Estimation of the minimum void ratio of binary soil mixtures: theoretical approach

TL;DR

This paper introduces a mathematical model to estimate the minimum void ratio of binary soil mixtures, considering fines content, particle insertion, and assembly, aiding geotechnical engineering applications.

Contribution

A novel theoretical model for predicting the minimum void ratio of sand-fine mixtures based on fines content and particle arrangement.

Findings

Model accurately predicts minimum void ratios across different mixtures.

Incorporates particle size ratio and assembly into estimation.

Provides a useful tool for geotechnical analysis.

Abstract

The minimum void ratio of sand-fine mixtures as a function of fines content is an important property to know in geotechnical engineering. In this paper, a mathematical model is proposed to estimate it. It takes into account both the insertion of fines into the granular skeleton of the sand when the size ratio allows it, and the way in which the particles are assembled.