Selection of design friction angle: a strain based empirical method for coarse grained soils

In the design of geotechnical structures, engineers choose either peak or critical state friction angles. Unfortunately, this selection is based on engineer's preference for economy or safety and lacks the assessment of the expected level of deformation. To fill this gap in the design process, this study proposes a strain based empirical method. Proposed method is founded on the experimentally supported assumption that higher dilatancy angles result in more brittle soil response. Using numerous triaxial test data on ten different soils, an empirical design chart is developed that allows the estimation of shear strain at failure based on soil's peak dilatancy angle and mean grain diameter. Developed empirical chart is verified by conducting a small scale retaining wall physical model test. Finally, a design methodology is proposed that makes the selection of design friction angle in structured way possible based on the serviceability limits of the proposed structure.