Two new standards from the Geosynthetics committee of ASTM will help define properties that can be used in the design of geosynthetic reinforced pavement. I know in my practice in Arizona, ADOT simply allows a boost of Resilient Modulus (R-Value) of 10 when biaxial geogrids are used. Perhaps in time this will lead to a design method to account for the geosynthetic reinforcement in a more analytical way. [Source: Geosynthetics Magazine]
Miscellaneous
Geosynthetics Magazine – Focus on History of Geosynthetics
The October-November 2009 issue of Geosynthetics Magazine has a special section titled “Focus on History” with some special content on the history of geosynthetics. (Photo of late 1970’s geocell testing for the US Army Corps, […]
Available Resources
Geosynthetics Institute Webinar – Geosynthetics in Erosion Control
The estimated society cost of landslides in the U.S. is estimated at $2-5B and worldwide might even approach $10B. The percentage triggered by surface erosion is certainly a major contributor. While the mechanisms of soil […]
Standards and Codes
ASTM Updates August 2009
Another busy month for ASTM with 66 new, revised or otherwise updated standards related to geotechnical and geological engineering (although not as busy as last month). A couple that caught my eye include brand new standards for geospatial data requirements related to abandoned mines, a new standard for sampling of EPS or geofoam, updated standards for mortar and cement, flexural strength of concrete, LA Abrasion test for aggregates, acceptance testing of geosynthetic clay liners, electrical methods for leak detection of geomembranes with earth cover and classification of soils and soil-aggregate mixtures for highway construction purpose (AASHTO classification).
Those involved in the materials testing side of the business should take a close look at the full list as there are also a number of updated standards relating to various asphalt and and aggregate tests, capping of concrete cyllinders and other related testing standards.
For my practice, perhaps the most significant standard that was updated was D 2488 – Standard Practice for Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedure) which we rely on for our field USCS classifications. I’ll be curious to see what those changes entail. Click through for the full list.