Chp4 - The Use of Geosynthetics As Separators
Chp4 - The Use of Geosynthetics As Separators
geosynthetics as
separators
in civil engineering
Learning Outcome
• What is the main function of separator geotextile?
• What are the separator geotextile property requirements?
• What are the installation/ placement requirements of separator geotextile?
• What are the design requirements of separator geotextile?
• What are the applications of separator geotextile?
The separator must have the following
characteristics:
• Must follow the deformation under rolling loads.
• Must have a high elongation, to allow rutting without the
layer rupturing.
• Must possess sufficient strength to prevent a local collapse.
• Must be robust enough to withstand mechanical stresses
during installation and under traffic.
Separation different from Reinforcement
ψ = geotextile permittivity
Permittivity should be used to specify geotextiles because the coefficient of
permeability of geotextile is govern by the thickness of geotextile. Thus, not a constant
As an example:
,q Thickness, t = 1 mil
= 0.0254 mm
AASHTO M 288 specification uses permittivity to distinguish
geotextiles for varying applications and conditions.
- For separation (geotextile is used to separate dissimilar materials where
subgrade soils are > 3 CBR and water seepage through the geotextile is
not a critical function)
- The default permittivity value is 0.02 sec-1 but the permittivity of the
geotextile should be greater than that of the soil.
- The maximum apparent opening size (AOS) value should be 0.60 mm or
#30 sieve.
- In most cases, proper selection of the geotextile AOS will eliminate
clogging or piping potential.
Mirafi 600x- Woven geotextile
Mirafi 180N - Nonwoven geotextile
Mirafi 550x- Woven geotextile
Mirafi 160N - Nonwoven geotextile
Choice of Woven or Nonwoven Geotextiles as
Separator
• The only function of the separator is • In this case, a separation layer with
to preserve the inner friction of the high elongation that can adjust to the
granular layer, but it also helps to ruts without rupturing is needed,
consolidate the underlying soft soil.
• or the depth of the ruts should be
• However, consolidation takes time kept to a minimum through
and, when the soft soil cannot reinforcement.
consolidate, e.g. when the water
permeability is too low or when there
is not enough time between vehicle
passes, then rut development is faster.
Geotextiles with a low elongation can compensate the elongation requirement by having higher tensile strength
characteristic and vice versa
Rutting
Figure:
Variation of
vertical stress
due to
point load
The vertical force exerted on the geotextile
Werner, G., "Design Criteria for the Separation Function of Geotextiles on the
Basis of Mechanical Test Procedures," Proc. 3rd Int. Conf. on Geotextiles, Vienna,
Austria, 1986.
retention—the geotextile should retain the base soil to prevent the piping
phenomenon,
permeability—ensuring the passage of water to guarantee flow and preventing
excessive water pressure alongside the filter.
Conclusion