Influence of Different Stress Conditions on Behaviour of Rockfill Materials

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    O R I G I N A L P A P E R

    Influence of Different Stress Conditions on Behavior

    of Rockfill Materials

    Pankaj Sharma N. V. Mahure Murari Ratnam

    Received: 20 July 2010 / Accepted: 20 July 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2011

    Abstract Rockfill material is the most readily

    available and the most flexible material for the

    construction of dams especially in the seismic prone

    regions. The material is obtained either by blasting

    available rock or is collected from the alluvial

    deposits of the river. During construction of the

    dam, the available rockfill material is compacted to

    required density layer by layer using various sophis-

    ticated compactors to achieve the required density

    and slope. Gradually the vertical load on the lower

    layers goes on increasing due to placement ofsubsequent layers of the materials to achieve the

    desired height. This may result in variation of grain

    size distribution of the lower layers due to the

    breakage of particles. This will certainly influence the

    shear parameters. Present studies have been carried

    out to find the influence of loading the rockfill

    materials under two different stress conditions i.e.

    multistage loading and single stage loading on the

    grain size distribution and its subsequent effect on its

    shear parameters. Consolidated drained triaxial shear

    tests have been conducted on the materials obtainedby blasting available rock as well as on the materials

    collected from the alluvial deposits of the river which

    are generally used for construction of rockfill dams.

    Test data have been analyzed to study the breakage

    factor and corresponding shear parameters under both

    conditions.

    Keywords Rockfill materials Consolidateddrained triaxial shear tests Multistage loading Single stage loading Particle size

    Strength parameters and breakage factor

    1 Introduction

    Construction of dams using rockfill (RF) is becoming

    increasingly more common because of self realigning

    capacity of the materials. This makes RF dams more

    stable even in the seismic zones. The abundant

    availability of such materials in the vicinity of

    proposed dam construction sites makes dams con-

    struction more economical. The materials consist

    primarily of angular to sub-angular particles obtained

    by blasting parent rock (QRF) or rounded/sub-

    rounded particles obtained from terrace alluvialdeposits of the river (RBRF).

    During construction of the dam the available RF

    material is compacted to required density layer by

    layer using various sophisticated compactors to

    achieve the required density and slope. Gradually

    the vertical load on the lower layers goes on

    increasing due to placement of subsequent layers of

    the materials to achieve the desired height. This may

    result in variation of grain distribution of the lower

    P. Sharma (&) N. V. Mahure M. RatnamCentral Soil and Materials Research Station, Hauz Khas,New Delhi, Indiae-mail: [email protected]

    123

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    DOI 10.1007/s10706-011-9435-8

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    layers due to the breakage of particles. The behavior

    of RF material is significantly affected by the grain

    size distribution of the used materials.

    This paper deals with the effect of different stress

    conditions encountered during construction stage on

    the Breakage of particles and its corresponding effect

    on the shear parameters for the QRF and RBRFmaterials. Consolidated drained tests (CD) have been

    conducted on both type of materials generally being

    used for construction of rockfill dams i.e. QRF and

    RBRF materials under multistage loading condition

    (MS) and single stage loading condition (SS). The

    test data has been analyzed to study the breakage of

    particles as percent cumulative particle breakage

    factor Bg(cum) (%) in MS) and percent particle

    breakage factor Bg (%) in SS and shear parameters

    under both conditions.

    2 Review

    Investigations conducted on rockfill materials indi-

    cate that the magnitude of the particle breakage

    during loading has a direct impact on the shear

    parameters. The amount of particle breakage is

    affected by the stress level, stress magnitude and

    stress path. Large amount of particles breakage is

    generated when stress levels are higher and when

    large amounts of strains occur in regions of highstress magnitudes. These empirical factors either

    cause the variation of grain diameter (Lee and

    Farhoomand 1967; Lade and Yamamuro 1996) or

    the shift of the whole grain size distribution curve

    (Marsal 1967; Hardin 1985). The results of tests

    conducted by Marachi et al. (1972) show a variation

    of the angle of internal friction with the grain size

    distribution. High pressure causes considerable par-

    ticle breakage (Becker 1972; Hardin 1985; Murphy

    1987; Colliat-Dangus et al. 1988; Fukumoto 1990;

    Hagerty et al. 1993; Lade et al. 1996; Daouadji andHeicher 1997). There are several factors that affect

    the amount of particle breakage in a geological

    material (Lee and Farhoomand 1967; Ramamurthy

    1969; Murphy 1971; Billam 1971; Lo and Roy 1973;

    Ramamurthy et al. 1974; Gupta 1980; Hardin 1985;

    Kjaernsli et al. 1992; Venkatachalam 1993; Lade

    et al. 1996). Marsal (1965), Vesic and Clough (1968),

    Marachi et al. (1969), Ramamurthy et al. (1974) and

    Venkatachalam (1993) have quantified the particle

    breakage by defining it based on the modification of

    the grain size distribution curves before and after the

    tests and have presented it as breakage factor Bg (%).

    3 Material Used for Testing

    3.1 Quarried Material from Kol Dam Project,

    H.P., (QRF)

    The rockfill material was collected by blasting the

    parent rock. The rockfill material consists of angular

    to sub-angular particles in shape and size up to

    500 mm. The parent rock at this project site is either

    dolomite or limestone. The QRF materials possess

    the following mechanical properties;

    Uniaxial compressive strength: 37.1 MPa to 40.4MPa

    Los Angeles abrasion value: 48.1%

    Aggregate impact value: 42.3%

    Aggregate crushing value: 41.2%.

    3.2 River Bed Material from Kol Dam Project,

    H.P., (RBRF)

    The material was collected from the alluvial deposit

    of the river near the proposed dam axis. It consists of

    well graded rounded/sub rounded grayish coloredparticles up to 500 mm size, mainly composed of

    quartzite and dolomite/lime stone. The RBRF mate-

    rials possess the following mechanical properties;

    Uniaxial compressive strength: 42.7 MPa to 50.1

    MPa

    Los Angeles abrasion value: 44.2%

    Aggregate impact value: 39.8%

    Aggregate crushing value: 37.9%.

    4 Gradation of Materials

    4.1 Gradation of Prototype Materials

    Representative rockfill materials are collected from

    different locations and are subjected to grain size

    analysis. The grain size distribution results are plotted

    and an average curve is drawn. This curve has been

    designated as the average prototype curve of the

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    representative rockfill materials. Prototype gradation

    curves for both quarried and river bed rockfill

    materials from Kol H.E. Project, H. P. are shown in

    Figs. 1 and 2, respectively.

    4.2 Gradation of Modeled Materials

    The maximum particle sizes available in the proto-

    type material is of the order of 500 mm. Testing of

    such a material having this big size particles in the

    laboratory is not possible so the actual prototype

    material are scaled down to some degree to keep

    maximum particle size of the particles as 80 mm. The

    material so obtained is designated as modeled

    material is used for the testing.

    Three modeled gradation curves are derived usingJohn Lowes Parallel Gradation modeling technique

    (Lowe 1964) having a maximum particle size of 80,

    50 and 25 mm, respectively. Modeled gradation

    curves in respect of QRF and RBRF material are

    presented in Figs. 1 and 2, respectively. Using these

    model grain size distribution curves, the required

    quantities of various fractions of rock fill materials

    have been calculated. The total quantities of materials

    thus required for carrying out laboratory tests are

    sieved from the materials collected from two

    potential locations of Kol dam.

    5 Laboratory Investigations

    Laboratory tests were conducted on both type of

    materials collected from the project site for evaluat-

    ing Relative Density, Specific Gravity, Shear param-

    eters under MS loading and SS loading and their

    corresponding breakage factor.

    5.1 Relative Density

    The values of the maximum dry density, minimum

    dry density and relative density have been determined

    as per IS 2720 (Part 14):1983 Method test for soils

    Determination of density index (relative density) of

    cohesion less soils. The values of the maximum dry

    density, minimum dry density and required dry

    density corresponding to 87% of relative density

    (ID) are given in Table 1.

    0

    20

    40

    60

    80

    100

    0.01 0.1 1 10 100 1000

    Grain size (mm)

    Percentfiner(%)

    Prototype Model (80mm)

    Model (50mm) Model (25mm)

    Fig. 1 Prototype and modeled grain size distribution curves(QRF)

    0

    20

    40

    60

    80

    100

    0.01 0.1 1 10 100 1000

    Grain size (mm)

    Percentfiner(%)

    Prototype Model (80mm)

    Model (50mm) Model (25mm)

    Fig. 2 Prototype and modeled grain size distribution curves(RBRF)

    Table 1 Results of relativedensity test

    Type of material Max. particlesize (mm)

    cmin. (gm/cc) cmax. (gm/cc) Test density (ID, gm/cc),(87% relative density)

    Quarried material 25 1.81 2.04 2.01

    50 1.77 2.01 1.98

    80 1.71 1.99 1.95

    River bed material 25 1.55 2.22 2.10

    50 1.55 2.22 2.10

    80 1.60 2.28 2.16

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    Table 2 Details of triaxial shear tests conducted on QRF and RBRF materials

    Max particlesize (mm)

    Test procedure: 1 (multistage loading) Test procedure: 2(single step loading)

    Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4

    80 Sample 1 r3

    Kg/cm23 6 9 12 12

    Sample 2 3 6 9 9

    Sample 3 3 6 6

    50 Sample 1 r3

    Kg/cm23 6 9 12 12

    Sample 2 3 6 9 9

    Sample 3 3 6 6

    25 Sample 1 r3

    Kg/cm23 6 9 12 12

    Sample 2 3 6 9 9

    Sample 3 3 6 6

    0

    10

    20

    30

    40

    50

    60

    0 4 8 12 16 20

    Strain (%)

    DeviatorStress,

    kg/sqcm

    0

    10

    20

    30

    40

    50

    60

    0 4 8 12 16 20

    Strain (%)

    DeviatorStress,

    kg/sqcm

    0

    10

    20

    30

    40

    50

    60

    0 4 8 12 16 20

    Strain (%)

    DeviatorStress,

    kg/sqcm

    CBA

    0

    10

    20

    30

    40

    50

    60

    0 4 8 12 16 20

    Strain (%)

    DeviatorStress,

    kg/sqcm

    0

    10

    20

    30

    40

    50

    60

    0 4 8 12 16 20

    Strain (%)

    DeviatorStress,

    kg/sqcm

    0

    10

    20

    30

    40

    50

    60

    0 4 8 12 16 20

    Strain (%)

    DeviatorStress,

    kg/sqcm

    FED

    0

    10

    20

    30

    40

    50

    60

    0 4 8 12 16 20

    Strain (%)

    DeviatorStress,

    kg/sqcm

    0

    10

    20

    30

    40

    50

    60

    0 4 8 12 16 20

    Strain (%)

    DeviatorStress,

    kg/sqcm

    0

    10

    20

    30

    40

    50

    60

    0 4 8 12 16 20

    Strain (%)

    DirectStress,

    kg/sqcm

    IHG

    Legends for A, D & G Legends for B, E & H Legends for C, F &I

    Fig. 3Stressstrainbehavior of QRF material

    for samples with 25 (ac),50 (df) and 80 (gi) mmmaximum particle size

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    In accordance with the model gradation curves, the

    total dry weight required for achieving 87% of

    relative density is computed for each of the speci-

    mens to be tested.

    5.2 Triaxial Shear Tests

    Consolidated drained (CD) triaxial tests have been

    conducted on the modeled rockfill materials. A

    specimen size of 381 mm diameter by 813 mm long

    was used for testing. For testing, a dry density

    corresponding to 87% of relative density was

    adopted. Samples were isotropically consolidated

    under four different confining pressures (r3), kg/

    cm2 in the range between 3 and 12 kg/cm2 for each

    modeled rockfill material. In accordance with the

    modeled gradation curves the total quantity of

    various fractions of rockfill materials required to

    achieve the specified density was determined byweight. The computed quantity of fractions was

    thoroughly mixed and moistened with 34% water by

    weight for maintaining reasonably uniform composi-

    tion as per physical observations based on pilot test.

    The mixed sample was compacted in a split mould in

    0

    10

    20

    30

    40

    50

    60

    70

    80

    0 4 8 12 16 20

    Strain (%)

    DeviatorStress,

    kg/s

    qcm

    0

    10

    20

    30

    40

    50

    60

    70

    80

    0 4 8 12 16 20

    Strain (%)

    DeviatorStress,

    kg/s

    qcm

    0

    10

    20

    30

    40

    50

    60

    70

    80

    0 4 8 12 16 20

    Strain (%)

    DeviatorStress,

    kg/s

    qcm

    A B C

    0

    10

    20

    30

    40

    5060

    70

    80

    0 4 8 12 16 20

    Strain (%)

    DeviatorStress,

    kg/sqcm

    0

    10

    20

    30

    40

    5060

    70

    80

    0 4 8 12 16 20

    Strain (%)

    DeviatorStress,

    kg/sqcm

    0

    10

    20

    30

    40

    5060

    70

    80

    0 4 8 12 16 20

    Strain (%)

    DeviatorStress,

    kg/

    sqcm

    FED

    0

    10

    20

    30

    40

    5060

    70

    80

    0 4 8 12 16 20

    Strain (%)

    DeviatorStress,

    kg

    /sqcm

    0

    10

    20

    30

    40

    5060

    70

    80

    0 4 8 12 16 20

    Strain (%)

    DeviatorStress,

    kg

    /sqcm

    0

    10

    20

    30

    40

    5060

    70

    80

    0 4 8 12 16 20

    Strain (%)

    DeviatorStress,

    kg

    /sqcm

    IHG

    Legends for A, D & G Legends for B, E & H Legends for C, F & I

    Fig. 4 Stressstrainbehavior of RBRF materialfor samples with 25 (ac),

    50 (df) and 80 (gi) mmmaximum particle size

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    six equal layers by vibratory compaction. The sample

    was saturated by allowing water to pass through thebase of the triaxial cell and using a top drainage

    system for removing air from the voids. CD tests

    were conducted adopting Multistage Loading (MS)

    and Single Stage Loading (SS).

    In the MS loading, the sample was consolidated at

    the lowest pre decided r3 and then sheared at 1 mm/

    min rate of loading under drained conditions to near

    failure stage.1 The specimen was reconsolidated at

    next higher pre decided r3 keeping the attained load

    constant and then it was again sheared to near failure

    stage (if it was intermittent step) or to achieve thefailure stage (if it was final step).

    In SS loading, specimen is consolidated at the pre

    decided r3 and then sheared at 1 mm/min. rate of

    loading under drained conditions to achieve the

    failure stage.The details of the various tests conducted on QRF

    and TRF under the two procedures is presented in

    Table 2.

    5.2.1 StressStrain Behavior

    Care was taken to avoid attaining of failure stage at

    each intermittent step during shearing under MS

    loading by plotting stressstrain curve for each test

    simultaneously during shearing of the specimen.

    Stress strain curves for samples with 25 mm,50 mm and 80 mm maximum particle size for QRF

    material and RBRF material are presented in

    Figs. 3ai and 4ai.

    It can be seen from the stress strain curves that

    during the MS loading conditions the axial strain at

    failure ef, (%) is comparatively more than that during

    the SS loading condition. The same trend is observed

    even for each intermittent relative loading step during

    MS loading condition.

    Table 3 Results of the triaxial shear tests for QRF material under both MS and SS conditions for sample with 25 mm maximumparticle size

    Test type r3 (kg/cm2) Density (gm/cc) ef (%) () degrees Breakage factor (%)

    cp cc cnf cf Bg(cum) Bg

    MS 3 2.01 2.059 2.080 7.6

    6 2.091 2.100

    9 2.107 2.114

    12 2.119 2.125 18.5 42.51

    MS 6 2.01 2.063 2.103 7.1

    9 2.104 2.106

    12 2.107 2.111 17.5 43.03

    MS 9 2.01 2.073 2.086 6.6

    12 2.087 2.091 15.5 43.81

    SS 12 2.01 2.070 2.109 14.5 44.50 6.2

    MS 3 2.01 2.063 2.101 5.7

    6 2.108 2.115

    9 2.123 2.124 16.5 43.41

    MS 6 2.01 2.063 2.103 5.2

    9 2.110 2.126 14.0 44.21

    SS 9 2.01 2.073 2.091 12.5 45.2 4.8

    MS 3 2.01 2.063 2.102 4.8

    6 2.110 2.113 14.0 44.8

    SS 6 2.01 2.063 2.101 11.0 45.45 4.0

    1 Stress strain curves for each test were simultaneously plottedduring the shearing of the specimen (Figs. 3ai, 4ai) to takethe decision for the application of next r3 before achievingmaximum deviator stress (a near failure stage).

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    ef % 3;6;9;12[ef % 6;9;12[ef % 9;12[ef % 12

    ef % 3;6;9[ef % 6;9[ef % 9

    ef % 3;6[ef % 6

    Contrary to this, the maximum deviator stress (rd,

    kg/cm2) achieved at failure is more for SS loading

    condition than MS loading condition. The same trend

    is observed even for each intermittent relative loading

    step during MS loading condition.

    rd12[rd9; 12[rd6;9;12[rd3;6;9;12

    rd9[rd6; 9[rd3;6;9

    rd6[r

    d3;

    6

    The maximum deviator stress (rd, kg/cm2)

    achieved at the near failure stage of each step of

    loading, their corresponding percent axial strain ef(%), initial placement density of each sample (cp),

    density at the end of consolidation at each step (cc),

    density at the transition stage i.e. near failure stage

    (cnf), the density at the final failure stage (cf), angle of

    internal friction () in degrees for each step and

    cumulative breakage factor Bg(cum) (%) in percent

    occurred during MS and breakage factor Bg (%) in

    percent occurred during SS represented against

    maximum r3 of that particular test are presented forboth materials QRF and RBRF in Tables 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,

    8, respectively.

    5.2.2 Angle of Internal Friction ()

    The values of the angle of internal friction (), in

    degrees are presented in Tables 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 for

    QRF and RBRF materials, respectively. The pq

    plots for QRF and RBRF materials with 25 mm,

    50 mm and 80 mm maximum particle size under MS

    as well as SS conditions are presented in Figs. 5 and6. For finding average angle of internal friction for

    MS loading condition the p and q values correspond-

    ing to maximum deviator stress achieved on the

    ultimate r3 during MS loading [rd(3, 6, 9, 12), rd(3, 6, 9),

    rd(3, 6)] are taken.

    The value of the angle of internal friction () for

    various samples with different maximum particle size

    for both the materials are presented in Table 9. Angle

    of internal friction (), is found to be slightly lesser

    Table 4 Results of the triaxial shear tests for QRF material under both MS and SS conditions for sample with 50 mm maximumparticle size

    Test type r3 (kg/cm2) Density (gm/cc) ef (%) () degrees Breakage factor (%)

    cp cc cnf cf Bg(cum) Bg

    MS 3 1.98 2.010 2.022 9.8

    6 2.027 2.032

    9 2.036 2.041

    12 2.045 2.051 19 42.21

    MS 6 1.98 2.032 2.071 9.1

    9 2.072 2.074

    12 2.075 2.080 16.5 43.01

    MS 9 1.98 2.041 2.054 8.7

    12 2.055 2.056 15 43.62

    SS 12 1.98 2.016 2.062 12.5 44.11 8.4

    MS 3 1.98 2.009 2.028 8.4

    6 2.028 2.027

    9 2.039 2.048 16 43.56

    MS 6 1.98 2.032 2.069 7.9

    9 2.077 2.086 15.5 44.07

    SS 9 1.98 2.041 2.058 13.5 44.81 7.5

    MS 3 1.98 2.012 2.028 5.9

    6 2.035 2.046 11.5 44.74

    SS 6 1.98 2.032 2.070 10.5 45.43 5.0

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    for MS loading irrespective of type of material or

    maximum particle size.

    The relationship between the angle of internalfriction and the maximum particle size for both the

    materials is presented in Figs. 7 and 8. It is observed

    that the QRF material shows decrease in the angle of

    internal friction with the increase in size of particles.

    Marachi et al. (1969) has reported a similar trend for

    blasted angular materials. The RBRF materials show

    an increase in the value of the angle of internal friction

    with the size of the particle. Venkatachalam (1993)

    has reported similar trend for river bed materials.

    5.2.3 Breakage Factor

    The breakage is quantitatively expressed as breakage

    factor, Bg (%) or Bg(cum) (%) as proposed by Marsal

    (1965). It is taken as percent variation in the pre and

    post shear grain size distribution of the rockfill

    material used. Bg (%) and Bg(cum) (%) has been

    determined using following equation for each test

    conducted under MS as well as SS for both QRF and

    RBRF materials.

    Bg % RPD RPI

    where PD, percent decrease in particle distribution incertain sizes; PI, percent increase in particle distri-

    bution in certain sizes.

    The Bg(cum) (%) for MS tests could be determined

    only after completion of the shearing of that sample at

    maximum r3. The values of Bg(cum) (%) for different

    loadsteps inMS and Bg (%) in SS are presented against

    highestr3 forthattest.ThevaluesofBg (%)andBg(cum)(%) are presented in Tables 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 for QRF and

    RBRF materials, respectively. For the samples with

    same particle size the breakage factor shows variation

    in the following order

    Bg cum 3;6;9;12 f g % [Bg cum 6;9;12 f g %

    [Bg cum 9;12 f g % [Bg 12 %

    Bg cum 3;6;9 f g % [Bg cum 6;9 f g % [Bg 9 %

    Bg cum 3;6 f g % [Bg 6 %

    Breakage factors also increases in magnitude with

    the increase in the maximum particle size for both the

    materials. Similar trends have been reported by

    Table 5 Results of the triaxial shear tests for QRF material under both MS and SS conditions for sample with 80 mm maximumparticle size

    Test type r3 (kg/cm2) Density (gm/cc) ef (%) () degrees Breakage factor (%)

    cp cc cnf cf Bg(cum) Bg

    MS 3 1.95 1.998 2.019 13.2

    6 2.025 2.030

    9 2.038 2.044

    12 2.054 2.057 16.0 41.62

    MS 6 1.95 2.016 2.021 12.6

    9 2.025 2.030

    12 2.034 2.043 15.0 42.06

    MS 9 1.95 2.051 2.061 12.0

    12 2.065 2.069 13.5 42.82

    SS 12 1.95 2.060 2.075 12.0 43.16 11.7

    MS 3 1.95 1.998 2.022 10.5

    6 2.027 2.041

    9 2.048 2.050 13.5 42.99

    MS 6 1.95 2.014 2.027 9.9

    9 2.032 2.038 14.5 43.42

    SS 9 1.95 2.051 2.061 11.5 44.02 9.3

    MS 3 1.95 2.011 2.037 7.6

    6 2.038 2.047 12.5 43.93

    SS 6 1.95 2.011 2.039 9.5 44.42 6.7

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    Marsal (1965), Vesic and Clough (1968), Marachi

    et al. (1969), Ramamurthy et al. (1974) and Venk-

    atachalam (1993).

    Usually, the alluvial materials suffer less breakage

    and have high angle of shearing resistance. But the

    project being located in the upper reaches of the river,

    the fluvial transport distance for the RBRF is less

    which might not have allowed sufficient wearing of

    the particles, therefore particles in the size range of

    40 mm to 80 mm show higher breakage which

    contribute to high value of Bg (%) and Bg(cum) (%).

    5.2.4 Effect of Breakage Factor on Angle of Internal

    Friction

    The value of angle of internal friction () as observed

    for max. confining pressure r3 during each MS

    loading condition {r3(3, 6, 9, 12), r3(6, 9, 12), r3(9, 12)},

    {r3(3, 6, 9), r3(6, 9)}, {r3 3, 6)} and for SS loading

    condition r3(6), r3(9) & r3(12) for samples with

    25 mm, 50 mm and 80 mm max particle size are

    plotted against the Breakage Factor, Bg(cum) (%) for

    MS and Bg (%) for SS loading condition for QRF

    (Fig. 9) and RBRF materials (Fig. 10). It is observed

    that the angle of internal friction () decreases as the

    particle breakage increases. As discussed in 5.2.3, the

    cumulative breakage factor Bg(cum) (%) increased as

    the number of intermittent steps increased during MS,

    accordingly the angle of internal resistance ()

    decreased.

    6 Conclusions

    During construction, lateral confinement and increase

    of vertical load on the lower layers due to placement

    of additional layers of the material cause change in

    the grain size distribution of the lower layers due to

    breakage of the particles. This change of the grain

    size distribution certainly has an effect on the shear

    parameters of the materials.

    Table 6 Results of the triaxial shear tests for RBRF material under both MS and SS conditions for sample with 25 mm maximumparticle size

    Test type r3 (kg/cm2) Density (gm/cc) ef (%) () degrees Breakage factor (%)

    cp cc cnf cf Bg(cum) Bg

    MS 3 2.10 2.154 2.173 6.3

    6 2.183 2.191

    9 2.197 2.210

    12 2.215 2.224 18.5 44.53

    MS 6 2.10 2.180 2.203 5.4

    9 2.210 2.226

    12 2.235 2.238 17.5 45.67

    MS 9 2.10 2.201 2.215 5.0

    12 2.225 2.240 15.5 46.44

    SS 12 2.10 2.207 2.233 14.5 47.28 4.4

    MS 3 2.10 2.156 2.176 5.3

    6 2.185 2.205

    9 2.207 2.229 17 45.80

    MS 6 2.10 2.187 2.219 4.5

    9 2.220 2.220 13 46.40

    SS 9 2.10 2.203 2.229 13.5 47.61 3.9

    MS 3 2.10 2.165 2.181 3.9

    6 2.194 2.209 13 46.83

    SS 6 2.10 2.170 2.200 13 48.44 3.1

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    Stress strain curves indicate that during the

    multistage loading conditions the axial strain at

    failure ef, (%) is comparatively more than that during

    the single stage loading condition. The same trend is

    observed even for each intermittent relative loading

    step during multistage loading condition.

    The deviator stress (rd, kg/cm2) achieved at failure

    is higher for single stage loading condition than for

    multistage loading condition. The same trend is

    observed even for each intermittent relative loading

    step during multistage loading condition.

    It is observed that the quarried rockfill material

    shows decrease in the angle of internal friction with

    the increase in particle size. The river bed rockfill

    materials show an increase in the value of the angle

    of internal friction with particle size.

    The breakage factor Bg(cum) (%) increases as the

    number of intermittent steps increases during multi-

    stage loading. Accordingly the angle of internal

    resistance () decreases. The angle of internal

    friction () is found to be slightly lower for

    multistage loading than that observed in the single

    stage loading, irrespective of type of material or

    maximum particle size.

    For arriving at the design parameters, laboratory

    testing of the materials should simulate the field

    conditions as much as possible. During construction

    stage, the stress level on the lower layer increases

    with placement of each layer. Also, during filling of

    the dam the stress levels continuously increases more

    on the lower layers. The design parameters should be

    arrived at by simulating these field conditions.

    Overall, in order to properly design a rockfill struc-

    ture, it is of critical importance to think over the type

    of the laboratory tests which can closely simulate the

    stress conditions developing at different stages and to

    study their effects on the mechanical behavior of

    rockfill materials. CD-MS simulates the effect of step

    wise loading which may change the grain size

    distribution of RF material during construction stage.

    Table 7 Results of the triaxial shear tests for RBRF material under both MS and SS conditions for sample with 50 mm maximumparticle size

    Test type r3 (kg/cm2) Density (gm/cc) ef (%) () degrees Breakage factor (%)

    cp cc cnf cf Bg(cum) Bg

    MS 3 2.10 2.180 2.225 8.4

    6 2.228 2.237

    9 2.252 2.275

    12 2.285 2.305 18.5 45.04

    MS 6 2.10 2.205 2.238 7.6

    9 2.247 2.281

    12 2.289 2.307 18 45.87

    MS 9 2.10 2.215 2.272 7.1

    12 2.285 2.296 16 46.92

    SS 12 2.10 2.200 2.298 11.5 47.84 6.6

    MS 3 2.10 2.175 2.222 7.2

    6 2.230 2.240

    9 2.245 2.252 15.5 45.6

    MS 6 2.10 2.195 2.223 6.5

    9 2.233 2.258 12 47.4

    SS 9 2.10 2.215 2.273 11.5 48.2 5.9

    MS 3 2.10 2.187 2.206 4.9

    6 2.214 2.220 14 48.08

    SS 6 2.10 2.203 2.232 11 49.13 4.0

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    Table 8 Results of the triaxial shear tests for RBRF material under both MS and SS conditions for sample with 80 mm maximumparticle size

    Test type r3 (kg/cm2) Density (gm/cc) ef (%) () degrees Breakage factor (%)

    cp cc cnf cf Bg(cum) Bg

    MS 3 2.16 2.258 2.299 10.8

    6 2.316 2.329

    9 2.329 2.368

    12 2.375 2.386 19.5 45.52

    MS 6 2.16 2.267 2.302 9.7

    9 2.313 2.341

    12 2.355 2.372 18 46.72

    MS 9 2.16 2.281 2.341 9.0

    12 2.357 2.366 16 47.33

    SS 12 2.16 2.271 2.376 13 48.35 8.3

    MS 3 2.16 2.237 2.285 8.9

    6 2.293 2.304

    9 2.313 2.315 17.5 46.55

    MS 6 2.16 2.252 2.281 8.1

    9 2.291 2.323 15 48.45

    SS 9 2.16 2.262 2.320 13 49.04 7.2

    MS 3 2.16 2.260 2.279 6.8

    6 2.287 2.293 13 49.26

    SS 6 2.16 2.265 2.294 9.5 50.3 5.6

    For MS

    y = 0.678x + 0.176

    = 42.680

    For SS

    y = 0.702x + 0.086

    = 44.580

    0

    5

    10

    15

    20

    25

    30

    0 10 20 30 40 50

    Average Normal Stress,

    kg/sqcm

    Averag

    eShearStress,

    kg/sqcm

    For MS

    y = 0.675x + 0.202

    = 42.450

    For SS

    y = 0.697x + 0.113

    = 44.180

    0

    5

    10

    15

    20

    25

    30

    0 10 20 30 40 50

    Average Normal Stress,

    kg/sqcm

    Average

    ShearStress,

    kg/sqcm

    For MS

    y = 0.670x - 0.105

    = 42.060

    For SS

    y = 0.686x + 0.108

    = 43.310

    0

    5

    10

    15

    20

    25

    30

    0 10 20 30 40 50

    Average Normal Stress,

    kg/sqcm

    AverageShearStress,

    kg/sqcm

    A B C

    Fig. 5 pq plots for samples with 25 (a), 50 (b) and 80 (c) mm maximum particle size QRF material

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    For MS

    y = 0.705x + 0.195

    = 44.830

    For SS

    y = 0.735x + 0.102

    = 47.300

    0

    5

    10

    15

    20

    2530

    35

    40

    0 10 20 30 40 50

    Average Normal Stress,

    kg/sqcm

    AverageShearStress,

    kg/sqcm

    For MS

    y = 0.708x + 0.238

    = 45.070

    For SS

    y = 0.742x + 0.116

    = 47.900

    0

    5

    10

    15

    20

    2530

    35

    40

    0 10 20 30 40 50

    Average Normal Stress,

    kg/sqcm

    AverageShearStress,

    kg/sqcm

    For MS

    y = 0.716x + 0.296

    = 45.720

    For SS

    y = 0.748x + 0.189

    = 48.420

    0

    5

    10

    15

    20

    2530

    35

    40

    0 10 20 30 40 50

    Average Normal Stress,

    kg/sqcm

    AverageShearStress,

    kg/sqcm

    A B C

    Fig. 6 pq plots for samples with 25 (a), 50 (b) and 80 (c) mm maximum particle size RBRF material

    Table 9 Results of angle of internal friction () for QRF and RBRF material under both MS and SS conditions for sample with 25,50 and 80 mm maximum particle size

    Material Loadingcondition

    Angle of internal friction (), degree

    Max. particlesize: 25 mm

    Max. particlesize: 50 mm

    Max. particlesize: 80 mm

    QRF MS 42.68 42.45 42.06

    SS 44.58 44.18 43.31

    RBRF MS 44.83 45.07 45.72

    SS 47.3 47.90 48.48

    41.50

    42.00

    42.50

    43.00

    43.50

    44.00

    44.50

    45.00

    0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

    Particle Size (mm)

    AngleofInter

    nalFriction,

    degree SS MS

    Fig. 7 Variation in angle of internal friction () withmaximum particle size for QRF

    0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

    44.50

    45.00

    45.50

    46.00

    46.50

    47.00

    47.50

    48.00

    48.50

    49.00

    Particle Size (mm)

    AngleofInternalFriction,

    degree

    SS MS

    Fig. 8 Variation in angle of internal friction () withmaximum particle size for RBRF

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    Acknowledgments The authors gratefully acknowledge andthank the Rockfill Division of Central Soil and MaterialsResearch Station, New Delhi and the authorities of Kol DamProject, Himachal Pradesh, India for the support extended bythem. We also extend our sincere gratitude to all the authorswhose publications provided us directional information fromtime to time.

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    2 4 6 8 10 12 14

    Breakage Factor (Bg), (%)

    Angle

    ofInternalFriction

    Degrees

    80mm: MS - max. 12 kg/sqcm 80mm: SS - 12 kg/sqcm

    80mm: MS - max. 9 kg/sqcm 80mm: SS - 9 kg/sqcm

    80mm: MS - max. 6 kg/sqcm 80mm: SS - 6 kg/sqcm

    50mm: MS - max. 12 kg/sqcm 50mm: SS - 12 kg/sqcm

    50mm: MS - max. 9 kg/sqcm 50mm: SS - 9 kg/sqcm

    50mm: MS - max. 6 kg/sqcm 50mm: SS - 6 kg/sqcm

    25mm: MS - max. 12 kg/sqcm 25mm: SS - 12 kg/sqcm

    25mm: MS - max. 9 kg/sqcm 25mm: SS - 9 kg/sqcm

    25mm: MS - max. 6 kg/sqcm 25mm: SS - 6 kg/sqcm

    Fig. 9 Effect of breakage factor (Bg) on angle of internalfriction () for QRF material

    44

    45

    46

    47

    48

    49

    50

    51

    2 4 6 8 10 12 14

    Breakage Factor (Bg), (%)

    AngleofInternalFriction

    Degrees

    80mm: MS - max. 12 kg/sqcm 80mm: SS - 12 kg/sqcm

    80mm: MS - max. 9 kg/sqcm 80mm: SS - 9 kg/sqcm

    80mm: MS - max. 6 kg/sqcm 80mm: SS - 6 kg/sqcm

    50mm: MS - max. 12 kg/sqcm 50mm: SS - 12 kg/sqcm

    50mm: MS - max. 9 kg/sqcm 50mm: SS - 9 kg/sqcm

    50mm: MS - max. 6 kg/sqcm 50mm: SS - 6 kg/sqcm

    25mm: MS - max. 12 kg/sqcm 25mm: SS - 12 kg/sqcm

    25mm: MS - max. 9 kg/sqcm 25mm: SS - 9 kg/sqcm

    25mm: MS - max. 6 kg/sqcm 25mm: SS - 6 kg/sqcm

    Fig. 10 Effect of breakage factor (Bg) on angle of internalfriction () for RBRF material

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