Methodological Aspects in the Experimental Measurement of the Interface Friction Between Geosynthetics

The evaluation of the interface friction at the contact between geosynthetics is a very important feature in a safe design of landfills and similar earth structures. Coupling different geosynthetics to fulfil multiple functions may be a critical point, due to the low frictional properties of such products. As a consequence, the assessment of the degree of safety of earth structures including geosynthetics requires a characterization of the interface strength and of its evolution with displacements. Some results obtained at the University of Padua will be presented with reference to experimental measurements of the interface friction between geosynthetics, in different conditions, to highlight the complexity of the friction phenomena and their dependence on experimental conditions.