Mechanical characteristics and particle breakage of coral sand under one-dimensional repeated loading

Abstract

Coral sand, which is an important filler resource in coastal areas, is continuously subjected to repeated waves or traffic loading. In this study, a series of oedometer tests are conducted on coral sand and silica sand under repeated loading, and the results are compared. The influence of the initial density and number and amplitude of repeated loading on the volumetric deformation, soil stiffness, and particle breakage are investigated. The results reveal that the volumetric deformation and particle breakage of coral sand mainly occur in the first loading stage and increase by increasing loading amplitude and reducing initial density. Compared to silica sand, the soil stiffness is lower and volumetric deformation is greater in coral sand during the initial loading stage. However, the opposite trend is observed for the subsequent loading. Finally, three power functions are proposed to predict the volumetric deformation and particle breakage of coral sand under repeated loading.