Geomembrane interface friction

Interface friction between an HDPE geomembrane and an angular as well as a rounded sand, a gravel, and a geotextile was investigated in a ring shear apparatus. The results indicate development of peak resistance at small strain and constant residual interface friction angles at large strain. The magnitude and difference between peak and residual friction angles increase with angularity. Interface friction angles between a geotextile and geomembrane were very low with no distinction between peak and residual. At composite interfaces, sliding occurred much more readily at a finer grained than a coarsegrained geomembrane interface. Key words: geomembranes, geotextiles, interface friction, granular materials.