ABSTRACT
This work uses X-ray tomography to evidence the occurrence of arching effects in silo. Obtained experimental results validate the relevance of conventional triaxial testing widely used in soil mechanics, for a more realistic characterisation of both the mechanical behaviour and flow ability in silo. The characteristic state concept, evidencing a disaggregation threshold of the particulate structure, reveals to be quite suitable for bulk materials. Laboratory tests readily suggest, as an indicator of arching effect, a dimensionless rheological index that characterises the particle interlocking breakdown and the flow ability of stored materials.
