Monotonic and Cyclic Frictional Resistance Directionality in Snakeskin-Inspired Surfaces and Piles
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 146, Issue 11
Abstract
Interface friction is a governing parameter in the performance of piled foundations and other applications. Piles and other foundation elements typically mobilize a similar interface friction angle during loading in tension and compression. However, some applications may benefit from surfaces that mobilize higher shear resistance in one direction of loading relative to another. Such behavior can be achieved through inspiration from the underbelly scales of snakes, which produce frictional directionality or anisotropy. This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation on the monotonic and cyclic interface shear behavior of snakeskin-inspired surfaces and piles with sand. Laboratory test results provide evidence that snakeskin-inspired surfaces mobilize shear resistance, volumetric behavior, and strength degradation that depend on the shearing direction. Boundary conditions, sand relative density, and cyclic displacement amplitude are also indicated to influence the interface shear response. Centrifuge pile load tests are used to evaluate the installation forces, pullout capacity, and cyclic loading response mobilized by snakeskin-inspired piles. These results suggest that snakeskin-inspired surfaces can readily mobilize skin friction that depends on the direction of the displacement in piling applications.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all of the data, models, or code generated or used during the study are available from the corresponding author by request.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge Professor Jason DeJong and Professor Katerina Ziotopoulou for insights into the interpretation of the cyclic stress paths, and Sumeet Sinha for assistance in performing the centrifuge pile load tests. The centrifuge tests were conducted at the UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling, which is supported under the grant No. CMMI-1520581. This material is based on work supported by the Engineering Research Center Program of the National Science Foundation under NSF Cooperative Agreement No. EEC-1449501. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Science Foundation.
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Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 146 • Issue 11 • November 2020
Copyright
© 2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 8, 2019
Accepted: Jun 2, 2020
Published online: Aug 18, 2020
Published in print: Nov 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Jan 18, 2021
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