Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate surface characteristics of sand particles. Surface topography of sand particles was determined in 3-D using a commercially available optical profiler. Measurements were made on areas that had side dimensions on the order of 0.1 mm at a lateral resolution of 0.3 μm and height resolution of less than 6 nm. The 3-D representation of a surface obtained using the measurement system is analyzed to determine 3-D as well as 2-D surface texture parameters. The parameters included amplitude, spacing, hybrid (amplitude and spacing), and functional (performance related) parameters. Tests were conducted on two silica sands: one rounded and one angular. The tests were conducted in 2 sets, initially single measurements were made on multiple particles and then multiple measurements were made on a single sand particle. Results of the analysis indicated that surface texture parameters were statistically dissimilar for the rounded and angular sands. In addition, single measurements can be used to investigate surface texture characteristics of sands.

Disciplines

Civil and Environmental Engineering

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URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cenv_fac/165