One-dimensional dynamic compressive behavior of dry calcareous sand at high strain rates

Calcareous sand has distinct characteristics in comparison with silica sand, such as dynamic behavior at high strain rates (HSRs). This is closely related to pile driving, aircraft wheel loading and mining activities. To understand the response of calcareous sand at HSRs, a series of dynamic tests is performed using the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) with steel sleeve, including 6 validation tests of bar-against-bar and 16 comparative tests relevant to the relative density and strain rate of calcareous and silica sands. The apparent dynamic stiffness of calcareous sand is approximately 10% of that for silica sand due to different particle shapes and mineral compositions. The axial stress-strain response of silica sand is mainly governed by the deformation of individual grain and soil skeleton, and particle crushing. However, porous calcareous sand shows yielding and strain-hardening responses that are always followed by particle crushing. As the applied loading increases, the particle crushing of calcareous sand develops from local instability to whole breakage. Calcareous sand has lower viscous flow effects compared with silica sand at HSRs.