Angle of Repose

The maximum slope, measured in degrees from the horizontal, at

which loose solid material willremain in place without sliding.

The angle of repose is the minimum angle at which any piled-up bulky or loose material
will stand without falling downhill. One way to demonstrate this would be to pour sand
from a bag to the ground. There is a minimum angle or maximum slope the sand will
maintain due to the forces of gravity and the effect of friction between the particles of
sand. The angle is calculated between the peak of the pile and the horizontal ground.
The angle of repose for dry sand has been calculated to be 35 degrees, whereas cement
has an angle of repose of 20 degrees.

Pour the dry sand into a pile on a level surface allowing it to build a pile from the top.
This will result in a pile with a relatively circular base, making measurement easier.

Using the ruler and a tape measure, measure the height (h) of the pile of sand from the
peak to the ground. Stand the ruler next to the pile so it can be read easily. Extend the
tape measure carefully to the top of the pile without disturbing the pile and allow the
other end of the tape measure to intersect the ruler. While keeping the tape measure
level, observe the intersection of the tape measure with the ruler. Write the value on the
paper. (Example: h = 12 inches.)

Using the tape measure, measure the horizontal distance (d) from the middle of the pile
to the edge. Place the tape measure on the ground beside the pile. Line up one end with
one side of the pile and extend the tape measure to the other end of the pile. Write the
value on the paper and divide by 2. This will give you the distance from the center of the
pile to the edge. (Example: Total distance on tape measure from one end of the pile to
the other = 30 inches. Divide by 2 to get 15 inches. Thus, d = 15 inches)

The equation for calculating the angle of repose is: tan-1(2h/d). Using your scientific
calculator, multiply height by 2 and divide this value by the distance. Then, hit the
inverse tan key (or tan-1) and the answer just calculated. This will give you the angle of
repose, α.

Place the protractor on the level surface next to the pile of sand. Using the ruler, create a
straight line from the peak of the sand pile down the slope. Read the angle of repose
valueand write the value on the paper.

Compare the calculated angle of repose from Step 4 and the measured angle of repose
from Step 5. If the values are not within 1 degree of each other, repeat Step 5.