2.1.2. Particle Size and Distribution

A similar approach as the one followed by Koirala et al. [11,16] was used for this study. The sieve analysis was carried out under the ASTM D422-63 (2007) standard. Five sieve measurements of 4.75 mm, 2.00 mm, 0.85 mm, 0.425 mm, and 0.075 mm were used on five 120 g sediment samples.

Additionally, since particle roundness (R) and sphericity (S) affect most macroscale mechanical properties of the particle such as strength, compressibility, and shear wave velocity, it is necessary to estimate these parameters to increase the fidelity of the simulation [17]. Roundness is described as the ratio between the average radius of curvature of the particle corners and the radius of the maximum inscribed circle, while sphericity is defined as the ratio of the particle width to particle length [18]. The sphericity (spherical shape factor) and roundness of the particles were estimated using the Krumbein–Sloss chart [19].

#### 2.1.3. Mineral Composition Analysis

The mineral composition analysis for the study was performed through a particle count method using a D8 ADVANCE X-ray diffractometer and Diffrac plus software.
