Young's Modulus of Coarse Granular Materials via Cyclic Large Triaxial Tests: Effect of Parallel Grading and Loading Pattern

Abstract

In this study, a new large-scale triaxial testing apparatus was constructed and calibrated. To verify the new testing system, synthetic specimens were prepared and tested by three different testing methods: tests using the newly constructed large-scale triaxial testing apparatus, resonant column/torsional shear tests, and free free resonant column tests. Young's moduli of the synthetic specimens measured by the three methods were compared, providing comparable results. In addition, cyclic triaxial tests were performed under various experimental conditions on coarse grain materials. Two series of parallel graded samples were prepared by mixing crushed rock. The samples were tested using the new triaxial testing apparatus under various testing conditions. The influence of grain size, loading pattern, loading frequency, and fine contents were analyzed and discussed.