SOFT-SITE CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES

One of the fundamental uses of geosynthetics is to aid in construction of roadways and embankments over soft subgrades. The successful construction phase always begins with a correct and complete project specification. A correct specification should include the required wide-width tensile strengths for the geosynthetic material. In addition, because of potential deformation in the soft subgrade during the construction phase, the geosynthetics should be seamed or joined. This seam strength value should also be included in the specification. The use of overlapping or seaming of geosynthetic reinforcement is primarily to maintain 100% coverage of the subgrade during the cover soil placement. In many soft soil construction sites, the use of seaming is often the only practical installation method. The required seam strength should be quantified per American Society for Testing and Materials D 4884, "Test Method for Seam Strength of Sewn Geotextiles." The seam quality control procedures should be outlined in the specification. After selection of the geosynthetic, the design engineer should prepare an accurate panel layout before installation begins. In order to aid in construction, the material supplier may perform factory fabrication of panels. The geosynthetic reinforcement should be placed directly on the prepared subgrade. The elimination of wrinkles in the geosynthetic is vital to correct performance. Fill should be placed directly over the geosynthetic in 30-60 cm loose lifts. A successful installation can be accomplished by a team approach from the design professional, material supplier, and geosynthetic installer. Proper planning, including evaluation of seam strengths, factory fabrication, and deployment options, can significantly reduce costly field mistakes.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/08824983
• Corporate Authors:

  Industrial Fabrics Association International

  345 Cedar Building, Suite 450
  St Paul, MN  United States  55101-1088
• Authors:
  • Henderson, J
  • Gale, S
• Publication Date: 2000-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 32-36
• Serial:
  • Geotechnical Fabrics Report
  • Volume: 18
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: Industrial Fabrics Association International
  • ISSN: 0882-4983

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Deployment; Embankment foundations; Embankments; Fabrication; Factories; Fills; Geosynthetics; Geotextiles; Installation; Quality control; Reinforcement (Engineering); Road construction; Seams; Soft soils; Strength of materials; Subgrade (Pavements); Subgrade materials
• Subject Areas: Construction; Geotechnology; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; I52: Construction of Pavements and Surfacings;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00792454
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 30 2000 12:00AM