Using geophysical data to quantify stress transmission in gap-graded granular materials

The behaviour of gap-graded granular materials – that is, mixtures coarse and cohesionless finer grains with measurable differences in particle size does not always conform to established frameworks sand behaviour. Prior research has revealed the role particles on stress–strain response, liquefaction resistance internal stability non-cohesive soils is significant complex, highly dependent both volumetric proportion material ratio particles. Quantifying participation stress transmission overall central understanding these materials. No experimental technique for directly quantifying contribution behaviour, however, hitherto been proposed. This paper explores what extent can be assessed using laboratory geophysics, recognising act as a filter remove high-frequency components applied seismic/sound waves. Discrete-element method simulations are performed understand link between particle-scale response observed during shear wave propagation. When increased systematically, velocity (V S ) low-pass frequency (f lp increase sharply once amount transferred by way trend also equivalent experiments. Consequently, f –V relationship provide useful insights assess whether contribute hence mechanical