One-dimensional mechanical behavior of granular materials at high stresses (Part II): Creep behavior

It is shown in both field and laboratory observations that the creep process of granular materials is accompanied by grain crushing. One-dimensional creep tests were conducted on sands. It is found in the tests that the amount of crushed grains increases with time at specified stresses; and the grain crushing rate is directly proportional to creep rate. Based on these findings, energy conversion in the process of grain crushing is analyzed; and the relationship between grain crushing rate and creep rate is obtained. It is concluded that the creep rate is directly proportional to grain crushing rate when granular materials are subject to creep at high stresses.