<p>This research examines the quasi-static and high-strain-rate characteristics of granular soil types: crushed and natural sands with a siliceous nature, using the Triaxial and Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) methods, respectively. The effects of particle shape, gradation, moisture content of sand, and loading strain rate on mechanical response pre-and post-breakage have been extensively investigated. The results from the current study demonstrated that natural sand possessed superior strength, attributed to its well-graded distribution and effective particle interlocking, whereas crushed sand exhibited lower strength and failure attributed to its angular particles and inadequate packing. Natural sand, which is characterised by its finer grains and higher density, exhibited improved energy absorption and strain rate sensitivity. The effect of moisture content varied across the sands, influencing compressibility and peak strength based on saturation levels and incident pressure. Scanning electron micrograph results pre-post breakage showed that particle shape and gradation of the sands strongly affect the break and evolve under dynamic load. The findings from the current work provide valuable insights for the response of granular materials subjected to extreme loading under man-made and natural disasters.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>