The postulate that the constant-volume friction angle [Formula: see text] of a granular material is unique and a function of mineral composition is verified experimentally. Granular materials comprised of particles ranging from minerals to metals are tested in a ring shear apparatus. Test samples are subjected to large shear displacements until a constant lower bound friction angle [Formula: see text] is mobilized. Possible effects of confining pressure, initial packing density, gradation, and particle shape on the value of [Formula: see text] are investigated. Friction angles mobilized in drained shear at the instant of maximum contraction and in undrained shear at phase transformation and steady state are compared with [Formula: see text] values. The experimental results confirm a broader fundamental significance of [Formula: see text] as a material parameter in that it is a consistent minimum drained friction angle equal to friction angles mobilized at phase transformation and steady state in undrained shear.
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Negussey et al. (1988) studied this question.