When geocomposite drain systems first came on the market in the early 1980s, no accepted laboratory methods existed for predicting their field performance. Because it appeared that these products had definite applications in usda forest service projects, a test procedure was developed to evaluate them. This test procedure was designedto determine the flow capacity of the geocomposite drain systems subjected to varying lateral loads and hydraulic gradients. The test apparatus consists of a large triaxial chamber and special plumbing. Geocomposite test specimens are placed vertically in a mold 6 in. Indiameter by 12 in. High, which is then filled with a compacted silty soil. Changes in flow rates through the specimens are measured as both gradient and lateral pressure are varied. This paper appears intransportation research record no. 1329, Geocomposite pavement drain systems 1991
Abstract