Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2005

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Committee Chair

Hema Siriwardane

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate and gain a better understanding of soil-geosynthetic interface properties. By using two pullout devices, designed specifically for this research study, and a direct shear device the behavior of soil-geosynthetic interfaces and pullout resistance has been investigated. The two pullout devices contained pullout boxes with dimensions 18&inches; x 12&inches; x 6&inches; (45.7cm x 30.5cm x 15.2cm) and 48&inches; x 18&inches; x 6&inches; (122cm x 45.7cm x 15.2cm). Instrumentation for measuring load and displacement was completed. Normal stresses on the soil-geosynthetic interface were applied by using rubber airbags, which were built to fit the pullout devices. A clamping mechanism and guide system was designed to prevent synthetic/clamp separation and to avoid rotation of the specimen during testing. Experimental data was collected and compared for three soil types and three geosynthetic materials. Results show that the water content, geosynthetic properties, normal pressure and soil properties all have an effect on soil-geosynthetic interface behavior.

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