Dynamic Skin‐Friction Effects on Buried Arches

Abstract

Loads induced by friction as the soil is compacted around embedded structures are especially difficult to quantify. To qualitatively investigate the relative importance of these loads, a dynamic test was conducted on two identical arch structures, in which one structure was covered with a double layer of Teflon to reduce frictional loads as much as possible. At a dynamic peak overpressure of about 1,700 psi (11.7 MPa), the Teflon‐covered arch did not collapse, while the other arch totally collapsed. Results from this test indicate that skin‐friction loads can affect both the maximum capacity and the failure mode of buried arches.