Influence of Density on the Hydraulic and Mechanical Properties of Sands

This article aims at assessing the influence of relative density on the hydraulic conductivity and shear strength of two sands, denominated S01 and S02, derived from different regions and formation processes. S01 is wind-blown and S2 alluvial. The results of characterization and hydraulic conductivity in constant head tests were presented for both samples. The results of direct shear tests with sand S01 prepared with 5 different void ratios were also presented, for a vertical stress of 100kPa. The S02 sample was prepared with 4 different void ratios and these underwent direct shear testing with vertical stresses of 25kPa and 150kPa. This sample was prepared with the maximum and minimum void ratio and submitted to strength tests at CD triaxial compression with confining stresses of 50kPa, 100kPa and 200kPa. Results showed that even with different grain sizes, and under different density conditions, there were no significant variations in the permeability of the materials. With respect to shear strength, sand S01 obtained higher angle of friction values than sand S02, even though the latter had a higher percent coarse fraction. Sand S02 was relatively similar in terms of friction angle values obtained in direct shear and triaxial compression strength tests.