Upload
sella-adinda-sesar
View
218
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
7/31/2019 Influence of Different Stress Conditions on Behaviour of Rockfill Materials
1/14
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
Geotech Geol Eng
DOI 10.1007/s10706-011-9435-8
7/31/2019 Influence of Different Stress Conditions on Behaviour of Rockfill Materials
2/14
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
Geotech Geol Eng
123
7/31/2019 Influence of Different Stress Conditions on Behaviour of Rockfill Materials
3/14
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
Geotech Geol Eng
123
7/31/2019 Influence of Different Stress Conditions on Behaviour of Rockfill Materials
4/14
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
Geotech Geol Eng
123
7/31/2019 Influence of Different Stress Conditions on Behaviour of Rockfill Materials
5/14
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
Geotech Geol Eng
123
7/31/2019 Influence of Different Stress Conditions on Behaviour of Rockfill Materials
6/14
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).
Geotech Geol Eng
123
7/31/2019 Influence of Different Stress Conditions on Behaviour of Rockfill Materials
7/14
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
Geotech Geol Eng
123
7/31/2019 Influence of Different Stress Conditions on Behaviour of Rockfill Materials
8/14
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
Geotech Geol Eng
123
7/31/2019 Influence of Different Stress Conditions on Behaviour of Rockfill Materials
9/14
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
Geotech Geol Eng
123
7/31/2019 Influence of Different Stress Conditions on Behaviour of Rockfill Materials
10/14
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
Geotech Geol Eng
123
7/31/2019 Influence of Different Stress Conditions on Behaviour of Rockfill Materials
11/14
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
Geotech Geol Eng
123
7/31/2019 Influence of Different Stress Conditions on Behaviour of Rockfill Materials
12/14
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
Geotech Geol Eng
123
7/31/2019 Influence of Different Stress Conditions on Behaviour of Rockfill Materials
13/14
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.
References
Becker E (1972) Strength and deformation characteristics ofrockfill materials under plane strain conditions. Ph.D.Thesis, University of California, Berkley
Billam J (1971) Some aspects of the behaviour of granularmaterials at high pressure. In: Proceedings of Roscoe
memorial symposium on stress-strain behaviour of soils.Cambridge University, Foulis, Henley, pp 6980
Colliat-Dangus JL, Desrues J, Foray P (1988) Triaxial testingof granular soil under elevated cell pressure. Advancedtriaxial testing of soil and rock. ASTM-STP977, ASTM,Philadelphia, pp 290310
Daouadji A, Hicher PY (1997) Modelling of grain breakageinfluence on mechanical behaviour of sands. In: Pie-truszczak and Pande (eds) Proceedings of numericalmodels in geomechanics. Balkema, Rotterdam, pp 6974
Fukumoto T (1990) A grading equation for decomposed granitesoil. Soils and foundation, Tokyo, Japan, vol 30(1),pp 2734
Gupta KK (1980) Behaviour of modelled Rockfill materials
under high confining pressures. Ph.D. Thesis, IIT, DelhiHagerty MM, Hite DR, Ullrich CR, Hagerty DJ (1993) One
dimensional high pressure compression of granular media.J Geotech Eng ASCE 119(1)
Hardin BO (1985) Crushing of soil particles. J Geotech EngASCE 111(10):11771192
Kjaernsli B, Valstad T, Hoeg K (1992) Rockfill Dams-designand construction. Norwegian Institute of Technology,Division of Hydraulics Engineering, Trondheim, Norway
Lade PV, Yamamuro JA (1996) Undrained sand behaviour inaxisymmetric tests at high pressures. J Geotech EngASCE 122(2):120129
Lade PV, Yamamuro JA, Bopp PA (1996) Significance ofparticle crushing in granular materials. J Geotech EngASCE 122(4):309316
Lee KL, Farhoomand I (1967) Compressibility and crushing ofgranular soil in anisotropic triaxial compression. CanGeotech J 4(1):6899
Lo KY, Roy M (1973) Response of particulate materials athigh pressure. Soils Foundations Tokyo Japan 13(1):114
Lowe J (1964) Shear strength of coarse embankment dammaterials. In: Proceedings of 8th international congress onLarge Dams, vol 3, pp 745761
Marachi ND, Chan CK, Seed HB, Duncan JM (1969) Strengthand deformation characteristics of Rockfill materials.Report No. TE 69-5, University of California, Berkeley,USA, vol 14, Bund. H12
MarachiND, Chan CK, Seed HB (1972)Evaluation of propertiesof Rockfill materials. J SMFE ASCE 98(SM1):95114Marsal RJ (1965) Discussion. In: Proceedings of 6th interna-
tional Cant. on Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engi-neering, vol 3, pp 310316
Marsal RJ (1967) Large scale testing of Rockfill materials.J Soil Mech Foundations Div ASCE 93(2):2743
Murphy DJ (1971) High pressure experiments on soil and rock.In: Proceedings of 13th symposium on Rock Mechanics,pp 691714
Murphy DJ (1987) Stress, degradation and shear strengthof granular material. In: Sayed SM (ed) Geotechnical
41
42
43
44
45
46
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
Geotech Geol Eng
123
7/31/2019 Influence of Different Stress Conditions on Behaviour of Rockfill Materials
14/14
modeling and applications. Gulf Publishing Company,Houston, pp 181211
Ramamurthy T (1969) Crushing phenomena in granular soils.J Indian Natl Soc SMFE 8(1):6786
Ramamurthy T, Kanitkar VK, Prakash K (1974) Behaviour ofcoarse grained soils under high stresses. Indian Geotech J4(1):3963
Venkatachalam K (1993) Prediction of mechanical behaviourof Rockfill materials. Ph.D. Thesis, IIT Delhi
Vesic AB, Clough GW (1968) Behaviour of granular materialsunder high stresses. J SMFE ASCE 94(8M 3):661688
Geotech Geol Eng
123