An experimental investigation of the relevance of the intermediate principal stress (σ2) on the deformation response of a sand is presented. The effects of σ2 are conveniently studied through the nondimensional stress parameter b = (σ2 – σ3)/(σ1 – σ3). A series of stress path tests was performed on Ottawa sand specimens in a hollow cylinder torsional shear device. The experimental program includes shear loading at different values of b, and special b tests, in which b was continuously varied at different stress directions. It is shown that the b value may have a significant influence on the stress–strain response of sand, depending on the loading conditions. Key words: hollow cylinder tests, generalized stress paths, sand, stress–strain behaviour, intermediate principal stress.

Liquefação estática; ensaio triaxial; areia fofa; estado crítico.