Análisis Comparativo de Métodos para la Medición del ángulo de Reposo de Suelos Granulares

摘要

The angle of repose is the maximum angle that allows a heap of soil to remain stable without sliding failure. This angle plays a fundamental role in estimating the maximum steepness of soil masses -such as slopes or soil walls-which directly impacts both on safety and cost of projects. However, despite its importance, Chile lacks a common and accepted methodology to measure the angle of repose of soils. In addition, in the literature, several methods have been proposed; even, in 2000, ASTM published a specific Standard for the United States. In this paper we compare the values of angles of repose measured through three methods proposed in literature with the values obtained by the Chilean practice, so that differences may be sized and the impact thereof on designs may be analyzed. Results show that -for all sands tested- the lowest values correspond to Chilean practice, which are in average 35% below the value provided by ASTM. An application to slope stability shows that the differences in the angles of repose measured translate, for example, in factors of safety differing as much as 82%, and in significant differences in volumes of soil to excavate.