A simple model for sand–structure interface behaviour

This paper deals with the modelling of sand–structure interface behaviour under monotonic loading. In particular, the importance of the stress–dilatancy relationship is highlighted since volumetric behaviour strongly characterises the variation of the normal stress in constant normal stiffness direct shear tests. The procedure for the calibration of constitutive parameters is shown and the model is validated by comparison with different sets of sand–aluminium interface direct shear tests.