ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics has delivered a steady outpouring of standards for geosynthetic materials since its inception in 1984. Their newest subcommittee, D35.05 on Geosynthetic Erosion Control, has followed suit, completing six new standard test methods for turf reinforcement mats (TRMs) since their formation in 1998.

“Turf reinforcement mats (TRMs) are used to control erosion. They are installed in areas on top of bare soil to provide long term protection from erosion,” said the subcommittee chairman, Curtis McCorsley, director of research and development, Colbond Geosynthetics, Enka, N.C. “This protection occurs to a greater extent once vegetation is established. Common areas of use include drainage ditches and slopes for both commercial and residential applications.”

Now available from ASTM are:
• D 6454, Standard Test Method for Determining the Short-Term Compression Behavior of Turf Reinforcement Mats;
• D 6524, Standard Test Method for Measuring the Resiliency of Turf Reinforcement Mats (TRMs);
• D 6525, Standard Test Method for Measuring Nominal Thickness of Permanent Rolled Erosion Control Products;
• D 6566, Standard Test Method for Measuring Mass Per Unit Area of Turf Reinforcement Mats;
• D 6567, Standard Test Method for Measuring the Light Penetration of a Turf Reinforcement Mat (TRM); and
• D 6575, Standard Test Method for Determining Stiffness of Geosynthetics Used as Turf Reinforcement Mats (TRMs).

“Standards under the jurisdiction of D35.05 cover products that contain synthetic materials and are used when the product is expected to last the design life of the project,” noted McCorsley. “The development of the new Index Test Methods has taken into consideration the variety of materials that fit this definition. The new standards are the outcome of work previously carried out by the Erosion Control Technology Council. These new Index Test Methods should provide a level playing field that the manufacturers can live with, and be accepted by both the users and testing labs.”

Members of Subcommittee D35. 05 who developed the test methods represent material manufacturers and test lab technicians in the geosynthetics industry. “Use of the new standards will help promote the industry since the standards were developed by and for the industry,” McCorsley concluded. “We will no longer have to rely on test methods that must be modified to accommodate these unique products.”

For further technical information, contact Curtis McCorsley, director of research and development, Colbond Geosynthetics, Sand Hill Rd., PO Box 1057, Enka, N.C. 28728 (828/665-5042; fax: 828/665-5043). Committee D35 meets Jan. 22-25. For meeting or membership details, contact Staff Manager Pat Picariello, ASTM (610/832-9720). //

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