The Influence of Compaction and Water Conditions on Shear Strength and Friction Resistance between Geotextiles and Ash-Slag Mixture

The paper presents the results of tests of the shear strength of the ash–slag mixture taken from the landfill located in Kraków (Poland) and the interfacial friction resistance at the contact between the ash–slag mixture and woven or nonwoven geotextiles. The tests were carried out in a direct shear apparatus on samples with and without water saturation. The samples for testing were formed in the apparatus box at the optimum moisture by compacting them to I S = 0.90 and 1.00. The test results reveal that the shear strength parameters of the ash-slag mixture were large. It was stated the significant influence of the compaction, the growth of which has resulted in an increase in the angle of internal friction (from 7% to 9%) and cohesion (from 60% to 97%). Whereas the saturation of the samples reduced the shear strength parameters (from 4% to 6%, of the internal friction angle and 30% to 43% of cohesion). The values of the interfacial friction resistance at the contact between the ash–slag mixture and the geotextiles were large as well, but slightly smaller than the values of the shear strength parameters of the mixture itself. The compaction caused an increase in the angle of interfacial friction (from 1% to 5%) and adhesion (from 31% to 127%). The water-saturation of the samples caused a change in the angle of interfacial friction (from −6% to 3%) and decline in the adhesion (from 22% to 69%). Values of the interaction coefficient were about 0.8–1.0 and they tended to rise with increasing the normal stress. Higher values of this parameter were obtained in tests with water saturation and for non-woven geotextiles.