DESIGNING TO RESIDUAL STRENGTH OF GEOSYNTHETICS INSTEAD OF STRESS-RUPTURE

The tensile design strength of geosynthetic reinforcement may be governed by strain or load and, in the latter case, some design codes base the design strength on stress-rupture. However, when a factor of safety is applied, this approach can be over-conservative. By considering the residual or available strength, it is possible to define a more realistic procedure that can be integrated with the effects of environmental degradation and mechanical damage.