Measuring the shear strengths of soil/soil interfaces, soil/geosynthetics interfaces, and geosynthetics/geosynthetics interfaces is essential expertise for geotechnical experts.
In the case of soils, determining the failure curve of a soil, identifying the friction angle and soil cohesion allows for the design of slope structures and verification of their stability.
For interfaces involving geosynthetics (soil/geosynthetics and geosynthetics/geosynthetics), it is possible to evaluate the maximum stabilization angles of a structure to ensure that the interfaces do not slide relative to each other.
These measurements are made with specialized equipment equipped with load cells dedicated to measuring shear: A normal stress is applied to an upper box, transmitting the load to the tested specimen (300mmx300mm), while a constant displacement is imposed on the lower box until the specimen fails. The interface is located between the two boxes. Thus, the shear strength of the interfaces can be measured.
These tests are useful for the design of storage basins, tailings and the management of waste or mining residues, technical landfill sites (LET), etc.
Examples of standard test methods used by SAGEOS laboratories.
- ASTM D3080 Standard Test Method for Direct Shear Test of Soils Under Consolidated Drained Conditions.
- ASTM D5321 Standard Test Method for Determining the Shear Strength of Soil-Geosynthetic and Geosynthetic-Geosynthetic Interfaces by Direct Shear.
- ASTM D6243 Standard Test Method for Determining the Internal and Interface Shear Strength of Geosynthetic Clay Liner by the Direct Shear Method.
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