ELASTIC-MODULI OF NONCOHESIVE PARTICULATE MATERIALS

The problem of determining the elastic moduli of some particulate mate rials (granular, non-cohesive) is analysed. First, a brief survey of e xisting laboratory methods and a literature review are presented. Some basic shortcomings regarding the interpretation of commonly accepted tests and the determination of material parameters are discussed. Then an original method of determining the elastic moduli of particulate m aterials is proposed. The method is based on a new interpretation of o edometric tests, with additional measurement of lateral stresses. An o riginal feature of this interpretation is that the first phase of unlo ading is elastic. The elastic moduli for various particulate materials , such as soils, grains, powders and metal balls, are determined. It h as been shown that the elastic moduli of particulate materials do not significantly depend on either the initial density of the material or the stress level, in contrast to some widely accepted opinions. (C) 19 98 Elsevier Science S.A.