Stability of structural aggregates of dry soil

Abstract

The stability of natural aggregates of dry soil has been examined by a drop-shatter method similar to that used in coal technology, The median size was determined after dropping from heights of 30, 60, 120, and 240 cm. The dropping procedure subdivides aggregates along surfaces of weakness into smaller natural units. The method has been used to help define the structure and consistence of various soils. The size distribution of fractured dry soil is in general given satisfactorily by the Rosin-Rammler relation for fractured brittle materials. The possibility of using Atterberg's steel wedge to measure the strength of natural aggregates was also examined.