The isochronous strain energy approach applied to the load–strain–time–temperature behaviour of geosynthetics Available to Purchase

The load–strain–time–temperature behaviour of geosynthetics can be determined by a variety of strength-testing methodologies. However, to date it has not been possible to directly compare and correlate the data obtained from different testing regimes in a generally applicable manner. In this paper, a strain energy approach to the characterisation of the load–strain–time–temperature of geosynthetics is developed that is intended to deal with this problem. This approach takes account of the changes in the behaviour of geosynthetics that occur with time, and is called the isochronous strain energy (ISE) approach. The background to the ISE approach is set out and used to compare and correlate the data from various strength tests carried out on a wide range of geosynthetics. This shows that the isothermal load–strain–time behaviour of a geosynthetic can be represented in a generally applicable manner within an ISE–time plot and that temperature effects can be represented within ISE–time–temperature plots. It is shown that the ISE absorbed by a geosynthetic comprises two basic components, the immediately recoverable ISE and the locked-in ISE. Representation of the behaviour of geosynthetics using these two ISE components allows the prediction of their response to any loading regime applied over any time period.