A survey of the methods used to manufacture geotechnical fabrics has shown that some fabrics have complex three-dimensional structures and many are unlikely to be uniform or isotropic. None of the current test methods enable the load-extension behaviour of fabrics to be studied whilst the fabric is subjected to normal compressive stresses acting through a soil medium. The data from these tests may therefore not be suitable for design purposes. Of the current test methods the simple uniaxial stress test would appear to be the most appropriate for quality control work. The results of a series of uniaxial stress tests indicate that the minimum dimensions of the uniaxial stress test specimens should be 100 mm (long) and 200 mm (wide). (Author/publisher)
Abstract