Crushing a weak granular material: experimental numerical analyses

Granular materials forming part of embankments, foundations and pavement structures are subjected to both static and dynamic loads. As a result, total or partial particle breakage occurs. Particle breakage causes settlements and a reduction in hydraulic conductivity (Fragaszy & Voss, 1986). Previous research has indicated that granular materials undergoing crushing exhibit a non-linear Mohr–Coulomb failure envelope if the envelope is constructed with the peak values of shear resistance. Therefore the angle of shearing resistance decreases as a consequence of particle crushing (Bolton, 1986; Feda, 2002). On the other hand, recent ring shear tests on carbonate...