ISSN: 1945-7545
CODEN: GTJODJ
Page Count: 9

Measuring Inherent Load-Extension Properties of Geotextiles for Design of Reinforced Structures

Wu, JTH
Associate professor, University of Colorado at Denver, Denver, CO

Abstract

Existing test methods for measuring the load-extension properties, including the stiffness and the ultimate strength, of geotextiles as they are subjected to confining pressures are reviewed and critically evaluated. In addition, a new test method which surmounts the drawbacks of the existing methods is presented. The new method has three distinct characteristics: (1) it is an “element” test, thus the load-extension properties determined from the test are the inherent properties of the geotextile; (2) the test measures the confined stiffness and strength of geotextiles without inducing soil-geotextile interface adhesion, thereby simulating the predominant operational condition in typical geotextile-reinforced soil structures; and (3) the stiffness and strength obtained from the test are conservative values if soil-geotextile interface slippage does occur in a reinforced structure. The new test method offers a unified and more rational method for determining the load-extension properties of geotextiles in the design and specification of geotextile-reinforced soil structures.

Keywords:
geotextiles, stress-strain curves, test procedures, confinement, design

Paper ID: GTJ10557J
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ10557J
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