Experimental study on the particle breakage of calcareous sand

This paper reports the results from a series of triaxial compression tests undertaken to provide insight into the particle breakage of a calcareous sand. The effects of relative density, confining pressure and axial strain on the evolution of particle breakage were investigated. The degree of particle breakage was measured by comparing the particle size distribution (PSD) before and after each test, leading to a new modified particle breakage index. The results show that more particle breakage occurs in denser samples and for higher confining pressure. With the increase of axial strain, the rate of particle breakage increases first and then decreases. The evolution of particle breakage is demonstrated linking breakage with normalised stress and shearing strain. The results can be utilised in predicting the mobilised friction angle and therefore sand strength including the influence of particle breakage.