Cataño-Arango, Joanna

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Stress strain behavior and dynamic properties of Cabo Rojo calcareous sands
(2006-05) Cataño-Arango, Joanna; Pando-López, Miguel A.; College of Engineering; Fernández, Americo; González, Hiram; Ramos, Ricardo; Department of Civil Engineering; Ramírez, Wilson
This thesis involved studying the stress-strain behavior and dynamic properties of uncemented calcareous sands from southwest Puerto Rico (Cabo Rojo sand). A silica sand (South Bend sand) with similar grain sizes was included for comparison purposes. The research involved a comprehensive experimental program of both sands, which included: Index testing, XRD mineralogy, SEM imaging, Direct shear tests, 1-D compression tests, ICU triaxials, and Resonant column tests. The calcareous sand consisted of skeletal remains of marine organisms with unique particle shapes and intraparticle porosity. Results indicated that in general this sand was more ductile, more crushable, more contractive, and less stiff than the silica sand. However, the effective friction angles of the calcareous sand were higher than the silica sand, mainly due to differences in their pore pressure generation tendencies. This research highlighted important differences in geotechnical behavior between the two sands, which may warrant special design considerations. Further research on these sands is recommended.