Full-Scale Interface Friction Testing of Geotextile-Based Flood Defence Structures

Open-topped woven polypropylene cellular containers filled with dense granular ballasts are often used as emergency flood defence structures. The effectiveness of these systems is highly dependent on the interaction with their bedding surface. The characteristics of the foundation will often govern the system’s overall resistance to applied loading imposed by retained floodwater. However, the frictional relationship between polypropylene bulk bag flood defences and common bedding surfaces has not been extensively investigated. This study aims to reduce the reliance on arbitrary static friction coefficients by measuring and presenting actual data obtained through quantitative testing. This study presents the results of full-scale field testing to quantify the frictional resistance generated between filled polypropylene bulk bags and seven common bedding surfaces. Findings resulting from testing each interface scenario are expressed as coefficients of static friction. Test interfaces affording high frictional resistance comprised an unmade gravel road (µ = 0.74) and grass (µ = 0.64). Contrastingly, interfaces generating significantly lower frictional resistance were steel floated concrete (µ = 0.40) and polypropylene plastic (µ = 0.40). Test interfaces involving asphalt (µ = 0.54) and tamped concrete (µ = 0.56–0.58) were also investigated. This study recommends new friction coefficients necessary to characterise the structural stability analysis of bulk bag flood defences with greater accuracy. Practical advice based on experimental observation and field design experience is also given.