Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2004

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Committee Chair

Roger H. L. Chen.

Abstract

The frictional resistance provided by the underlying layers of a concrete slabs on ground has a large influence on the cracking behavior. To adequately judge the quality of performance of the slabs, it is imperative to investigate the frictional resistance to movement and other relations of the concrete and sub-layer system. It's also crucial to understand exactly how to introduce a drainage layer to the slab without adversely affecting the cracking pattern of the concrete by dramatically altering the resistance provided by the underlying layers.;Frictional resistance of sub-grade systems which incorporate the geocomposite material Tendrain were tested in a laboratory setting. The testing scenario included a predetermined number of blocks which were cast on top of Tendrain and then tested at varying ages of the concrete. Some additional tests were also conducted to determine any changes in the concrete shrinkage or compressive strength due to water seepage before setting of concrete.;Results from this study show: Tendrain has no significant affect on the compressive strength of the concrete, it some what reduces the amount of concrete shrinkage due to seepage and its frictional behavior is comparable to other sublayer systems. The connections between concrete and Tendrain found in these study are the preliminary steps to formulating slab design which utilizes the material as a sublayer. This study, along with future subgrade reaction analysis, can be used to predict elastic deflections and stresses for concrete slabs on ground.

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