Evolution of Sand Microstructure during Shear
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 126, Issue 2
Abstract
Quantitative measurements of the local void ratio distribution are used to demonstrate how the microstructure throughout dilatant triaxial specimens of uniform fine quartz sand evolves during drained axial compression loading. Shear-induced increases in the mean of the local void ratio distribution initiate at the center of the specimen and migrate toward the ends of the specimen as axial strain increases. At any given strain, the mean of the local void ratio distribution is largest near the center of the specimen, reflecting the influence of end platen and membrane restraining effects. The results provide direct quantitative microstructure-based evidence that global or macro response, as conventionally used in interpreting specimen behavior, can be misleading as to the true material response. Implications of the test results on practical issues such as the location of local strain measurement systems are noted.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 126 • Issue 2 • February 2000
Pages: 116 - 130
History
Received: Aug 5, 1998
Published online: Feb 1, 2000
Published in print: Feb 2000
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