Compressibility dependence on grain size distribution and relative density in sands

A framework of continuum breakage mechanics was used to investigate the dependence of compressibility on grain size distribution (GSD) as well as relative density of sand. Compressibility dependence on GSD was considered by employing a GSD index and relative density dependence was reflected by varying the plastic-breakage coupling angle. Simulations of the experimental results including isotropic compression and one-dimensional compression of sands with different relative densities and GSDs revealed that sand compressibility increased with the increasing GSD index and plastic-breakage coupling angle. The coupling angle decreased with increasing relative density, indicating that grains would break more in sand with comparatively high relative density.