treatment of the elastic behavior of a mass of sand under different stress systems is presented, and an attempt is made to explain the relation between the simple contact properties of two spheres, and the actual behavior of a mass of sand particles. Tests that bear out the predicted elastic behavior are also described, and methods to determine the elastic constants for a certain type of sand at a particular porosity are also given. Furthermore, the significance of these elastic constants is discussed. In addition, the effect of the properties of the sand on the elastic behavior is considered.