The general term geosynthetics encompasses the subfamilies of geotextiles, geogrids, geocells, geocomposites, and geomembranes. Various construction practices incorporate geosynthetics to take advantage of their properties and ease of installation. Geosynthetics have six primary functions: filtration, drainage, separation, reinforcement, fluid barrier, and protection. The TYPE_ of geosynthetic used on a particular project will depend on its intended primary function in the installation, and thus its critical properties
To further develop the existing geosynthetic specification, the Geotechnical Engineering Bureau audited recent Departmental contracts utilizing these items to determine deficiencies. The following was identified:
• Additional Acceptable Material – the specification states that geotextiles may be joined by either sewing or overlapping. However, another acceptable manner to join geotextiles would be with the use of adhesives, as long as the adhesive was found not to be detrimental to the performance, lifespan or function of the geotextile, and could create a bond strength strong enough to meet AASHTO M288 requirements for seam efficiency.
