applied

sciences
Article
Compaction Characteristics and Minimum Void Ratio
Prediction Model for Gap-Graded Soil-Rock Mixture
Tao Wang *, Sihong Liu *, Yan Feng and Jidu Yu
College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower, Hohai University, No.1, Xikang Road, Nanjing 210098, China;
feng-yan@hhu.edu.cn (Y.F.); yujidu@hhu.edu.cn (J.Y.)
* Correspondence: wt@hhu.edu.cn (T.W.); sihongliu@hhu.edu.cn (S.L.)




Received: 6 November 2018; Accepted: 9 December 2018; Published: 12 December 2018


Featured Application: Prediction of the minimum void ratio of gap-graded soil-rock mixture.

Abstract: Gap-graded soil-rock mixtures (SRMs), composed of coarse-grained rocks and fine-grained
soils particles, are very inhomogeneous materials and widely encountered in geoengineering.
In geoengineering applications, it is necessary to know the compaction characteristics in order
to estimate the minimum void ratio of gap-graded SRMs. In this paper, the void ratios of compacted
SRMs as well as the particle breakage during vibrating compaction were investigated through a
series of vibrating compaction tests. The test results show that gap-graded SRMs may reach a smaller
void ratio than the SRM with a continuous gradation under some circumstances. When the particles
in a gap interval play the role of filling components, the absence of them will increase the void
ratio of the SRM. The particle breakage of gap-graded SRMs is more prominent than the SRM with
continuous gradation on the whole, especially at the gap interval of 5–20 mm. Based on the test
results, a minimum void ratio prediction model incorporating particle breakage during compaction
is proposed. The developed model is evaluated by the compaction test results and its validation
is discussed.

Keywords: soil-rock mixtures; compaction; gap gradation; void ratio; particle breakage

1. Introduction
Soil-rock mixtures (SRMs), which are composed of coarse-grained rocks and fine-grained soils
particles, are very inhomogeneous materials and widely encountered in geoengineering [1,2]. Due to
the inhomogeneous characteristics of SRMs, gap-graded SRMs are commonly found in geoengineering
applications [3–5], such as waste rock and tailings from mining [6], clay-aggregate mixtures in rockfill
dams [7–9] and glacial tills [10].
Gap-graded SRMs have a range of missing particles [11,12] in which fine particles may more easily
be washed out of the matrix of the coarse particles by seepage forces. Therefore, great attention has
been paid to the internal erosion of gap-graded SRMs [13–16]. However, little research has been done
on the compaction characteristics of gap-graded SRMs. The compaction characteristics significantly
influence the density that SRMs can reach under a certain compaction effort, and in turn influence
the mechanical behaviour of SRMs [17]. Therefore, it is important to investigate the compaction
characteristics of gap-graded SRMs, especially when used in projects where settlement has to be strictly
controlled, such as highway and airport foundations [18,19].
On the other hand, a suitable model for estimating the compacted void ratio of gap-graded SRMs
is needed for their compaction quality control. Studies show that the void ratio is closely related to
the engineering properties of gap-graded materials, such as compressibility [20], shear strength [21]
and permeability [22]. The existing void ratio prediction models are built mainly for sand-silt mixture

Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 2584; doi:10.3390/app8122584 www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci

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related to the engineering properties of gap-graded materials, such as compressibility [20], shear
strength [21] and permeability [22]. The existing void ratio prediction models are built mainly for
or sand-clay
sand-silt mixtures
mixture [7,23]. However,
or sand-clay mixtures SRMs have
[7,23]. coarser particle
However, sizes coarser
SRMs have than sand-silt mixture
particle and
sizes than
sand-clay mixtures,
sand-silt mixture andresulting
sand-clayin more particle
mixtures, breakage
resulting in gap-graded
in more SRMs during
particle breakage compaction
in gap-graded [24].
SRMs
Therefore, building a [24].
during compaction void Therefore,
ratio prediction model
building a incorporating particle breakage
void ratio prediction is meaningfulparticle
model incorporating for the
breakage isofmeaningful
prediction compactedfor theratio
void prediction of compacted
of gap-graded SRM. void ratio of gap-graded SRM.
paper, aa series
In this paper, series of
of vibrating compaction tests are firstly conducted on SRMs with different
continuous and gap gradations. The void ratios of compacted SRMs as well as the particle breakage
vibrating compaction
during vibrating compaction are investigated.
investigated. Then,
Then, a minimum void ratio prediction model for
gap-graded SRMs
gap-graded SRMs incorporating
incorporating particle
particle breakage
breakage is is proposed.
proposed.

2.
2. Vibrating
Vibrating Compaction
Compaction Test
Test

2.1.
2.1. Test
Test Programs
Programs
In
In this
this study,
study, the
the gap
gap gradation
gradation isis generated
generated by by removing
removing particles
particles within
within aa gap
gap interval
interval of
of aa
continuous gradation (called basic gradation), as shown in Figure 1. The mass
continuous gradation (called basic gradation), as shown in Figure 1. The mass of the missing of the missing particles
within
particles a gap interval
within a gapisinterval
transferred into the remaining
is transferred particles inparticles
into the remaining proportion to their mass
in proportion to ratios. In a
their mass
gap gradation, particles are divided into two groups at two sides of the gap interval,
ratios. In a gap gradation, particles are divided into two groups at two sides of the gap interval, fine-grained
group and coarse-grained
fine-grained group. The mass
group and coarse-grained content
group. Theofmass
particles in the
content of fine-grained
particles in group is defined
the fine-grained
as f c . The basic gradation is characterized using the fractal dimension D, defined
group is defined as fc. The basic gradation is characterized using the fractal dimension D, defined as the gradient inas
a
double logarithmic plot of mass of particles against particle size [25].
the gradient in a double logarithmic plot of mass of particles against particle size [25].
MM d <R)R)
(d (< RR 33−−DD
==(( )) (1)
(1)
MM T T RL
R

in which MM(d(d<< RR)) isisthe

in which themass
massofofparticles
particleswith
withdiameters
diametersfiner
finer than
than MTMisT the
R,R, is the total
total R L isRLthe
mass,
mass, is
maximum diameter.
the maximum diameter.In this R L =R60
test,test,
In this L
=mm.
60 mm .

Figure 1. Definition of a gap gradation generated from

from aa continuous
continuous gradation.
gradation.

The lithology of the test SRM is slightly-weathered

slightly-weathered dolomite,
dolomite, with a saturated
saturated uniaxial
uniaxial
compression strength of of 30~60
30~60MPa MPa(medium
(mediumhard hardrock),
rock),which
which waswas taken
taken from
from a rockfill
a rockfill damdam
site
site in China.
in China. The The specific
specific gravity
gravity ofSRM
of the the SRM is measured
is measured at and
at 2.65 2.65 its
and its shape
shape is subangular.
is subangular. Five
Five basic
basic gradations
gradations with with different
different fractal
fractal dimension
dimension D were
D were tested.
tested. Foreach
For eachbasic
basicgradation,
gradation, four
four gap
gradations
gradations were
weregenerated,
generated,with withgap intervals
gap of 5–20
intervals mm,mm,
of 5–20 2–5 mm, 0.5–20.5–2
2–5 mm, mm and mm0.25–0.5 mm, which
and 0.25–0.5 mm,
correspond to medium gravel, fine gravel, coarse sand and medium sand, respectively,
which correspond to medium gravel, fine gravel, coarse sand and medium sand, respectively, according to
Chinese standards on soil classification. Furthermore, for the gap gradation with the
according to Chinese standards on soil classification. Furthermore, for the gap gradation with the gap interval of
5–20 mm, seven different values of fc were considered. The detailed test program is given in Table 1.
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 2584 3 of 16
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From these tests,

gap interval we attempt
of 5–20 to explore
mm, seven the values
different effects of
of different basic gradations,
fc were considered. gap intervals
The detailed and mass
test program is
contents of the fine-grained group (f
given in Table 1. From these tests, we ) on the compaction characteristics of SRMs.
c attempt to explore the effects of different basic gradations, gap

intervals and mass contents of the fine-grained group (fc) on the compaction characteristics of SRMs.
Table 1. Program of vibrating compaction tests.

Table 1. Program
Fractal dimension D of basicofgradation
vibrating compaction
1.9, 2.1, tests.
2.3, 2.5, 2.7
Fractal dimensionGap interval (mm)
D of basic gradation 5–20, 2–5,
1.9,0.5–2, 0.25–0.5
2.1, 2.3, 2.5, 2.7
Gap
fc for the interval (mm)
gap interval of 5–20 mm 5–20,
0, 0.2, 0.4, 2–5, 0.5–2,
0.5, 0.6, 0.8, 0.25–0.5
1.0
fc for the gap interval of 5–20 mm 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0
The vibrating compaction tests were carried out on a steel-made compaction cylinder with an
innerThe vibrating
diameter compaction
of 300 mm and tests wereofcarried
a height 500 mm.outEach
on a SRM
steel-made
samplecompaction
has 75 kg incylinder
mass and withwasan
inner diameter of 300 mm and a height of 500 mm. Each SRM sample has 75 kg in
divided into three equal parts. Then, each part was dropped carefully into the cylinder. As shown inmass and was
divided2,into
Figure three equal
a vibrating parts. Then,
compactor each part
(Frequency: wasExciting
45 Hz; dropped carefully
force: into
5.4 kN) theplaced
was cylinder. As top
on the shown in
of the
Figure 2, a vibrating compactor (Frequency: 45 Hz; Exciting force: 5.4 kN) was placed
sample and compacted the sample for eight minutes. It was found that the height of the sample would on the top of
the sample
hardly changeand compacted
after the sample
a five-minute forcompaction.
vibrating eight minutes. It was found
Therefore, that the
the sample washeight of the to
considered sample
be in
the densest state after the eight-minute vibrating compaction. After each test, the total height ofwas
would hardly change after a five-minute vibrating compaction. Therefore, the sample the
considered
sample was to be in the and
measured, densest
thenstate after
its void the was
ratio eight-minute
calculated.vibrating compaction.
Also, grain-size After
analysis each
was test, the
performed
totalthe
and height of the
particle sampleduring
breakage was measured, and then itswas
vibrating compaction void ratio was calculated. Also, grain-size
analyzed.
analysis was performed and the particle breakage during vibrating compaction was analyzed.

Figure
Figure 2. Diagram of
2. Diagram of the
the vibrating
vibrating compaction
compaction on
on soil-rock
soil-rock mixtures.
mixtures.

2.2. Results and Discussion

2.2. Results and Discussion
2.2.1. Influence of gap intervals
2.2.1. Influence of gap intervals
Figure 3 shows the change of the void ratios of the SRMs with different gap gradations, generated
from Figure
the basic3 gradation
shows theD change of the
= 2.3, with gap void ratios
intervals. The oftest
theresults
SRMsdemonstrate
with different thatgap gradations,
the influence of
generated from the basic gradation D = 2.3, with gap intervals. The test results demonstrate
the absence of particles in different gap intervals on void ratios of SRMs is different. If the particles that the
influence
within of mm
5–20 the absence of particles
are absent, the voidinratio
different
of the gapSRMintervals on void
is smaller thanratios of SRMs
that of is different.
the basic gradation, If
the particles within 5–20 mm are absent, the void ratio of the SRM is smaller
contrary to the conventional belief that gap-graded SRMs are less compactible. This is because the than that of the basic
gradation,
particles contrary
within 5–20 to
mmthe areconventional
relatively coarsebelief
and that gap-graded
difficult SRMs
to fill into are less
the voids compactible.
of the This is
skeleton particles.
because
The the particles
absence within 5–20
of the particles withinmm aremm
5–20 relatively
avoidscoarse and difficult
the probability to fill into the
of enlarging the voids
voids of of the
the
skeleton particles. The absence of the particles within 5–20 mm avoids the
skeleton particles. The particles smaller than 5 mm usually act as the filling components in SRMs.probability of enlarging
the absence
The voids ofofthe skeleton
these particlesparticles.
means that Thevoids
particles
of thesmaller
skeleton than 5 mmcannot
particles usually act as
be fully theduring
filled filling
components in SRMs. The absence of these particles means that voids of the skeleton
vibrating compaction, so the void ratio of the SRMs increases. As the mass content of the particles particles cannot
be fully0.25–0.5
within filled during vibrating fine,
mm is relatively compaction,
the absence so the voidparticles
of these ratio of affects
the SRMs increases.
slightly on the Asvoid the mass
ratio of
content
the SRMs. of the particles within 0.25–0.5 mm is relatively fine, the absence of these particles affects
slightly on the void ratio of the SRMs.
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Figure 3. Void ratios of the soil-rock mixture (SRM) with basic gradation D = 2.3 at different gap
Figure3.3. Void ratios
Figure ratios of
of the
thesoil-rock
soil-rockmixture
mixture(SRM)
(SRM) with
with basic
basic D =D
gradation
gradation 2.3=at2.3 at different
different gap
intervals.
gap intervals.
intervals.

Figure44presents
Figure presentsthe thechanges
changes of ofnon-uniform
non-uniform coefficients
coefficients C Cu ==dd60 / /d
Cu ((C d10 ) and
) andcoefficients
coefficientsofof
Figure 4 presents the changes of non-uniform coefficients Cuu ( Cuu = d 6060/ d1010) and coefficients of
= dd30302 /(/
2 2
( Ccc =
curvatureCCcc (C
curvature d(d10)d)60of))the
of the
SRMs SRMs before
before and and
after after the at
the tests tests at different
different gap intervals.
gap intervals. It is
curvature
Itseen
is seen that ( Cc =vibrating
Cc after d30 /(d1010 d6060compaction,
) ) of the SRMsC before and while
increases, after the
C tests at different
decreases, gap intervals.
especially in the It is
absence
that after vibrating compaction, Cu increases, u while Cc decreases,
c especially in the absence of
seen that after
ofparticles
particles withinvibrating
5–20mm. compaction,
mm. Thismeans Cu increases,
means theSRM while
SRMgradationsCc decreases,
gradations especially
havechanged
changed in thethe
during absence of
vibrating
within 5–20 This the have during the vibrating
particles
compaction, within 5–20 mm. This means the SRM gradations have changed during the vibrating
compaction,resulting
resultingfrom fromthethe particle
particle breakage
breakage that will be be discussed
discussedlater.
later.
compaction, resulting from the particle breakage that will be discussed later.

(a) Cu (b) Cc
(a) Cu (b) Cc
Figure4.4. Changes
Figure Changes of
of non-uniform
non-uniform coefficients
coefficients C
Cuu and
and coefficients
coefficientsofofcurvature
curvatureCC
c after
c aftervibrating
vibrating
Figure 4. Changes of non-uniform coefficients Cu and coefficients of curvature Cc after vibrating
compaction.
compaction.
compaction.
2.2.2.
2.2.2.Influence
Influenceof ofbasic
basic gradations
gradations
2.2.2. Influence of basic gradations
Figure
Figure55gives
gives the
the changes
changes of of the
the void ratios of
void ratios of the
the SRMs
SRMs with withgap gapintervals
intervalsunder underthe thebasic
basic
Figurewith
gradations 5 gives the changes
different fractal of the void D.
dimension ratios
It canof be
theseen
SRMs thatwith
the gap intervals
changing under
trend of the curves
the basic
gradations with different fractal dimension D. It can be seen that the changing trend of the curves is
gradations
issimilar
similarwhen withDdifferent
when = 2.3, fractal
2.5 and dimension
2.7shown
(as shown D. Itin
can be seen that
Figure the
it ischanging trend of the of curves = is
D 2.1.
D = 2.3, 2.5 and 2.7 (as in Figure 3), but3),
it isbut
different different
from that from
of Dthat
= 1.9 and 1.9
andsimilar when
2.1.the
From D = 2.3, 2.5
the definition and 2.7 (as shown
D in Equation
of Equation in Figure 3),
(1), particlebut
the particle it is different from that of D = 1.9 and 2.1.
From definition of D in (1), the sizesizein anin an assembly
assembly increases
increases withwiththethe
From the definition of D 1.9in Equation (1), the particle size inmman may
assembly asincreases with the
decreasingD.
decreasing When D == 1.9
D. When and
and 2.1,the
2.1, theparticles
particles within
within 5–205–20mm may act act
as fillingfilling components
components in
decreasing D. When D = 1.9 and 2.1, the particles within 5–20 mm may act as filling components in
inSRMs.
SRMs.The Theabsence
absenceofofthese
theseparticles
particlesleads
leadstotoinsufficient
insufficient filling
filling ofofthethevoids
voidsamongamongthe theskeleton
skeleton
SRMs. The absence of these particles leads to insufficient filling of the voids among the skeleton
particles,resulting
particles, resulting inin the
the bigger
bigger void
void ratios
ratiosofofthe
theSRMs
SRMsthanthanthose
those ofofthethebasic
basicgradations
gradations when whenD =D
particles, resulting in the bigger void ratios of the SRMs than those of the basic gradations when D =
=1.91.9and
and2.1.
2.1.Figure
Figure5 5also
alsodemonstrates
demonstratesthat thatthere
therearearethe
thevital
vitalgrain
grainsizesizegroups
groupsactingactingasasfilling
filling
1.9 and 2.1. Figure 5 also demonstrates that there are the vital grain size groups acting as filling
componentsin
components inSRMs.
SRMs. The The vital
vital grain size group
group is is 0.5–2
0.5–2 mmmmwhen whenDD==2.3, 2.3,2.5,
2.5,2.7
2.7and
andit itisis2–5
2–5mm mm
components in SRMs. The vital grain size group is 0.5–2 mm when D = 2.3, 2.5, 2.7 and it is 2–5 mm
whenDD==1.9,
when 1.9,2.1.
2.1. The absence of the the vital
vital grain
grainsize
sizegroup
groupwillwillsignificantly
significantlyincrease
increasethe thevoid
voidratioratioofof
when D = 1.9, 2.1. The absence of the vital grain size group will significantly increase the void ratio of
the SRM, which should be taken seriously in engineering
the SRM, which should be taken seriously in engineering practice. practice.
the SRM, which should be taken seriously in engineering practice.
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Figure
Figure 5.5.Void
Voidratios
ratiosofofthe
theSRMs
SRMswith
with gap
gap intervals
intervals under
underdifferent
differentbasic
basicgradations.
gradations.
Figure 5. Void ratios of the SRMs with gap intervals under different basic gradations.
AtAtthethe same
same gapgapinterval,
interval,thethevoid
voidratio
ratio ee of
of the SRMSRM decreases
decreaseswith withthetheincreasing
increasingDD ofof
thethe
basic
basic
At
gradation. the same
For gap
example,interval,
at the
the void
gap ratio
interval e ofofthe
5–20SRM mm,decreases
e with
decreases
gradation. For example, at the gap interval of 5–20 mm, e decreases from 0.36 to 0.11 when D increases the
fromincreasing
0.36 to D of
0.11 the
when basicD
gradation.
increases
from 1.9 to 2.7. For
from example,
1.9 to 2.7.
Mcgeary at the
[26]Mcgeary gap
found that interval
[26]the
found of 5–20
that of
mixture thetwo mm,
mixture e decreases
grainof two
size from
grain would
groups 0.36 to
size groups 0.11
have wouldwhen
less void haveD
ratio
increases
lessthe
void from 1.9
ratioparticleto
when the 2.7. Mcgeary
mean [26] found
particlebetween that
size difference the mixture
between of two grain size groups would have
when mean size difference the two groupsthe two groups
is coarse. We useis coarse. Weofuse
the ratio d’50the
/d50
less
ratio void
of d’ratio when
50/d50 to the mean
represent the particle
degree size
of difference
particle size between the
difference two groups
between the is coarse. We
fine-grained useand
group the
to represent the degree of particle size difference between the fine-grained group and coarse-grained
ratio of d’50/d50 togroup,
coarse-grained represent the ddegree of particle size difference between thefine-grained
fine-grained group
group andand
group, where d50 and d’50where are the 50 and diameters
mean d’50 are the of mean diameters
the fine-grained of the
group and coarse-grained group,
coarse-grained group,
coarse-grained group, respectively.
where d50 and d’values
50 are ofthe 50 mean
/d50 atdiameters of the fine-grained group and
respectively. The values of d’50 /d50 atThedifferent gapd’ intervals different gap intervals
are plotted against D are plotted
in Figure 6.against
It can be
coarse-grained group, respectively. The values of d’ /d at different gap intervals
D in Figure 6. It can be seen that the ratios of d’50/d50 increase with D irrespective of gap intervals.
50 50 are plotted against
seen
D that
in the ratios
Figure of d’be50 seen
/d50 that
increase with D of irrespective of gap intervals. According gapto Mcgear’s
According to6.Mcgear’s
It can finding, theunderstandable
it is ratios d’50/d50that
increase with
the void D irrespective
ratio e of the SRMofdecreases intervals.
with
finding, it
According
the
is
increasing
understandable
to Mcgear’s that
finding,
D of the basic it is understandable that the void ratio e of the SRM decreasesDwith
the
gradation.
void ratio e of the SRM decreases with the increasing of the
basic
thegradation.
increasing D of the basic gradation.

Figure 6. Changes of d’50/d50 with fractal dimension D at different gap intervals.

Figure 6. Changes
ofof
d’d’ 50/d50 with fractal dimension D at different gap intervals.
Figure 6. Changes 50 /d50 with fractal dimension D at different gap intervals.
As aforementioned, particle breakage will inevitably happen during the vibrating compaction
onAs As
SRMs. aforementioned,
aforementioned,
Commonly, the particle
particle breakage
degreebreakage
of will
particlewill inevitably
inevitably
breakage happen
happenduring
is quantitatively during the
evaluatedthevibrating
vibrating compaction
using three compaction
indices:
on
on B 15 SRMs.
SRMs. BCommonly,
[27],Commonly,
g [28] andthe the
B degree
[29],
r degree ofofparticle
where particle breakage
the ratiois
B15 isbreakage quantitatively
isof the diameter
quantitatively evaluated
before using
evaluated test three
and
using indices:
after
three test
indices:
B [27],
B15corresponding
15 B g [28]
[27], Bg [28] and and
to B
15% B [29],
finer
r where
passing B
inthe
B15 is is
theratio
15 the
gradation ratio
of thecurve;of the diameter
Bg isbefore
the maximum before test
distance andbetween test
after the
r [29], where diameter test and after test corresponding
corresponding
original
to 15% to
finergradation 15%
passing incurve finer passing
and gradation
the gradation in the
curve; gradation
curve
Bg isafter curve; B
test; Br is the
the maximum g is the maximum
ratio ofbetween
distance distance
Bt to Bp, thewhere Bbetween
t is the
original the
area
gradation
original
between gradation curve and gradation
original gradation curves curve after test; Br isafter
the ratio
test,ofBB to area
Bp, where Bt is the area
curve and gradation curve after test; Band gradation curve p t is between
r is the ratio of Bt to Bp , where Bt is the area between original
original
between original
gradation curveand gradation
and the line curves
d curve
= 0.074andmm. gradation
Figure 7 curve
shows after test, Bbreakage
the particle p is area of between
SRMs original
with gapthe
gradation curves gradation after test, Bp is area between original gradation curve and
gradation
intervals curvethe
under andbasic
the gradations
line d = 0.074 mm.
with Figurefractal
different 7 shows the particle
dimension D. breakage
The test of SRMs
results with gap
demonstrate
line d = 0.074 mm. Figure 7 shows the particle breakage of SRMs with gap intervals under the basic
intervals under the
that the particle basic gradations
breakage of gap-gradedwith different
SRMs is fractal dimension than
more prominent D. The thetest results
withdemonstrate
gradations with different fractal dimension D. The test results demonstrate thatSRMthe particle continuous
breakage of
that the particle breakage of gap-graded SRMs is more prominent than the SRM with continuous
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 2584 6 of 16
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gradationSRMs
gap-graded on theis whole, especially than
more prominent at thethe
gap
SRMinterval of 5–20 mm.gradation
with continuous The degreeonoftheparticle
whole,breakage
especially
decreases gradually with the increasing fractal dimension D of the basic gradation.
at the gap interval of 5–20 mm. The degree of particle breakage decreases gradually with This
theisincreasing
because
the dimension
fractal particle sizes
D ofin the
SRM decrease
basic with the
gradation. Thisincreasing
is becauseD,the
and consequently
particle sizes in less
SRMparticle
decreasebreakage
with the
will happen during the vibrating compaction.
increasing D, and consequently less particle breakage will happen during the vibrating compaction.

(a) B15~D

(b) Bg~D

(c) Br~D
Figure
Figure 7. Particle
7. Particle breakageofofSRMs
breakage SRMswith
withfractal
fractal dimension
dimension D
D at
at different
differentgap
gapintervals.
intervals.

2.2.3. Influence
2.2.3. of of
Influence mass content
mass contentininfine-grained
fine-grainedgroup
group(f(fcc))
In engineering
In engineering practice,the
practice, thegap
gapintervals
intervalsand
andthe
the gradations
gradations of
of the
the fine-grained
fine-grainedgroup
groupand
andthe the
coarse-grained
coarse-grained group
group of of SRMs
SRMs areknown,
are known,and
andthey
theyare
aredependent
dependent upon
upon the
the available
availablematerials.
materials.It It
is is
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 16

necessary
Appl. to8,study
Sci. 2018, 2584the mass content fc of the fine-grained group in an SRM to achieve the minimum 7 of 16
voidSci.
Appl. ratio of8,the
2018, SRM.
x FOR PEERFigure
REVIEW8 presents the relationship between the void ratios e of the SRMs7with of 16
different basic gradations and the mass contents fc at the gap interval of 5–20 mm.
necessary to
necessary to study
study the
the mass content ffcc of
mass content of the
the fine-grained
fine-grained group
group in
in an
an SRM
SRM toto achieve
achieve the
the minimum
minimum
void ratio of the SRM. Figure 8 presents the relationship between the void ratios e of the
void ratio of the SRM. Figure 8 presents the relationship between the void ratios e of the SRMs with SRMs with
different basic
different basic gradations
gradations and
and the
the mass contents ffcc at
mass contents at the
the gap
gap interval
interval of
of 5–20
5–20 mm.
mm.

Figure 8. Changes of void ratios of the SRMs with fc under different basic gradations.

The relationship is approximately bilinear, and the turning point corresponds to the minimum
void ratio of the 8.
Figure SRM, which
Changes
Changes canratios
of void be explained
of the SRMs with
withthe helpdifferent
fcc under
under of Figure
different basic9.gradations.
basic Figure 9a illustrates
coarse-grained particles enclosing a void space in the case of fc = 0. When fc increases gradually, the
The relationship
fine-grained particlesisis
relationship approximately
approximately
enter into the voids bilinear,
bilinear, and
as fillingandthe turning
the turning
components, point corresponds
point
leading to the to
corresponds thetominimum
decrease theofminimum
the void
ratio of
void of the
ratio SRM,
theof thewhich
SRM SRM,can
(Figure be explained
which
9b). with
can be9cexplained
Figure shows thethe help
with of the
state Figure
when help 9.allFigure
ofvoids 9aare
Figure illustrates
9.fully
Figure coarse-grained
9a illustrates
occupied by the
particles enclosing
coarse-grained a
particlesvoid space
enclosing in
fine-grained particles and the minimum void ratioathe
void case of
space f in
c = 0.
the When
case
of the SRM of f f increases gradually, the
c is achieved. The corresponding fthe
c = 0. When fc increases fine-grained
gradually, c is

particles
called theenter
fine-grained into mass
the enter
particles
optimal voids as filling
into
contents the components,
voids
of the as fillingleading
fine-grained group.toIfthe
components, decrease
leading of
fc continues to the
the void ratio
decrease
increase, of the SRM
of void
coarse-grained
(Figure
ratio of 9b).
particles willFigure
the SRM 9c shows
(Figure
be separated 9b).the
by state
Figure
the when
9c shows
fine-grained all voids
the are fully
state
particles and occupied
when all voids
“float” inbythe thematrix
are fine-grained
fully occupied particles
by the
of fine-grained
and the minimum
fine-grained
particles, as particles void
shown inand ratio of the
the minimum
Figure SRM is
9d,e, resulting achieved.
void ratio
in the The corresponding
of increase
the SRMof is the f
achieved.
void is
c ratiocalled of the SRM. mass
the optimal
The corresponding fc isfc
As
contents
called theofup
increases thetofine-grained
optimal 1.0,mass group.ofIfthe
contents
the coarse-grained fc continues
fine-grained
particles to increase,
group.and
disappear Ifcoarse-grained
fconly
continues toparticles
fine-grained increase, will beexist
separated
coarse-grained
particles in the
by the fine-grained
particles
mixture will be9f),
(Figure particles
separated
where the and “float”
by maximum
the in void
the matrix
fine-grained ratio isofreached.
particles fine-grained
and “float” particles,
in the as shown
matrix ofinfine-grained
Figure 9d,e,
resulting
particles, in
as the
The optimal increase
shown mass of the 9d,e,
in Figure
content void ratio
the of
fc andresulting the
in SRM.
minimum the void
increase fc increases
As ratio ofofthe up toratio
void
gap-graded 1.0,SRMs
the
of thecoarse-grained
areSRM. As fc
important
particles
increases
parameters disappear1.0, and
upintoengineering onlypractice.
fine-grained
the coarse-grained particles
Inparticles
the existwe
next disappear
part, in attempt
the
and mixture
only (Figure
to fine-grained
build 9f), where
a model particlestheexist
maximum
for predicting in the
void ratio
mixture
optimal is reached.
(Figure
mass 9f), where
content fc andthe maximum
minimum voidvoid ratio
ratio is reached. SRMs.
of gap-graded
The optimal mass content fc and the minimum void ratio of gap-graded SRMs are important
parameters in engineering practice. In the next part, we attempt to build a model for predicting the
optimal mass content fc and minimum void ratio of gap-graded SRMs.

Figure 9. Illustration
Illustration of
of the mixture of coarse-grained and fine-grained particles.

The optimal
3. A New Model formass content fMinimum
Predicting c and the minimum
Void Ratiovoid ratio of gap-graded
of Gap-Graded SRMs are important
SRMs Incorporating
parameters inFigure
engineering
Particle Breakage practice.
9. Illustration Inmixture
of the the nextofpart, we attempt
coarse-grained andtofine-grained
build a model for predicting the
particles.
optimal mass content fc and minimum void ratio of gap-graded SRMs.
In this part, the existing models for predicting the minimum void ratio of gap-graded SRMs by
3. A New Model for Predicting Minimum Void Ratio of Gap-Graded SRMs Incorporating
Vallejo [5] and Chang et al. [18] are evaluated by comparing the measured and predicted minimum
Particle Breakage
In this part, the existing models for predicting the minimum void ratio of gap-graded SRMs by
Vallejo [5] and Chang et al. [18] are evaluated by comparing the measured and predicted minimum
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 2584 8 of 16

3. A New Model for Predicting Minimum Void Ratio of Gap-Graded SRMs Incorporating
Particle Breakage
In this part, the existing models for predicting the minimum void ratio of gap-graded SRMs by
Vallejo [5] and Chang et al. [18] are evaluated by comparing the measured and predicted minimum
void ratios from compaction tests. Deficiencies of the existing models are identified and a new model
for predicting minimum void ratio of gap-graded SRM is proposed.

3.1. Existing Model

Vallejo [7] measured porosities of sand-clay mixtures. He found that the minimum porosity of the
mixture occurs when all the void space in the sand is completely filled by the bulk volume of clay. He
also proposed an equation for estimating the minimum porosity of the binary mixtures, as Equation (2).

nmix−min = n f nc (2)

where nmix−min is the minimum porosity of the sand-clay mixture, nc is the porosity of pure sand, n f
is the porosity of pure clay.
However, the ideal condition in which all the void space of coarse-grained particles is completely
filled by the bulk volume of fine-grained particles can hardly be achieved. During the process of
achieving minimum void ratio of the mixture, mutual interference between the coarse-grained particles
and fine-grained particles will happen, that is, the so-called “wall effect” and “loosening effect” [30],
as shown in Figure 10a. Wall effect means that when some isolated coarse-grained particles are
immersed in a sea of fine-grained particles (which are dominant), there is a further amount of voids
in the packing of fine-grained particles located in the interface vicinity. Loosening effect refers to
when fine-grained particles are inserted in the porosity of a coarse-grain packing (coarse particles
dominant), and if it is no longer able to fit in a void, there is locally a decrease of volume of the
coarse-grained particles.
Chang et al. [23] considered the mutual inferences between fine-grained and coarse-grained
particles when studying the minimum void ratio of sand-silt mixtures. They found that the added
fine-grained particles would inevitably distort the structure of coarse-grained particles and cause a
change of total void volume. They assumed that the change of void volume is proportional to the
amount of fine-grained particles added to the mixture. Similarly, for a fine-grained particles dominant
structure, the added coarse-grained particles will distort the structure of fine-grained particles and
cause a change of total void volume, which is proportional to the amount of coarse particles added to
the mixture. They gave the optimal fc corresponding to the minimum void ratio as Equation (3).

ec − e
b
f c−optimum = (3)
1 + ec + e f − e
a−e
b

where ec is the void ratio of pure coarse-grained particles, ef is the void ratio of pure fine-grained
a and e
particles, e b are material constants.
Chang et al. [23] also proposed an equation for estimating the minimum porosity of the binary
mixtures, as Equation (4).

nmix−min = ec f c−optimum + e f (1 − f c−optimum ) − b12 ec f c−optimum (4)

where b12 is material constant.

Appl.
Appl.Sci. 2018,
Sci. 8, 8,
2018, x FOR
2584 PEER REVIEW 9 of 1616
9 of
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 16

Figure 10. The two parts constituting the change of void volume ΔV: (a) Mutual interference
between
Figure coarse-grained
10.The
Figure 10. Thetwo
two and
parts fine-grained
constituting
parts theparticles
constituting change of
the change A, of
ΔVvoid (b)Particle
volume ∆V:
breakage
void volume ΔV
(a) ΔV:
MutualB. interference
(a) between
Mutual interference
coarse-grained and fine-grained
between coarse-grained particles ∆V
and fine-grained A , (b)Particle
particles ∆VB .
breakagebreakage
ΔVA, (b)Particle ΔVB.
The minimum void ratio of gap-graded SRMs computed using Vallejo and Chang et al. models
The
The minimum
are shown in Figure
minimum void
void11ratio
and
ratioofofgap-graded
compared
gap-graded SRMs
with
SRMs computed
measured
computed using
valuesVallejo
using fromand
Vallejo Chang
compaction
and Changet al.et models
tests. The
al. modelsare
shown
comparisonin Figure
are shownshows 11 and compared
that the
in Figure with
11 predictability
and compared measured
of the values
withmodel from
measured compaction
for sand-clay
values or tests.
from The
sand-silt comparison
mixtures
compaction shows
is not
tests. The
that thefor
suitable
comparisonpredictability
gap-graded
shows that ofSRMs.
the
the modelIt isfor sand-clay
because,
predictability theormodel
of unlike sand-siltfor mixtures
sand-clay is or
or sand-silt
sand-clay notsand-silt
suitable
mixtures, forgap-graded
gap-graded
mixtures is not
SRMs.
SRM willItundergo
suitable is because,
for more
gap-graded unlike
particle
SRMs.sand-clay
breakage or during
sand-silt
It is because, mixtures,
vibrating
unlike gap-graded
compaction,
sand-clay as SRM
or sand-silt will
themixtures,
test undergo
results show more
gap-graded in
particle
Section breakage
2.2.1.undergo
SRM will during
The particle vibrating
morebreakage compaction,
during theduring
particle breakage as
processthe test results
of compaction
vibrating show in Section
will generate
compaction, 2.2.1.
some
as the test The
muchshow
results particle
finerin
breakage
Section 2.2.1. The particle breakage during the process of compaction will generate some much finer
particles, during
and thesethe process
finer of
particles compaction
will further will generate
fill the voids some
of much
the finer
mixture particles,
(shown inand
Figurethese 10b).
finer
particles
particles,will
Therefore, andfurther
the theseoffill
effect theparticles
voids
particle
finer of will
the mixture
breakage further (shown
should be
filltaken ininto
the voids Figure 10b).mixture
Therefore,
consideration
of the when the effect
building
(shown ofmodels
in Figure particle
10b).
breakage
for
Therefore, should
predicting be taken
minimum
the effect intoratio
of void
particle consideration
of gap-graded
breakage whenSRMs.
should building
be taken models for predicting
into consideration minimum
when building void ratio
models
of
forgap-graded SRMs.
predicting minimum void ratio of gap-graded SRMs.

(a) D = 1.9 (b) D = 2.1

(a) D = 1.9 (b) D = 2.1
Figure 11. Cont.
 Appl.Sci.
Appl. Sci.2018,
2018,8,8,x 2584
FOR PEER REVIEW 1010ofof1616

(c) D = 2.3 (d) D = 2.5

(e) D = 2.7
Figure
Figure11.
11.Comparison
Comparisonofofmeasured
measuredminimum
minimumvoid voidratios
ratiosofofgap-graded
gap-gradedSRM
SRMand
andpredicted
predictedvoid
void
ratios
ratiosusing
usingmodels
modelsfrom
fromVallejo
Vallejoand
andChang
Changetetal.
al.

3.2.AAModel
3.2. Modelfor
forPredicting
PredictingMinimum
MinimumVoid
VoidRatio
RatioofofGap-Graded
Gap-GradedSRMs
SRMsIncorporating
IncorporatingParticle
ParticleBreakage
Breakage

AAgap-graded
gap-gradedSRM SRMconsists
consists of of
twotwograin grain
sizesize particles:
particles: Fine-grained
Fine-grained and coarse-grained.
and coarse-grained. The
The volume of the two grain size particles
volume of the two grain size particles is denoted as Vf andis denoted as V and V
f Vc. The c . The void ratio
void ratio of theof the puretwo
pure twograin
grain
size groupsisisefeand
sizegroups f andece.cOur
. Ourobjective
objectiveisisestimating
estimatingthe theminimum
minimumvoid voidratio
ratioofofthe
thegap-graded
gap-gradedSRM. SRM.
Firstly, we consider the coarse-grained particles as the dominant materials. The phase diagramof
Firstly, we consider the coarse-grained particles as the dominant materials. The phase diagram
pure
of pure coarse-grained
coarse-grained particles is shown
particles is shownin Figure 12a. 12a.
in Figure The solid volume
The solid of coarse
volume particles
of coarse is Vc , and
particles is Vthe
c,
void among coarse-grained particles is V vc . Then, as shown in Figure
and the void among coarse-grained particles is Vvc. Then, as shown in Figure 12b, fine-grained 12b, fine-grained particles are
added into
particles aretheadded
pure coarse-grained
into the pureparticles. In a limiting
coarse-grained case, all
particles. In the added fine-grained
a limiting case, all theparticles
added fill
into the voidsparticles
fine-grained among coarse-grained
fill into the particles
voids among without altering the structure
coarse-grained particlesof coarse-grained
without altering particles.
the
structure of coarse-grained particles. Therefore, the solid volume of fine particles (Vf) occupiesthe
Therefore, the solid volume of fine particles (V f ) occupies a space in the void volume (V vc ) and a
total in
space volume
the void remains
volume constant.
(Vvc) and However,
the total as statedremains
volume above, the limiting
constant. case canas
However, hardly
statedbe achieved,
above, the
and the case
limiting totalcan
voidhardly
volume bewill changeand
achieved, duethe to the
totalparticle breakage
void volume andchange
will alteringdueof the structure
to the particleof
coarse-grained particles. The change of total volume is ∆V, and it is caused
breakage and altering of the structure of coarse-grained particles. The change of total volume is by two parts, one is caused
ΔV,
by the altering of the structure of coarse-grained particles ∆V , the other is caused
and it is caused by two parts, one is caused by the altering of Athe structure of coarse-grained particles by particle breakage
ΔV∆V , ∆V = ∆VA caused
A,Bthe other is
+ ∆VB . by particle breakage ΔVB, ΔV = ΔVA + ΔVB.
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 2584 11 of 16
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 16

Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 16

Figure 12.
Figure 12. Phase
Phase diagrams
diagrams for
for coarse-grained
coarse-grained particles
particles dominant:
dominant: (a) pure coarse
coarse particles
particles (before
(before
fine-grained particles
fine-grained particles added),
added), (b)
(b) mixture
mixture (limiting
(limitingcase),
case),(c)
(c)mixture
mixture(general
(generalcase).
case).
Figure 12. Phase diagrams for coarse-grained particles dominant: (a) pure coarse particles (before
(1)
(1) Calculation
fine-grained of ∆V
of
particles
Calculation A:: According
According
ΔVadded),
A to
to Chang
(b) mixture et
(limiting
Chang al.
al. (2015),
etcase), the
the change
(c) mixture
(2015), (general of
change ofvoid volume∆V
voidvolume
case). ΔVAA caused
caused
by
by the
the added
addedfine-grained
fine-grainedparticles
particlesisisproportional
proportional to to
thethe amount
amount of fine-grained particles
of fine-grained added
particles to the
added to
(1) Therefore,
mixture. Calculation∆V
of ΔV A: According to Chang et al. (2015), the change of void volume ΔVA caused
can be calculated using Equation (5). (5).
the mixture. Therefore,AΔV A can be calculated using Equation
by the added fine-grained particles is proportional to the amount of fine-grained particles added to
the mixture. Therefore, ΔVA can be calculated∆V Δ VAA ==Equation
using aVf f
aV (5). (5)(5)

where a ais material

is material constant. ΔVA = aV f (5)
where constant.
(2) Calculation
(2)
where Calculation
a is materialof ∆VBB: :The
ΔV
ofconstant. Thedata
dataofofparticle
particlebreakage
breakage index
index BBgg,, which
which isis measured
measured in in the
the
compaction
compaction tests, is
tests, is plotted
(2) Calculation plotted
of ΔVB: Theversus
versus f in
fc in
data c Figure
of Figure 13.
particle13. The particle
The particle
breakage breakage
index breakage index
Bg, whichindex B is found
Bg is found
g
is measured to
to be
in the be
linearly
linearly related
related
compaction to ffccis.. Here,
to
tests, Here,
plottedwe only show
weversus
only show the cases
the
fc in Figure cases
13. ofof
TheD particle
D = 2.3
= 2.3 and
and 2.5 for
2.5 for the
breakage the limitation
limitation
index of the
of
Bg is found the paper
to paper
be
length.
linearly
length. Therefore,
Therefore, B
related toBfgc.can
g can be
Here, represented
be we with
only showwith
represented Equation
the cases (6):
of D (6):
Equation = 2.3 and 2.5 for the limitation of the paper
length. Therefore, Bg can be represented with Equation (6):
B = k f +b (6)
Bg g= k1 1f c c+ b11 (6)
Bg = k1 f c + b1 (6)
where k1 and b1 are material constants.
where k1 and b1 are material constants.
where k1 and b1 are material constants.

Figure
Figure
Figure 13.Changes
13.
13. Changesof
Changes ofparticle
of particle breakage
particle breakage index
indexBBBgggwith
breakageindex withfcffcunder
with underfractal
c under
dimension
fractal
fractal D =D
dimension
dimension D2.3
= andand
2.3
= 2.3 2.5.2.5.
and 2.5.
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 2584 12 of 16

Bg reflects the degree of particle breakage of coarse-grained and fine-grained particles. The more
particle breakage occurs, the larger Bg is, and thus the void volume change compared with the pure
coarse-grained particles (Figure 10a) due to particle breakage ∆V  B is larger. We assume ∆VB is
proportional to the product of solid volume (Vc + Vf ) and (Bg − Bg  f c =0 ), thus:



∆VB = k2 (Vf + VC )( Bg − Bg  f c =0 ) (7)


where k2 is material constant.


Bg = k1 f c + b1 , Bg  f c =0 = b1 and thus:


∆VB = k2 (Vf + VC )k1 f c (8)

Combining Equations (5) and (8):

∆V = ∆VA + ∆VB = aVf + k1 k2 (Vf + VC ) f c (9)

According to the phase diagrams of coarse-grained particles dominant structure, the minimum
void ratio of the mixture can be expressed as Equation (10)

VVC − Vf + ∆V
eM = (10)
VC + Vf

According to the definition of fc :

mf γ f Vf
fc = = (11)
mc + m f γc Vc + γ f Vf

where mc is the mass of coarse-grained particles, mf is the mass of fine-grained particles, γc is the unit
weight of coarse-grained particles, γ f is the unit weight of fine-grained particles.
Because the coarse-grained particles and fine-grained particles used in this paper have the same
lithology, their unit weights are almost the same, γc = γ f , and thus:

Vf
fc = (12)
VC + Vf

Substituting Equations (9) and (12) for Equation (10), and together with VVC = ec VC , the minimum
void ratio of the mixture can be expressed as:

e M = ( a + k 1 k 2 − 1 − ec ) f c + ec (13)

Let k = a + k1 k2 − 1, thus Equation (13) can be rewritten as:

e M = ( k − ec ) f c + ec (14)

where k is a material constant.

It can be seen from Equation (14) that the minimum void ratio of gap-graded SRM is linearly
related to the fine particles content, which is consistent with the compaction test results shown in
Figure 8.
In the case of fine-grained particle dominant, the phase diagram is shown in Figure 14. The solid
volume of fine-grained particles is Vf , and the void among coarse-grained particles is Vvf . Then,
as shown in Figure 14b, coarse-grained particles are added to the pure fine-grained particles. In a
limiting case, all the added coarse-grained particles are embedded in the sea of fine-grained particles
without altering the structure of fine-grained particles. The total void volume Vvf remains constant.
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 2584 13 of 16

Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 13 of 16

However, in a general sense, the total void volume will change due to the particle breakage and
altering the structure of fine-grained particles. The change of total volume is ∆V, and it is caused by
breakage and altering the structure of fine-grained particles. The change of total volume is ΔV, and
two parts: One is caused by the altering the structure of fine-grained particles ∆VA , the other is caused
it is caused by two parts: One is caused by the altering the structure of fine-grained particles ΔVA,
by particle breakage ∆VB , ∆V = ∆VA + ∆VB . ∆VA is proportional to the amount of coarse-grained
the other is caused by particle breakage ΔVB, ΔV = ΔVA + ΔVB. ΔVA is proportional to the amount of
particles added to the mixture. ∆VB is assumed to be the product of solid volume (Vc + Vf ) and
coarse-grained
 particles added to the mixture. ΔVB is assumed to be the product of solid volume (Vc
(Bg − Bg  f c =1 ). Similar to the derivation of Equation (14), the minimum void ratio of gap-graded SRM

+ Vf) and ( B − Bg fc =1 ). Similar to the derivation of Equation (14), the minimum void ratio of
with fine-graing dominant can be expressed as:
gap-graded SRM with fine-grain dominant can be expressed as:
e MM = (e f + k0 ) f c − k0 (15)
e = (e f + k')f c − k' (15)
where k’ is material constant.
where k’ is material constant.

14.Phase
Figure 14.
Figure Phasediagrams
diagramsforfor
fine-grained particles
fine-grained dominant:
particles (a) pure
dominant: (a) fine-grained particlesparticles
pure fine-grained (before
coarse-grained particles added), (b) mixture (limiting case), (c) mixture (general case).
(before coarse-grained particles added), (b) mixture (limiting case), (c) mixture (general case).

For a given mass content in fine-grained group f , two values of minimum void ratio eM can be
For a given mass content in fine-grained group fcc, two values of minimum void ratio eM can be
calculated: One is from Equation (14), the other is from Equation (15). The greater of the two void ratio
calculated: One is from Equation (14), the other is from Equation (15). The greater of the two void
values is likely to be achieved, because it requires less energy to reach the state. Therefore, the greater
ratio values is likely to be achieved, because it requires less energy to reach the state. Therefore, the
of the two values is considered to be the solution.
greater of the two values is considered to be the solution.
The linear relationship between the minimum void ratio of gap-graded SRM and f is shown in
The linear relationship between the minimum void ratio of gap-graded SRM and fcc is shown in
Figure 15. The line represented by Equation (14) is shown in Figure 15 as the line AP. When f = 0,
Figure 15. The line represented by Equation (14) is shown in Figure 15 as the line AP. When fcc = 0,
the minimum void ratio is e . The line represented by Equation (15) is shown in Figure 15 as the line
the minimum void ratio is ecc. The line represented by Equation (15) is shown in Figure 15 as the line
PB. When f = 1, the minimum void ratio is e . The value of f corresponding to point P can be solved
PB. When fcc = 1, the minimum void ratio is eff. The value of fcc corresponding to point P can be solved
from Equations (14) and (15), and this value is the optimal mass content of fine-grained particles.
from Equations (14) and (15), and this value is the optimal mass content of fine-grained particles.
0
f c−foptimum== ec e+c +
k' k (16)
ec + e f + k − k 0
ec + e f + k − k'
c- optimum
(16)
The model for estimating minimum void ratio of gap-graded SRM employs 4 parameters, that is,
The model for estimating minimum void ratio of gap-graded SRM employs 4 parameters, that
ec , ef , k and k’. ec and ef are the void ratio of pure coarse-grain particles and pure fine-grained
is, ec, ef, k and k’. ec and ef are the void ratio of pure coarse-grain particles and pure fine-grained
particles, which can be easily obtained by conducting the compaction tests on pure coarse-grained
particles, which can be easily obtained by conducting the compaction tests on pure coarse-grained
and fine-grained particles. k and k’ are material constants. Data of k and k’ are plotted versus fractal
and fine-grained particles. k and k’ are material constants. Data of k and k’ are plotted versus fractal
dimension D of basic gradation in Figure 16. It can be found that the relationship between k, k’ and D
dimension D of basic gradation in Figure 16. It can be found that the relationship between k, k’ and
can be well fitted by a quadratic polynomial function, which is given by k or k0 = AD2 + BD + C. A, B
D can be well fitted by a quadratic polynomial function, which is given by k or k' = AD 2 + BD + C .
and C are material constants irrespective of gap intervals. Therefore, if the parameters of D, ec , ef of a
A, B and C are material constants irrespective of gap intervals. Therefore, if the parameters of D, ec,
gap-graded SRM are given, we only need to conduct compaction tests of one gap interval to obtain the
ef of a gap-graded SRM are given, we only need to conduct compaction tests of one gap interval to
parameters of ec , ef , A, B, C, and we can predict the minimum void ratio of gap-graded SRM with other
obtain the parameters of ec, ef, A, B, C, and we can predict the minimum void ratio of gap-graded
gap-intervals. It is noted that we can obtain the parameters k and k’ by conducting some compaction
SRM with other gap-intervals. It is noted that we can obtain the parameters k and k’ by
tests if the gradation information is not given.
conducting some compaction tests if the gradation information is not given.
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 2584 14 of 16
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 14 of 16
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 14 of 16

Figure 15. Changes of minimum void ratio of gap-graded SRM with fc.
Figure15.
Figure 15.Changes
Changesofofminimum
minimumvoid
voidratio
ratioofofgap-graded
gap-gradedSRM
SRMwith
withfcf.c.

(a) k D (b) k’ D
(a) k D (b) k’ D
Figure16.
Figure 16. Fitting
Fitting the
the material
material constants
constants kk and
and k’k’ with
withaaquadratic
quadraticpolynomial
polynomialfunction
functionof
offractal
fractal
Figure 16. Fitting the material constants k and k’ with a quadratic polynomial function of fractal
dimension
dimension D.D.
dimension D.
3.3.
3.3.Validation
Validationofofthe
theModel
Model
3.3. Validation of the Model
In
Inorder
orderto toevaluate
evaluatethe themodel,
model,we weuse usethe
thevibrating
vibratingcompaction
compactiontest testdata
dataofofgap-graded
gap-gradedSRMs SRMs
In order to evaluate the model, we the use model
the vibrating compaction k testk’data of gap-graded
k and SRMs
with gap interval of 5–20 mm to obtain parameters like
with gap interval of 5–20 mm to obtain the model parameters like k and k’ by fitting k and and by fitting k’ k’ with
with D.
with
D. gap
Together interval
with of 5–20 mm to obtain
ec and ef , we the model parameters like k and k’ by fitting k and k’ with D.
Together with thethe data
data of of
ec and ef, we cancan predict
predict the the minimum
minimum voidvoid
ratioratio of gap-graded
of gap-graded SRMSRM with
Together
with with theof data ofmm,
ec and ef, we can predict themmminimum void ratio (14)of gap-graded SRM with
gap gap intervals
intervals of 2–52–5mm, 0.5–2 0.5–2
mm, mm, andand 0.25–0.5
0.25–0.5 usingEquations
mm using Equations and (15).
(14) and (15). The
The model
model
gap intervals
parameters of 2–5 inmm, 0.5–2 mm,comparison
and 0.25–0.5 mm using Equations void (14) and (15). The model
parametersare arelisted
listed inTable
Table2.2.TheThe comparisonof ofpredicted
predictedminimum
minimum voidratio ratioandandmeasured
measured
parameters
minimum are listed in Table 2.compaction
The comparison is of predicted minimum void ratio from
and measured
minimumvoid voidratio
ratiobybyvibrating
vibrating compaction tests
tests shown
is shownin in
Figure 17.17.
Figure It can be seen
It can be seen Figure
from 16
Figure
minimum
that the void ratio
predicted by vibrating
minimum void compaction
ratio is close tests
to the ismeasured
shown invalues,
Figurewhich
17. It can
showsbe seen
the from Figure
validation of
16 that the predicted minimum void ratio is close to the measured values, which shows the
16
the that the predicted
model. of the model. minimum void ratio is close to the measured values, which shows the
validation
validation of the model.
Table 2. Model parameters for the prediction of void ratio of gap-graded SRM with gap intervals of
Table 2. Model parameters for the prediction of void ratio of gap-graded SRM with gap intervals of
2–5 mm,2.0.5–2
Table Modelmm and 0.25–0.5
parameters for mm.
the prediction of void ratio of gap-graded SRM with gap intervals of
2–5 mm, 0.5–2 mm and 0.25–0.5 mm.
2–5 mm, 0.5–2 mm and 0.25–0.5 mm.
Gap Interval
Gap Interval eecc eef f kk k’ k’
Gap Interval
2–5 mm ec
0.433 ef k k’
2–5 mm 0.433 0.442
0.442
2–5 mm 0.433 0.442 k = 0.094D2 − 2
0.44D + 0.49 k’ = −0.24D + 1.11D − 1.13
0.5–2
0.5–2 mm
mm 0.413 0.467
0.413 0.467 k = 0.094D2 − 0.44D + 0.49 k’ = −0.24D2 + 1.11D − 1.13
0.5–2 mm 0.413 0.467 k = 0.094D2 − 0.44D + 0.49 k’ = −0.24D2 + 1.11D − 1.13
0.25–0.5 mm 0.403
0.25–0.5 mm 0.403 0.472
0.472
0.25–0.5 mm 0.403 0.472
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 2584 15 of 16
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 15 of 16

Figure 17.
Figure 17. Comparison
Comparison between
between measured
measured minimum
minimum void ratio
ratio and
and predicted
predicted minimum
minimum void
void ratios
ratios
using
using Equations
Equations (14)
(14) and
and (15).
(15).

4.
4. Conclusions
Conclusions
AA series
series of
of vibrating
vibrating compaction
compaction teststests were
were conducted
conducted on on SRMs with different
SRMs with different basic
basic gradations,
gradations,
gap intervals and mass contents of fine-grained group. It was found that
gap intervals and mass contents of fine-grained group. It was found that gap-graded SRM may gap-graded SRM may reach
reacha
smaller
a smaller void ratio
void thanthan
ratio the SRM with awith
the SRM continuous gradation
a continuous under some
gradation under circumstances, for example,
some circumstances, for
the
example, the gap-graded SRMs without 5–20 mm particles have a smaller void ratio thanwith
gap-graded SRMs without 5–20 mm particles have a smaller void ratio than the SRMs basic
the SRMs
gradation,
with basic in the case in
gradation, D =case
of the 2.3, of
2.5Dand 2.7.2.5
= 2.3, If the
andparticles
2.7. If theinparticles
a gap interval
in a gapplay the role
interval playofthe
filling
role
components, the absence
of filling components, of absence
the them will ofincrease
them will the increase
void ratio of void
the the SRM.
ratioAmong gap intervals
of the SRM. Amongfor gapa
certain basic gradation, there is a vital grain size group that dominates the compaction
intervals for a certain basic gradation, there is a vital grain size group that dominates the compaction of the SRM.
The particle
of the SRM.breakage of gap-graded
The particle breakageSRMs is more prominent
of gap-graded SRMs isthan morethe prominent
SRM with continuous
than the SRMgradation
with
on the whole, especially at the gap interval of 5–20 mm among the selected
continuous gradation on the whole, especially at the gap interval of 5–20 mm among the selected gap intervals.
A new model is proposed for better predicting the minimum void ratio of gap-graded SRMs.
gap intervals.
The model
A newrequires
model is three parameters,
proposed ec , efpredicting
for better and D, for the
prediction
minimum of gap-graded
void ratio ofSRMs with different
gap-graded SRMs.
mass contents of fine-grained particles. Comparison between the predicted
The model requires three parameters, ec, ef and D, for prediction of gap-graded SRMs with minimum void ratios
different
measured void ratios proves the validation of this model. It should be
mass contents of fine-grained particles. Comparison between the predicted minimum void ratiosnoted that the new model is
only valid for
measured voidthe lithology
ratios proves andthethe shape of the
validation particles
of this model.studied in this
It should work. that the new model is
be noted
only valid for the lithology and the shape of the particles studied in this work.
Author Contributions: Conceptualization, T.W. and S.L.; Methodology, Y.F.; Software, J.Y.
Funding: This research was
Author Contributions: funded by National
Conceptualization, Natural
T.W. Science
and S.L.; FoundationY.F.;
Methodology, of China (U1765205;
Software, J.Y. 2017YFC0404805).
The APC was funded by Hohai University.
Funding: This research
Acknowledgments: waswas
This work funded by by
supported National Natural
the “National Science
Natural Foundation
Science Foundation ofofChina
China”(U1765205;
(Grant No.
2017YFC0404805). The APC was funded by Hohai University.
U1765205) and “National Key R&D Program of China” (Grant No. 2017YFC0404805).
Acknowledgments:
Conflicts of Interest: This work was
The authors supported
declare by the
no conflict of “National
interest. Natural Science Foundation of China” (Grant
No. U1765205) and “National Key R&D Program of China” (Grant No. 2017YFC0404805).
References
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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