The strength and dilatancy of sand

Abstract

The effects of stress path and loading direction in the triaxial test on strength and dilatancy of sand are investigated. It is shown that the unique relationship observed between peak friction angle and dilation rate at peak in conventional triaxial tests is followed regardless of stress path, confining stress at failure, relative density, and the mode of loading (compression or extension). Key words : sand, peak friction angle, dilatancy, stress path, triaxial test.