Behavior of dilative sand interfaces in a geotribology framework

Frictional resistance along the exterior of an embedded structure or structural element develops through relative displacement at the interface. An understanding of how surface topography influences interface strength and deformation behavior is required to develop comprehensive interface models for soil-structure analyses, to develop interface design methods and for producing enhanced construction materials. This paper presents the results of an investigation to quantify the influence of surface topography on shear stress and volume change behavior of dilative granular material interface systems. The root spacing, asperity spacing, asperity height, and asperity angle of machined, idealized surfaces are systematically varied. Direct interface shear test results using Ottawa 20/30 sand and glass microbeads show that maximum interface efficiency for these materials is achieved for a asperity spacing to median grain diameter ratio between 1.0 and 3.0, and an asperity height to median grain diameter ratio greater than 0.9. An asperity angle of 50 degrees or greater yields maximum efficiency for any given asperity spacing or height. The results suggest that interface behavior is governed by predictable geometric and mechanical relationships that are applicable to more complex manufactured surfaces.