Shear strength of fine sand is determined by the angularity of
the sand particles, the grading of the sand. These two features
governs the critical state shear strength parameters of the sand.
Density, however, dictates the peak shear strength of the sand.
i.e. the denser the sand, the higher the peak shear strength. But
the critical shear strength remain the same. The denser the sand,
the lower the void ratio. Shear strength of fine sand is determined
by the angularity of the sand particles, the grading of the sand.
These two features governs the critical state shear strength
parameters of the sand. Density, however, dictates the peak shear
strength of the sand. i.e. the denser the sand, the higher the peak
shear strength. But the critical shear strength remain the same.
The denser the sand, the lower the void ratio.