Discussion

Edited by,

Dr Dyer (TH Technology) asked the speakers whether pre-tensioning of the geotextile during placement should be specified in a contract. He felt that such a practice might reduce extensions in service.

In response, Dr Farrell explained that, in the works he had described, a small tension was applied to take out minor kinks and folds, but this was not specified in detail.

Dr Bassett said that his experience with embankments at Stanstead Abbots and Harlow was that tensioning seemed to have no appreciable effect. He felt that the lateral displacement of the underlying soft soil would inevitably pull the reinforcement tight in service, with a tension far exceeding that which could be applied during construction.