ABSTRACT
In this study, a large-scale box shear apparatus was improved to evaluate shear strength of coarse-grained materials. Interface friction problem occurred between specimen and inner side of shear box was successfully reduced by improvement of the box shear apparatus. The improved large-scale box shear apparatus was applied to evaluate shear strength of two different coarse-grained materials. Triaxial compression tests for both materials were also conducted in CD condition to compare with the box shear tests. It was found that the Interface friction caused by dilation of specimen affected shear strength of the coarse-grained materials and should not be ignored. The results (shear strength) obtained from the box shear tests are almost the same as the results of triaxial compression tests. It was revealed that the improved large-scale shear box apparatus can be used to evaluate accurately shear strength of coarse-grained materials.
