Initial structure and static liquefaction properties of sand

Initial structure and static liquefaction properties of sand. Based on the use of two different preparation procedures for reconstituting triaxial samples of sand, i.e. wet tamping and dry pluviation, significant differences in associated mechanical behaviour are observed on a reference sand with respect to the phenomenon of 'static' liquefaction. Wet tamping favours the initiation of liquefaction instability, whereas dry pluviation favours a more stable behaviour, less susceptible to liquefaction. Microscopic observation of corresponding sand specimens allows us to identify two well differentiated structures, i.e., for wet tamping, an irregular structure with predominance of aggregates (aggregated grains) and macropores, very contractant and unstable and, for dry pluviation, a more regular structure, without macropores, more dilatant and more stable. These observations show the importance of further characterization; based on the introduction of appropriate parameters, of the initial structure of sandy materials, strongly dependant upon their mode of formation (natural or artificial). To cite this article: N. Benahmed et al., C. R. Mecanique 332 (2004). (C) 2004 Academie des sciences. Publie par Elsevier SAS. Tous droits reserves.