A nonlinear particle packing model for multi-sized granular soils. (10th October 2019) - Liu, Zhang-Rong
Highlights: Nonlinear packing models in terms of void ratio for binary-, ternary- and multi-size granular soils were developed. The void ratio was presented as a quadratic function of the volume fraction of each components. The model parameters were power functions of particle size ratios. The model showed good performance for granular soils with different particle shapes and testing methods. Discrepancy could be induced by ignorance of particle interactions between dominant and non-dominant size classes. Abstract: Most of the existing particle packing models were linear or only applicable for binary-size/ternary-size mixtures. In this study, based on the concept of dominant size class, a nonlinear packing model was developed allowing prediction of the void ratio of granular soils with arbitrary particle size distributions. Only two parameters (filling coefficient and embedment coefficient) were incorporated in the proposed model. Calibrations showed that both parameters were related to the particle size ratios between the dominant and non-dominant size classes. The model was verified using the experimental results on the crushed pellets of GMZ bentonite and several other granular materials from literature. Good agreement was obtained between the predictions and measurements, showing the performance of the proposed model.