Edinburgh Napier University

  Soil particle loss can result in strength and volume reductions which are difficult to predict. This paper investigates the
influence of the removal of fractions of selected particle sizes under different confining pressures. The mass loss
process was reproduced by the dissolution of selected salt particle sizes and fractions from uniform Leighton Buzzard
sand. The dissolution tests were performed in a triaxial cell customised to allow circulation of pore-fluid thereby
allowing the dissolution/removal of the salt fraction. Test results from previously conducted oedometric dissolution
tests and subsequent triaxial dissolution tests all show increases in void ratio. From the triaxial tests, a reduction in
shear strength with increasing ductility was observed. Volumetric and strength behaviour were found to be related to
the particle size and fraction material removed while shear-wave measurements obtained pre- and post-particle
removal indicate significant changes in small-strain stiffness.