On strain localization of aeolian sand in true triaxial apparatus

We study the effect of strain localization on the strength and deformation of aeolian sand in a true triaxial apparatus. Drained and undrained tests are conducted on sand specimens with three initial densities. For the deformation characteristics, the inhomogeneity of volumetric change in drained tests and the excess pore water pressure in undrained tests increases with the confining pressure and relative density, which is closely related to the development of shear bands. The inclination angle and width of shear bands are measured and the influences of confining pressure and relative density are analysed. The shear band inclination agrees better with Arthur's than Coulomb's formula.