A new apparatus for testing the delayed mechanical behaviour of interfaces: The Shearing Interfaces Creep box (SInC box)

A new experimental apparatus is presented for testing the time-dependent behaviour of interfaces, including in particular interfaces of geomaterials, under constant loading. This apparatus allows the application of two orthogonal loads normal and tangential to the mean plane of the interface, as well as the measurement of the axial and tangential relative displacements. The sample is moulded inside two half shear boxes and the system is designed in such a way that the shear force is applied along the mean plane of the interface. Some preliminary testing was carried out on a clay rock/concrete interface, under a controlled temperature environment. Preliminary results are presented, showing the evolution of the delayed displacements.