Effects of mudstone particle content on compaction behavior and particle crushing of a crushed sandstone–mudstone particle mixture

•Crushed sandstone-mudstone particle mixture, as a tested material, is prepared.•The effects of mudstone particle content on maximum dry density are investigated.•The effects of the content on optimum moisture content are investigated.•The effects of the content on the average relative breakage are investigated.

The present study focuses on the compaction behavior and particle crushing, during the compaction, of a crushed sandstone–mudstone particle mixture. Compaction tests and sieve analysis tests, in laboratory, were performed. The effects of the mudstone particle content, by weight, on the maximum dry density, the optimum moisture content and the average relative breakage were analyzed. Testing results indicate that the values of the maximum dry density and the optimum moisture content of the mixture are increasing then decreases with the increase of the mudstone particle content. While the mudstone particle content is about 60%, the maximum dry density is near its maximum. The average relative breakage, during the compaction, is decreasing quickly then increases slowly with the increase of the mudstone particle content. While the mudstone particle content is about 40%, the average relative breakage is near its minimum. Compared to those of a crushed sandstone particle mixture, the maximum dry density of the crushed sandstone–mudstone particle mixture is greater, and the average relative breakage, during the compaction, is smaller.