Ultimate Shear Strength of Sand to Concrete Interface

One several studies have been performed by many researchers regarding laboratory interface testing. Interface tests were performed to determine the soil to structure shearing resistance angle (δ). This angle is used for the design of geotechnical structures such as friction piles, retaining walls, culverts, etc. Also, test results are useful for determination of parameters for constitutive modeling of interface response. Correlations between sand relative density, and corresponding friction angle (Ø), and interface shearing resistance angles (δ) are obtained. In addition, (δ) is represented as a function in (Ø). These relations are based on degree of interface roughness and particle shape of sand. Two types of sand, and in addition one mix (50%-50%) of the two sand types, are investigated. The first type of sand is siliceous sand and has rounded to sub-rounded particles. The second type of sand is fragments of weathered igneous rock of granite and basalt. This type of sand has angular shaped particles. To form a surface representing the retaining structure, ordinary Portland concrete mix was made from locally available material (sand, ordinary Portland cement and potable water). Th