Consolidation and flow of cohesive bulk solids

The strength and the flow properties of bulk solids can be determined by performing shear tests. A shear test always consists of two parts, consolidation and measurement of strength. The measured strength depends on the way and degree of consolidation. During consolidation a stress history is impressed on the bulk solid sample which only vanishes after steady state flow. Since the consolidation is normally done nonhydrostatically, the strength will depend on the direction of stress application (anisotropy). Thus, the strength of a bulk solid sample strongly depends on its stress history and it can show anisotropic behaviour. These effects have to be considered when comparing available shear testers.