Study of Time-Dependent Deformations in Dry Sands

The time-dependent behavior of sands is one of the main issues that can influence many projects. In this study nine sand models with different particles shape and sizes and different grain distribution have been used to investigate creep behavior. The samples were prepared at 60% relative density and the constant stresses of 45 kPa for 30 days and 26 to 416 kPa for seven days (with the double increase in stress increment) under dry conditions in the Oedometer apparatus (one-dimensional consolidation) were tested. The results showed that the rotation, slipping, and crushing of the sand grains over time under constant load was the cause of creep deformation in the dry samples. Sand samples exhibit 1.5 to 4.2% creep strains in 30 days, and 0.61 to 2.5% creep strains in seven days’ time interval. Finally, two linear equations are presented to predict the deformation of sands over time. The results were in good agreement with previous studies.