Shear Response of Wet Weak Carbonate Rock/Grout Interfaces Under Cyclic Loading

Abstract The development and construction of offshore wind farms requires the correct estimation friction that can be mobilised at rock/grout interface. In conventional studies, shear behaviour a joint is usually investigated with laboratory tests under constant normal load/stress (CNL), however, in engineering practice, direct testing stiffness (CNS) has been proved to more realistic assessment side resistance rock grouted pile design. this work, an extensive experimental campaign on response weak carbonate (limestone) interface grout presented, frame turbines. First, basic mechanical performed two materials order evaluate their properties. output these reveals not only contrasting properties interacting materials, but also decreased limestone presence water. A series monotonic (both CNL CNS conditions) wet rough limestone/grout interfaces reveal high impact adhesion between response. Based results, number cyclic loading takes place, where different failure modes are observed dilatant contractant variability mode strongly related created cast grout, limestone’s micro-structural heterogeneity manifests already after consolidation. post-shear morphological state analysed, while surface water gouge creation do allow clear correlation morphologfy Overall, type significantly higher, governed by rock.