Associated geosynthetics - tensile, static puncture and tearing mechanical behaviour evaluation

Abstract

Geosynthetics are materials that can be used in different applications, either isolated, or in association with other geosynthetics. However, the elements that constitute the association and the association itself may present distinct mechanical behaviours. Toe mechanical behaviour of associated geosynthetics can be studied in different directions, namely that of geosynthetics interfaces, tensile, static puncture and tearing. ln a fust stage of a broad research program it was decided to study the tensile, static puncture and tearing behaviours of five geosynthetics, either isolated or associated. Toe geosynthetics selected for this study were: two polypropylene, non-woven, spunbounded geotextiles with different mass per unit area; two geogrids, a high density polyethylene uniaxial geogrid and a polypropylene biaxial geogrid; and a smooth, high density polyethylene geomembrane with two millimetres thickness. This paper presents the results of the study and put forwards some conclusions about the behaviour of associated geosynthetics and about the influence on that of each element of the association.