Particle breakage and morphology changes of calcareous sands under one-dimensional compression loading

Abstract Particle breakage and the corresponding change of morphology are two key factors governing mechanical behavior calcareous sands in offshore geotechnical engineering constructions. To reveal characteristics these factors, oedometer tests on have been performed this study. The materials were sampled from South China Sea with a homogenous composition but different particle size ranges relative densities. In tests, dynamic imaging analysis (DIA) by Microtrac PartAn 3D acoustic emission (AE) techniques employed to investigate evolution AE signaling associated material deformations, respectively. compressive deformation was mainly induced rearrangement which effectively irreversible plastic deformations. irregular shape has led strong interparticle filling interlocking effects, affected slippage significantly during deformation. intensity type AE-triggering micro-mechanical behaviors characterized ringdown counts (RDC) peak frequency, RDC values concentrated primarily compression stage increased rapidly under normal stress 400–3200 kPa. increase decreased initial density. consistent existing laws.