International Journal of Trend in Research and Development, Volume 4(6), ISSN: 2394-9333
www.ijtrd.com
Numerical Analysis of the Effect of Carbonate Particle
Crushing on Piles in Calcareous Sand
1
Tarek N. Salem, 2Alaa Ata and 3Rana Hassan,
1
Professor, 2Professor, 3Assistant Lecturer,
1,2,3
Department of Structural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
Abstract— Granular soils are composed of assembly of solid
particles contacting each other at their surfaces. The overall
behavior of the soil media is governed mainly by the
characteristics of its single particles. In the current research,
modification of direct shear apparatus is employed to measure
the single particle crushing behavior on limestone particles
representing the origin of calcareous sands that mainly exist
along the coastal northern shores of Egypt. Finite element
analysis using ADINA software is performed to simulate
single particle crushing on the micro scale. In addition, the
software is also used to model the behavior of piles bearing in
calcareous sand. Numerical analyses of particle crushing and
results from experimental pile load test are found to be in good
agreement. The effects of pile diameter and embedment depth
are also studied.
Keywords—Calcareous Sand, Particle Crushing, Pile,
Numerical Analysis, ADINA
I. INTRODUCTION
Understanding the overall granular soil media
behavior starts with studying the behavior of its single particle.
The main characteristics of an individual solid particle are the
shape, size, mineralogy and angularity; all of which affect
particles interaction on the macro scale. Point load strength test
(PLST) is performed in order to determine the strength for
small and irregular shapes of brittle materials such as rocks
and concrete, [1]. A series of single particle crushing tests
were performed for three types of carbonate sand particles and
silica sands in order to determine the strength index and soil
crushability [2]. Failure of diametric compression of spheres
under the applied compressive loads were investigated
theoretically and experimentally [3]. The experimental work
was performed on four rock types; fine-grained igneous rock,
fine-grained weakly cemented quartz sandstone and
lithographic limestone. It is found that tensile failure governed
all the failure cases. For spherical particles, tensile strength
could be calculated from Equation (1):
wheret: is the tensile strength for sphere; k is material
constant that equal 1.0 for limestone; W is concentrated force
on the sphere; and R is the sphere radius. The tensile strength
for single particles of oolitic limestone and carboniferous
limestone was experimentally investigated by compressing
particles between flat plates [4]. It is found that the tensile
strength could be calculated from Equations (2) and (3):
where Ff is the force applied to the particle at failure; d is the
particle diameter; and b is a constant value that is equal to, -
0.343 for oolitic limestone and -0.420 for and carboniferous
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limestone. An evaluation of particle tensile strength was
presented by [5] using finite element analysis program
(RFPA2D), where they tried to trace crack propagation for disks
and irregular particle homogeneous and heterogeneous shapes.
The effect of calcareous sand on the behavior of offshore
platform piles in Bass Strait southwest coast of Australia has
been studied. 17 pile load tests are performed by Esso
Australia to study the effect of particle crushing on bearing and
frictional capacities of open ended pipe piles. It was found that
design limitations for quartz sand are not suitable for
calcareous sand [6]. A historical review was presented about
pile construction difficulties in many locations such as the
Arabian Gulf, Bass Strait off Australia by Esso, coastal line of
the Philippines, the platform on the Campos Basin off Brazil,
and the installation of the North Rankine structure on the
North West Shelf of Australia. Crushability potential due to
the fragile nature of calcareous sediments causes drastic
decrease in pile capacities due to particle crushing especially
under pile tips [7].
New formulae to calculate pile bearing capacities in cemented
and uncemented calcareous sands have been presented based
on experimental work on a series of closed ended pile model
tests in layered carbonate soils [8]. An overview of the
performance of pile foundations in calcareous sediments,
based on laboratory, centrifuge and field tests that have been
carried out on foundation systems for offshore facilities in
Bass Strait and on the North West Shelf of Australia. It is
found that the bearing response of calcareous soils under deep
foundations showed highly compressible soil behavior. Driven
piles shaft resistance showed very low values according to the
contractive volumetric strains that occur on shearing in
calcareous soil in most cases. Drilled and grouted piles, and
grouted driven piles, are proposed pile construction techniques
that could provide values of shaft friction that are higher than
that for driven piles [9].
In the current research, single particle strength is investigated
experimentally and numerically. In addition, numerical
modeling is also presented for piles in calcareous sand verified
by pile load tests performed in Alexandria in Northern of
Egypt. It should be noted that this paper is part of a wide
research program intended for full characterization of
calcareous sands in Egypt. It is found that onshore calcareous
sands are different from offshore ones. Offshore calcareous
sands are more crushable as they contain considerable amounts
of broken shells. However, onshore calcareous sands are less
crushable or in other words crushable but at higher stress
levels, as shown in the experimental and numerical modeling
of particle crushing presented herein. Experimental analysis
has been presented for strength, compressibility, and crushing
behavior of onshore calcareous sand mixed with specific
amounts of broken shells [10]. This work is extended herein to
account for experimental and numerical modeling of
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 International Journal of Trend in Research and Development, Volume 4(6), ISSN: 2394-9333
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crushability of calcareous particles, and calcareous sands under Three stress fields are formed in the spherical particles
high stress levels. subjected to uniaxial compression. First zone (I) is formed at
the contact zone between the sphere and the compressing
II. SINGLE PARTICLE STRENGTH ANALYSIS
plates. The second zone (II) is corrosponding to ring shaped
A. Determining Particle Tensile Strength Experimentally around the contact area at which borderlines become under
tensile stresses. Finally, in zone III, the rest of the volume of
In order to have better understanding of individual
the sphere are always under tensile stresses as shown in Figure
particles crushing behavior, particle crushing is carried out.
(6), and noticed in [12].
Figure (1) shows that there are three main methods used to
measure the single particle strength, single impact, double
impact and slow compression [11].
Modifications are made on the shear box test to
perform the slow compression test used in particle crushing as
shown in Figure (2). These modifications allow the particles to
be loaded in rate of about 0.21 mm/min in order to track crack
propagation within the particles. Spherical particles formed
from limestone are used in particle testing. Limestone is Fig. (4) Particle Crack Propagation during the Test.
chosen for its closer representation of calcareous sand origin.
The limestone particles are formed of spheres of about 1.0 cm
diameter to facilitate loading process as presented in Figure
(3).

(a) (b)
Fig. (5) Parcticle Splitting Types.

Fig. (1) Types of single particle testing [11].

Fig. (6) Schematic Diagram of Stress Fields of Sphere

Fig. (2) Shear Box Modifications.
subjected to Uniaxial Compression, [12].
Figure (7) presents the relation between particle failure forces
and their corresponding diameter. The average tensile strength
of 1.0-cm-limestone particle based on Equation (2) is found to
be about 2000 kPa. The experimental results showed very
good agreement with the results presented by [4] for tensile
strength values for limestone particles.
0.3

0.25

0.2

Fig. (3) Spherical Formed Limestone Particle.

Force (kN)

0.15
Ten limestone formed particles with an average diameter of
1.0 cm are tested. The crack propagation in particles is as
shown in Figure (4). Two failure types are noticed during tests; 0.1

in first type, the particle splitted into nearly two equal parts,
while in the second type the particle spiltted into three parts 0.05

which represents the more common failure type. Two failure

types are noticed during tests; in first type, the particle splitted 0
0.95 0.96 0.97 0.98 0.99 1 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08
into nearly two equal parts, while in the second type the Particle Diameter (cm)

particle spiltted into three parts which represents the more Fig (7) Relationship between Tested Particle Diameter and
common failure type. Figure (5-a, b) show the splitting failure Resisting Force.
types of particles. In every particle small cones at contact
endings with loading steel plates are formed. These cones are
the zones that initiate particle cracks as shown in Figure (5).

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 International Journal of Trend in Research and Development, Volume 4(6), ISSN: 2394-9333
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B. Numerical Simulation of Particle Crushing The pile load test load is equal to 1275 kN, corresponding to
Three-dimensional numerical simulation is performed for the 150% of its working load at which large settlements are
particle crushing experimental study. The numerical analysis is noticed indicating that settlement failure took place. The tested
performed using the finite element software ADINA v.9.2.4 pile length is equal to 17.0 m and its diameter is equal to 520
(2017) [13]. Axial displacements, crushing forces, and stresses mm. Soil properties and layers where the pile is installed are
resulting from the numerical analysis is found to be in good summarized in Table (1). Ground water table exists at 2.5 m
agreement with the experimental work results. Figure (8) below ground surface. The effect of broken shells mixed with
presents 3-dimensional finite element model of 1.0-cm particle calcareous sand with different percentages on the strength
between the two steel plates. The particle crushing load is behavior has been also investigated experimentally and
found to be 205 N which is in good agreement with the numerically [10]. Three percentages of broken shells were
average experimental particle crushing load of 200 N, as investigated; 10%, 30%, and 50% mixed with calcareous sand.
shown in Figure (7). Figure (9-a) shows 3-D view of stresses Direct shear tests were performed in order to estimate the shear
distribution within the particle body. Figure (9-b) shows strength parameters of the calcareous sand mixed with broken
colored stress contours in a section passing through the shells. The angle of shearing resistance is found to be 36
particle. A somewhat higher stresses are noticed at the fixed degrees. In addition to the strength testing, one dimensional
(non-moving) end of the particle testing plates. Cracks are compression tests using oedometer apparatus. The Value of
triggered from this highly stressed zone to propagate through soil modulus (Es) from the oedometer tests represents a
the particle causing typical particle cracking scheme. Positions dominant parameter in calculating soil settlements under
of maximum compression stresses at the fixed end of the loading. In the case of calcareous sand mixed with 50% broken
particle and maximum (splitting) tension stresses at the particle shells by weight the soil modulus (Es) is found to be 45 MPa
side leads to cracking pattern and failure that exactly matches that is considered low value for calcareous sand compared with
the experimental failure shape. This numerical model soil modulus for siliceous sand under the same stress levels
capability of reproducing the particle crushing in the micro [10].
scale encouraged the authors to use the same material Table (1): Soil Profile Properties.
properties in modeling a full scale pile load test bearing in
Layer Layer Properties
calcareous sand accounting for the effect of particle crushing. Layer
Depth  C Es
Description 
(m) (kN/m3) (kPa) (MPa)
0.0 –
Fill 16.0 5 20 0.6
4.0
Medium
4.0 – coarse sand
16.0 0 34 45.0
6.30 with trace of
shells
6.30 – Soft clay with
14.0 20 0 1.0
11.0 trace of shells
Clayey
11.0 –
silt/Clayey 16.0 20 15 2.5
13.5
Fig. (8) 3-D Particle Model. sandy silt
Medium fine
13.5 – silty sand to
16.0 15 30 30
16.0 sand with trace
of silt
Crushed
16.0 –
calcareous 15.50 0 36 45
21.5
cemented sand
*is the soil saturated unit weight, Cu is the undrained shear
strength, is the angle of shearing resistance and Es is the soil
modulus (Es = 1/mv, where mv is the compressibility modulus
(a) (b) obtained from oedometer test).
Fig. (9) Colored Vertical Stresses Contour Shading Contour of
the Particle, zz in Newton. Figure (10) shows load displacement relationship from the pile
load test and its numerical simulation using the FEM software
III. NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF PILE LOAD TEST Adina, where both are in good agreement. The actual field test
was terminated when a sudden settlement of about 4.0 mm
A. Analysis of Case Study of Pile Load Testing Northern took place under the applied load. Settlements increased from
Egypt about 10.5 mm up to about 14.5 mm within minutes of
Piles constructed in calcareous sand show strength loading. Numerical results showed computed settlements of
degradation in the overall pile capacity with time mainly due 12.7 mm under the test load which is exactly equal to the
to particle breakage. Numerical analyses are presented herein average initial and final settlements measured under the pile
using the same software (ADINA V9.2.4) [13] for modeling test load. Numerical simulation of the test started by applying
pile load test performed in Alexandria where calcareous sands the geostatic pressure step to allow the soil to consolidate
exist in large zones of the northwestern coastal areas of Egypt. under its own weight. The second step is death of the soil
The tested pile end bears in calcareous sand containing elements at the pile position followed birth of the pile. The
relatively large amount of broken sea shells. third step is loading the pile sequentially as presented in Figure
(10). The total soil and pile settlements at the end of the second

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 International Journal of Trend in Research and Development, Volume 4(6), ISSN: 2394-9333
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stage is 233 mm. Loading the pile in the third stage resulted in Figure (13) shows the relationship between pile failure load
a total settlement of 245.7 mm computed at the pile head, as and the percentages of broken shells. The pile failure is defined
presented in Figure (11). Thus, the net settlements at the pile when the pile settlements reach 10% of pile diameter [14].
head due to the pile load test is equal to 12.7 mm, to be Increasing the crushable particles contents reduced the pile
compared with the results of the field pile load test. The figure capacity from 5300 kN to 4222 kN to 3348 kN for contents of
also shows colored contour shading of soil displacement along 10%, 30%, and 50% crushable particles (broken shells),
pile length and within the soil domain. respectively. In other words, reductions of about 20% and 37%
of the computed pile capacities took place when increasing the
Figure (12) illustrates colored contour shading of the vertical
crushable particle contents from 10 to 30 to 50%.
stresses within the pile and soil domain. It is noticed that
6000
vertical stresses within the soil domain are concentrated along
the lower portion of the pile shaft with a stress pulp around and
under the pile tip. The shading assures that most of the pile

Pile Failure Loading (kN)

load and consequently stresses on the soil are transferred
5000
within the calcareous sand bearing layer.
Pile Loading (kN)
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400
0.0

2.0
4000

4.0
Displacement (mm)

6.0
3000
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
8.0
Broken Shells Percent (%)
10.0 Fig (13) Relationship between Percent of Broken Shells and
Field Pile Load Test Pile Failure Loading.
12.0
Numerical Analysis
14.0 Figure (14) illustrates the relationship between pile diameter
and pile failure load for the cases of 50% and 30% crushable
16.0
particles by weight. Increasing the pile diameter resulted in a
Fig. (10) Pile Load Displacement Relationship. continued significant increase the pile failure load. A
significant decrease in the pile failure load is noticed when the
amount of broken particles increased from 30% to 50%,
especially at larger pile diameters. In other words, 20%
increase in the crushable particles content resulted in reduction
of about 30% in the pile ultimate load. It should be noted that
the relatively high failure loads are mostly due to the
settlement criteria used in deciding the failure load which
equal to 10% of the pile diameter. Thus, employing safety
factors in the pile loads, along with considering practical total
and differential settlements of these piles will greatly reduce
the pile working loads in such soils.
(a): Colored Contour Shading of the (b): Zoom in the Zone
Displacements of the Pile and Soil. Around the Pile. The effect of increasing the pile bearing length inside
the calcareous sand is presented in Figure (15) for the cases of
Fig. (11) Colored Shading Contours of Pile and Soil
50% and 30% crushable particle by weights. The pile
Settlements.
embedment length inside the bearing layer is increased from
1.0 to 8.0 m resulting in increased pile capacities with slightly
recessing peak values. For the case of 50% crushable
6000
Pile Failure Loading (kN)

5000

(a): Colored Contour Shading of the (b): Zoom in the Zone 4000
Vertical Stresses within the Soil Domain. Around the Pile.
Fig. (12) Colored Shading Contours of the Vertical Stresses
within the Pile and Soil Domain.
3000
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
B. Parameters Affecting Pile Capacity in Calcareous Sand Broken Shells Percent (%)
To assess the behavior of piles bearing in crushable Fig (13) Relationship between Percent of Broken Shells and
calcareous sand, the effect of increasing the amount of Pile Failure Loading.
crushable broken shells on the behavior of piles, having the Figure (14) illustrates the relationship between pile diameter
same previous configuration, is presented in Figure (13). and pile failure load for the cases of 50% and 30% crushable

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 International Journal of Trend in Research and Development, Volume 4(6), ISSN: 2394-9333
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particles by weight. Increasing the pile diameter resulted in a CONCLUSIONS
continued significant increase the pile failure load. A
significant decrease in the pile failure load is noticed when the Numerical and experimental analyses are carried out
amount of broken particles increased from 30% to 50%, in order to investigate behavior of calcareous crushable sand.
especially at larger pile diameters. In other words, 20% The analysis started with studying the single particle behavior
increase in the crushable particles content resulted in reduction in micro-analysis. The study is extended to experimental and
of about 30% in the pile ultimate load. It should be noted that numerical modeling of full scale pile load test in the macro-
the relatively high failure loads are mostly due to the scale. The effects of the amount of crushable particles, pile
settlement criteria used in deciding the failure load which diameter and embedment length are also studied. The main
equal to 10% of the pile diameter. Thus, employing safety conclusions are as follows:
factors in the pile loads, along with considering practical total 1- Modifications are made on the shear box test to perform
and differential settlements of these piles will greatly reduce the slow compression test to evaluate the crushing strength
the pile working loads in such soils. and particle failure shape of a single particle.
2- A finite elements model is presented to model the behavior
The effect of increasing the pile bearing length inside
of crushable single particles. The results are in good
the calcareous sand is presented in Figure (15) for the cases of
agreement with the results from the proposed laboratory
50% and 30% crushable particle by weights. The pile
crushing tests.
embedment length inside the bearing layer is increased from
3- Calcareous crushable sands exhibit much lower modulus
1.0 to 8.0 m resulting in increased pile capacities with slightly
than siliceous sand despite having the same angle of
recessing peak values. For the case of 50% crushable particles,
friction. Therefore, using typical soil modulus values in
increasing the embedment length resulted in increased pile
calcareous sands is misleading and significantly
skin friction within the calcareous sand layer. However, at 8.0
overestimates the pile capacities constructed in these
m embedment, the stresses within the pile material (concrete)
sands.
reached the crushing value indicating that further increase in
4- Calcareous sand deformation characteristics should be
the pile length within the calcareous sand layer will be
obtained by the one-dimensional oedometer tests.
controlled by the pile material strength rather than the
5- The presence of crushable particles of different
settlements. For the case of 30% of crushable particles, pile
percentages within the calcareous sand resulted in
skin friction increases with the increase of embedment length
noticeable reductions in the pile capacity. Reductions in
till reaching crushing value of pile material at only 4.0 m
the pile capacities reached 20% and 37% when increasing
embedment length assuring that there is no need to increase
the percent of crushable particles from 30% and 50%
pile embedment length in calcareous sand further this value.
respectively.
18000
6- Increasing the pile diameter is an effective means of
16000 50% Broken Shells increasing the pile capacity in crushable calcareous sands
Pile Failure Loading (kN)

14000
30% Broken Shells by allowing larger surface and bearing areas.
7- For the studied cases, longer embedment lengths in the
12000
calcareous sand bearing layer leads to shifting the pile
10000 failure criteria from settlement type to material crushing of
8000
the concrete pile.
6000 References
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Spheres Subject to Diametral Point Load Strength Test",
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6000 [3] J.C. Jaeger, "Failure of Rocks under Tensile Conditions",

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[8] G. T. Houlsby, K. M. Evans and M.A. Sweeney, "End
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