Monotonic Behavior of Ledge Point Calcareous Sands with Increasing Particle Crushing

Calcareous sands have different engineering properties than clays and silica sands due to their high particle angularity and in situ void ratios. The characteristics and stress-strain response of calcareous sands are necessary for the design and long-term maintenance of offshore infrastructure, such as piers, bridges, and offshore renewable energy systems. The monotonic stress-strain response of calcareous sands from Ledge Point Australia is examined in this study, as well as the effect of increasing particle damage and crushing severity on loading behavior. The calcareous specimens were crushed by both consolidation and shearing methods to obtain varying amounts of crushed material. Results indicated that as the content of particle breakage in the sample matrix increased, the crushed sands contracted less and exhibited a stronger dilative behavior during shearing. However, the highest shear strength was obtained by the sample with relative particle breakage (Br) of 0.05, rather than the sample with the highest crushing content.