Large-scale monotonic and cyclic tests of interface between geotextile and gravelly soil

Abstract

A series of monotonic and cyclic shear tests, as well as pullout tests, were conducted on gravel-geotextile interfaces using a large-scale apparatus, with development of a new special pullout test element. The macroscopic response of stress and displacement, as well as the movement and crushing process of soil particles, were observed and measured. The interface exhibited evident strain-softening and aeolotropic normal displacement, which were significantly influenced by normal stress. Shear strength decreased and normal displacement increased with increasing number of shear cycles. Shear deformation was composed of slippage at the contact surface and deformation of the soil con strained by the geotextile; and the thickness was estimated at 5-6 times the average soil grain size. There was significant evolution of physical state due to shear application, including soil particle crushing and soil compression, as well as damage to the geotextile. The pullout test underestimated shear stiffness of the interface due to significant deformation of the geotextile itself. Shear strength increased with increasing normal stress, described by a logarithmic equation, according to the pullout tests, rather than the linear relationship obtained using direct shear tests. Therefore, an appropriate test method should be selected with careful consideration of the site conditions.