Archives

OIT for UV and oven aging

June 1st, 2021

Q: I am contacting you in regard to the requirements for oxidative induction time (OIT) (standard [STD] and high pressure [HP]) in the GRI-GM13 specification for both ultraviolet light and oven aging. Do you need to conduct both OIT tests or just one or the other? A: I would strongly recommend reading the EuroGeo 4 […]

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Concrete interlayers

April 1st, 2021

Q: We are interested in using a geotextile as an “unbonded concrete interlayer” over existing concrete pavement to float the new slab over deteriorated pavement, instead of a thin asphalt layer. Do you have any guidance for us in this regard? A: Over the past several years, 16-ounce-per-square-yard (542-g/m2) nonwoven needlepunched geotextiles have been used […]

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GRI-GM19 peel specification

April 1st, 2021

Q: Our liner system is a double composite and along a western tie-in. We need to extrusion-weld the secondary 60-mil (1.5-mm) HDPE (new cell) to an existing secondary 40-mil (1-mm) HDPE (old cell), and the state is continuing to have issues with the fact that we are using the 40-mil (1-mm) GRI-GM19 peel specification as […]

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Installing a geomembrane low to high gradient?

April 1st, 2021

Q: We are a large liner installation firm that has been asked to install a geomembrane liner from low gradient to high gradient. Is this the new normal? A: This is not normal, and we suggest you strongly object to this recommendation. There are many stakeholders in regard to panel layout (i.e., installer, general contractor, […]

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Geomembranes for reinforcement?

April 1st, 2021

Q: We are using Robert Koerner’s Designing with Geosynthetics to calculate the required thickness of a geomembrane. See Figure 1 and Equation 1 from the book for details. Figure 1 Equation 1 Can you point us in the right direction with the mobilization distance, x? A: Yes, please see Figure 2 for high-density polyethylene (HDPE). […]

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Anchors, tie-rods and whalers

April 1st, 2021

Q: We are having issues related to obstructions in the reinforced zone of our mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) retaining walls. In the first case, there is a rock outcrop that is limiting the length of the geogrid reinforcement. In the second case, we have a drop-down inlet structure to divert stormwater, which is in the […]

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The GMA Techline

August 1st, 2019

Moderated by Robert M. Koerner, George R. Koerner and Y. “Grace” Hsuan A geotextile for unpaved driveway/road? Q: Is there any point in using a 150 g/m2 (4.4 oz/yd2) nonwoven geotextile in building an unpaved gravel driveway or gravel road? If so, what should be the most important characteristics of the fabric and what are […]

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The GMA Techline

June 1st, 2019

Who is doing the testing? Q: This question relates to the number of rolls to be selected as the lot sample for specification conformance testing and refers to ASTM D4354. When I look at this standard, it appears the values in Table 1 of GRI’s White Paper #10 refer to the number of units to […]

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The GMA Techline

April 1st, 2019

Vegetation causing gases under geomembrane? Q: I have a site where we are installing a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) liner in an existing pond. Because of some residual heavy metals in the top layer of soil, I would like to strip off the top 3–6 inches (7.6–15.2 cm) of soil and vegetation. Alternatively, we could mow and […]

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The GMA Techline

February 1st, 2019

Geomembranes for canal lining Q: Our company is an international member of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI). Our government is planning to line their water canals with a geomembrane to prevent water seepage into the soil. We have been approached by many to suggest the most suitable material with specifications to guide them in […]

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