Effects of Particle Size Distribution on Shear Strength of Accumulation Soil

This paper focuses on the effects of particle size distribution on shear strength of accumulation soil. A series of direct shear box tests and triaxial tests were performed to characterize the shear strength of the accumulation soil. Results from the direct shear tests indicate that the range of the angle of shearing resistance of the accumulation soil is 33.5-54.6 degrees, and those from the triaxial tests indicate that the angle is 37.2-50.7 degrees. The basic properties of the soil, such as median particle diameter, coefficient of uniformity, and gravel content, were used to analyze the effects. The angle of shearing resistance is generally increasing with increasing median particle diameter and gravel content and decreasing with increasing coefficient of uniformity. (C) 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.