The Influence of Particle Size on the Elastic Modulus of Rock-Fill Materials Based on Consolidation Tests
Received: 21 January 2026 | Revised: 1 March 2026 | Accepted: 15 March 2026 | Online: 24 May 2026
Corresponding author: Lily Montarcih Limantara
Abstract
The elastic modulus is a key parameter influencing the deformation behavior of rockfill materials in Concrete Face Rockfill Dams (CFRDs), which is typically obtained from laboratory tests; however, these tests are limited by the maximum particle size, so specimen downscaling is required. This can result in a "size effect," leading to an apparent elastic modulus that does not accurately represent actual field conditions. This study analyzes the influence of maximum particle size (Dmax) on the elastic modulus of Bener CFRD andesite rockfill using consolidation testing. Five samples ranging from 10 mm to 120 mm were tested under staged loading up to 2.5 MPa. The elastic moduli were determined as the oedometer modulus (Eoed) during initial loading and the unloading–reloading modulus (Eur) during post-loading. After analyzing the results using an empirical approach, it was found that increasing Dmax leads to higher strain and significantly reduces both Eoed and Eur. Eoed values at a laboratory scale (Dmax 10-120 mm) resulted in 78.77-156.45 MPa, while under field conditions (Dmax 37.5-1000 mm) resulted in 44.71-107.35 MPa. Similarly, the Eur values in the laboratory scale range from 510.70 - 6,181.75 MPa, while the field conditions range from 61.94 - 1,636.04 MPa. An empirical relationship was established between Dmax and the elastic modulus, indicating that laboratory tests using smaller particle sizes tend to overestimate the elastic modulus compared to actual field conditions. Therefore, appropriate corrections or empirical adjustments are needed when applying the results to field conditions. This study confirmed that predicted laboratory elastic modulus values can be used as key parameters for deformation and deflection modeling of CFRD with andesite rockfill material.
Keywords:
elastic modulus, CFRD, particle size effect, maximum particle size, consolidation testing, oedometer modulus, unloading–reloading modulusReferences
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Copyright (c) 2026 M. Yushar Yahya Alfarobi, M. Bisri, Lily Montarcih Limantara, Runi Asmaranto
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