Challenges in the characterisation of block-in-matrix geomaterials

This paper investigates how the mechanical behaviour of a clayey geomaterial changes if strong rock particles are added to the mixture. To this aim, some isotropically consolidated undrained (CIU) triaxial tests were carried out on reconstituted (homogeneous and block-in-matrix) specimens, in order to be able to work under controlled and repeatable conditions. The results of these tests show that the presence of the rock particles affects the failure mode, inducing a curvature of the shear band, and produced a higher friction angle and a lower deformability and cohesion.