Influence of bentonite slurry on interface friction

摘要

Bentonite slurry is used to lubricate the pipe-soil interface to reduce frictional resistance during pipe jacking. Many types of bentonite slurry exist, most of which are specifically engineered to optimize performance in tunneling. The characteristics of commonly used bentonite slurry were evaluated in the laboratory and results indicate large differences in the viscosity between various products due to the additives. Interface shear tests were performed to determine the magnitude of friction reduction in sand/slurry mixtures. The presence of slurry has been shown to lubricate the interface and reduce the residual friction depending on the surface roughness of the pipe.