Soil-geosynthetic interface shear strength by simple and direct shear tests

Abstract

Soil-reinforcement interaction mechanism has an utmost importance in the design of reinforced soil structures. This mechanism depends on the soil properties, reinforcement characteristics and elements (soil and reinforcement) interaction. In this work the shear strength of an interface between siliceous sand and a high strength geotextile was characterized through direct and simple shear tests. The direct shear tests were performed on a large scale direct shear apparatus. The scale effect of the direct shear box was also analysed. Unreinforced sand and one layer reinforced sand were characterized trough simple shear tests. Notwithstanding the differences between the shear strength characterization through simple shear and direct shear tests, it was concluded that the shear strength of the reinforced sand is similar to the interface direct shear strength.