Influence of specimen height on the shear behavior of glass beads in the direct shear test

A box scale affects the shear behavior of soils in the direct shear test. The purpose of this study is to investigate the scale effect on the shear behavior of dilative granular materials by testing specimens of different heights placed in a type C shear box. Experimental tests were performed on specimens composed of glass beads with different heights and equal initial void ratios. Results showed that the peak friction and dilation angles linearly increased with the specimen height; however, the residual friction angle remained relatively constant. Similarly, the shear stiffness increased with the specimen height, rapidly reaching its peak state. Height does not have a significant effect on the total volume changes; nevertheless, a high aspect ratio can be assumed to result in global and homogeneous failure. The results and interpretations may be used as reference for recommending shear box scale in direct shear tests.