Interface load–displacement behaviour of sand grains coated with clayey powder: Experimental and analytical studies

In the present study, the micromechanical behaviour at the interfaces of sand grains coated with kaolinite powder is examined. Two different classes of coated grains were produced, one with lighter coating and one with heavier coating. The interface micromechanical experiments were conducted on pairs of grains and the emphasis was placed on the normal and tangential load-displacement relationships and the inter-particle friction of the different pairs highlighting the differences between uncoated and coated grains and also between the different classes of coating. All the experiments were conducted using a micromechanical custom-built loading apparatus and for the analysis of the data, analytical models from the literature were used, where adequate modifications were applied in specific in the tangential direction to match with the experimental results. Iteration processes, image analyses and microscopic image observations were adopted in the study of the frictional behaviour of the grains as well as the study of the damage of the surfaces. Work done and rate of work done concepts were introduced and linked to the damage of the surfaces of the grains and the role of repeating the shearing tests following the same shearing paths were particularly emphasized. The results from the study can provide some useful insights into the grain-scale behaviour of soil grains as well as input parameters in DEM studies.