Dynamic Properties of Geosynthetic Interfaces

An experimental study of geosynthetics was carried out on a shaking table to investigate the relationship between dynamic friction resistances and shear displacement rate and to examine other frictional characteristics of geosynthetic interfaces. A cyclic, displacement rate-controlled experimental setup was developed. The subsequent multiple rate tests showed that interfaces that involve geotextiles have unique shearing characteristics that can be differentiated from the interfaces not involving geotextiles. It was found that shear strengths of geosynthetic interfaces tend to increase with increasing displacement rate for combinations of geosynthetics that involve geotextiles; whereas, shear strengths of interfaces not involving geotextiles do not.