Influence of Particle Shape on Strength and Deformation Characteristics of Soil-Rock Mixtures

[Objective] This study systematically investigates the influence of particle shape on the mechanical properties of soil-rock mixtures, with a particular focus on strength and deformation characteristics. It aims to address the current knowledge gap regarding the specific mechanisms through which particle shape affects the mechanical behavior of such materials. By establishing quantitative relationships between shape parameters and mechanical response, the study aims to provide a scientific basis for predicting and controlling the settlement of soil-rock mixture subgrades in engineering practice. [Methods] High-strength α-hemihydrate gypsum powder was utilized to fabricate rock-like particles with controlled shapes. The Brazilian shape parameter (Y) was employed to quantitatively characterize particle morphology. A series of consolidated-drained triaxial tests were conducted using a medium-pressure triaxial apparatus to systematically evaluate the mechanical properties of soil-rock mixtures containing particles with different shape coefficients. The testing program included comprehensive measurements of peak deviatoric stress, internal friction angle, cohesion, and other shear strength parameters under different confining pressures. Microstructural analysis was performed to observe particle breakage patterns and stress transmission mechanisms. [Results] The experimental results revealed significant shape-dependent mechanical behavior. As the particle shape coefficient Y increased, the peak deviatoric stress of the specimens initially increased and then tended to stabilize. With increasing Y, the internal friction angle and initial shear angle φ0 gradually decreased, while the cohesion exhibited a corresponding increase. The increment of shear angle Δφ showed a non-monotonic trend, first decreasing and then increasing. The shape coefficient was found to alter the stress transmission path within the particle skeleton, leading to preferential breakage of large-sized particles. When Y increased from 0.63 to 0.73, the failure mode transitioned from edge damage to localized rupture, and ultimately to complete fragmentation. Ellipsoidal particles (Y≥0.69) exhibited stress concentration at the long-axis ends, resulting in localized fracture concentrated in the shear band region. In contrast, near-spherical particles demonstrated uniform stress distribution and exhibited surface spalling. [Conclusion] This study successfully establishes the quantitative relationship between particle shape and mechanical properties of soil-rock mixtures, revealing the underlying mechanisms of shape effects. The findings demonstrate that particle shape significantly influences the strength, deformation, and failure characteristics through its control on stress transmission and particle breakage patterns. The study provides a scientific basis for the prediction and design of soil-rock mixture subgrade settlement, offering practical guidance for engineering applications. Future research should focus on extending these findings to field-scale conditions and developing predictive models that incorporate shape effects for improved design accuracy.