Interaction Model for “Shelled Particles” and Small-Strain Modulus of Granular Materials

The elastic modulus of a granular assembly composed of spherical particles in Hertzian contact usually has a scaling law with the mean effective pressure p as K∼G∼p1/3. Laboratory test results, however, reveal that the value of the exponent is generally around 1/2 for most sands and gravels, but it is much higher for reclaimed asphalt concrete composed of particles coated by a thin layer of asphalt binder and even approaching unity for …