Effect of particle strength on the monotonic shear strength of clinker ash Available to Purchase

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 $σ′c$ of 50, 100 and 200 kPa at an intended degree of compaction D_c  =  100%, in order to investigate the relationship between particle strength and monotonic shear strength. Samples with intended degrees of compaction D_c  =  85% and 90% were also tested at $σ′c$  =  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 D_c ≥ 95%, where the shear resistance angle exceeds 45°. The average crushing stress σ_f of the particles shows a strong correlation with the residual secant friction angle φ_res, with φ_res increasing along with the average crushing stress σ_f. It was also found that σ_f can be used to calculate φ_res and, in turn, the peak secant friction angle φ_peak of clinker ash.