Characterization of Geosynthetic Load-Strain Behavior After Installation Damage

Installation damage can be expected to modify the mechanical properties of geosynthetics in reinforcement applications. The paper reviews data from controlled installation damage trials reported in the literature and other sources. Geosynthetic properties taken from the results of index tensile tests are reviewed and the peak strength, strain at failure, and modulus of control and damaged specimens compared. The results of this interpretation of test data are grouped according to reinforcement type and constituent polymer. The data reveals that there are critical levels of reinforcement damage described as percent of peak strength retained that identify the onset of degradation in modulus and/or strain at rupture for each reinforcement classification. The interpretation of the test data presented in the paper illustrates that the current interpretation of installation damage based on peak strength retained is conservative for some types of geosynthetic materials. For these materials, the percentage of modulus retained is a more rational quantitative measure of resistance to site installation damage.