| Title | Strength characterization of open-graded aggregates for structural backfills |
|---|---|
| Record ID | 61503 |
| Personal Name Creator |
Nicks, J. E.; Gebrenegus, T.; Adams, M. T. |
| Corporate Creator | United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration. Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center |
| Corporate Contributor |
United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration. Office of Infrastructure Research and Development |
| Publisher | United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration. Office of Infrastructure Research and Development |
| Publication Date | 20150601 |
| Language | English |
| Abstract | Open-graded aggregates are common in road and bridge construction because they are easy to place, and they have the advantages of very low fine content, free-draining characteristics, low frost heave potential, and simple quality assurance testing. They are a suitable alternative to well-graded aggregate blends in many applications. Another key benefit is their strength, but this attribute it is often not accounted for in design. This report presents strength characteristics of 16 open-graded aggregates commonly selected as structural backfills and discusses the impact of different test and data interpretation methods. Results of large-scale direct shear and large diameter triaxial tests indicate higher strengths for these materials than typical default values typically assumed in design. It was also observed that the mean grain size, sphericity, angularity, and void ratio play a role in the measured friction angles. This information will help designers better understand these backfills and aid in the cost-effective design of retaining walls and bridge foundations. |
| Rosap ID | dot:35884 |
| Rosap URL | https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/35884 |
| TRT Terms | Open graded aggregates; Fills; Backfilling; Retaining walls; Bridge foundations |
| General Subjects | Friction angle; strength; open-graded aggregates; structural backfill; retaining walls; bridge foundations |
| Geographical Coverage |
United States |
| TRIS Online Accession No |
1567323 |
| Report Number | FHWA-HRT-15-034 |
| Availability | Federal Highway Administration |
| Resource type | Tech Report |
| URL | https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/61000/61500/61503/15034.pdf |
| Format | |
| Database | NTL Digital Repository |