Practical Approach to Predicting the K0 Behavior of In Situ Sandy Gravel

To investigate the scale effect on at-rest earth pressure coefficient K₀ for sandy gravel, a number of K₀ tests for sandy gravel were performed by using a new-developed large-size K₀ apparatus. The test samples with different maximum particle size d_M are prepared by different techniques, and the scale effect on K₀ behavior of sandy gravels is investigated. It is found that the vertical stress σ^′_v, preparation technique and d_M all have some influence on the value of K₀ for the tested sandy gravels. Since different d_M or preparation techniques all induce the scale effect, the scale effect on K₀ of sandy gravel can not be ignored. Based on the test data of sandy gravel, a description of K₀ considering scale effect as well as σ^′ is proposed and an approach to predict the K₀ behavior of sandy gravel in situ is obtained. Furthermore, the accuracy and applicability of the approach is verified.

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