The development of polymeric materials in the form of geosynthetics has brought major changes to the area of Civil Engineering. Increasing interest in these materials and their use has resulted in significant advances in their practical applications in the last few decades. Following this progress, geosynthetics have become a common and favoured construction component in present-day geotechnical engineering. A wide range of compositions is now used, with properties tailored to conditions required for application.
Fundamentals of Geosynthetic Engineering provides an overview of the basic concepts of this fascinating and innovative subject area in a logical and illustrative way. This book guides the reader from basic description, manufacturing and material properties of the geosynthetics to their selection process and the major applications. It treats practical analysis and design concepts and provides guidelines for application. In addition, the quality control, field performance and monitoring of applied geosynthetics are discussed, and some aspects of costs analysis are described. The text is supported by examples, multiple choice and numerical questions with answers provided. One separate chapter with case studies is included in the book. In addition, the latest common test standards and codes of practice are introduced in a few sections with extensive references.
This textbook will serve courses in geosynthetics or earth reinforcement for graduate students in Geotechnical, Transportation, Hydraulic or Environmental Engineering. It may also be used as part of the undergraduate Geotechnical Engineering course for final year undergraduate students in Civil Engineering. The structure of this text also facilitates self-study by civil engineers, manufacturers and installers who wish to become familiar with the subject matter.
Preface Acknowledgements
Chapter 1 General Description Introduction
1.1 Geosynthetics,1.2 Basic Characteristics,1.3 Raw Materials,1.4 Manufacturing Processes,1.5 Geosynthetic Engineering, Self Evaluation Questions
Chapter 2 Functions and Selection
2.1 Introduction, 2.2 Functions, 2.3 Selection, Self Evaluation Questions
Chapter 3 Properties and Their Evaluation
3.1 Introduction, 3.2 Physical Properties, 3.3 Mechanical Properties, 3.4 Hydraulic Properties, 3.5 Endurance and Degradation Properties, 3.6 Test and Allowable Properties, 3.7 Description of Geosynthetics, Self Evaluation Questions
Chapter 4 Application Areas 4.1 Introduction
4.2 Retaining Walls, 4.3 Embankments, 4.4 Shallow Foundations, 4.5 Roads, 4.5.1 Unpaved roads, 4.5.2 Paved roads, 4.6 Railway Tracks, 4.7 Filters and Drains, 4.8 Slopes,,4.8.1 Erosion control, 4.8.2 Stabilization, 4.9 Containment Facilities, 4.9.1 Landfills, 4.9.2 Ponds, reservoirs, and canals, 4.9.3 Earth dams,4.10 Tunnels,4.11 Installation Survivability Requirements,Self Evaluation Questions
Chapter 5 Analysis and Design Concepts
5.1 Introduction, 5.2 Design Methodologies, 5.3 Retaining Walls, 5.4 Embankments, 5.5 Shallow Foundations, 5.6 Roads: 5.6.1 Unpaved roads, 5.6.2 Paved roads, 5.7 Railway Tracks, 5.8 Filters and Drains, 5.9 Slopes: 5.9.1 Erosion control, 5.9.2 Stabilization, 5.10 Containment Facilities:5.10.1 Landfills, 5.10.2 Ponds, Reservoirs, and Canals, 5.10.3 Earth Dams, 5.11 Tunnels, Self Evaluation Questions
Chapter 6 Application Guidelines
6.1 Introduction, 6.2 General Guidelines, 6.2.1 Care and consideration, 6.2.2 Geosynthetic selection, 6.2.3 Identification and inspection, 6.2.4 Sampling and test methods, 6.2.5 Protection before installation, 6.2.6 Site preparation, 6.2.7 Geosynthetic installation, 6.2.8 Joints/seams, 6.2.9 Cutting of geosynthetics, 6.2.10 Protection during construction and service life, 6.2.11 Damage assessment and correction, 6.2.12 Anchorage, 6.2.13 Prestressing, 6.2.14 Maintenance, 6.2.15 Certification,6.2.16 Handling the refuse of geosynthetics, 6.3 Specific Guidelines:6.3.1 Retaining walls, 6.3.2 Embankments, 6.3.3 Shallow foundations, 6.3.4 Unpaved roads, 6.3.5 Paved roads, 6.3.6 Railway tracks, 6.3.7 Filters and drains, 6.3.8 Slopes – erosion control, 6.3.9 Slopes – stabilization, 6.3.10 Containment facilities, 6.3.11 Tunnels, Self Evaluation Questions.
Chapter 7 Quality and Field Performance Monitoring
7.1 Introduction, 7.2 Concepts of Quality and Its Evaluation,7.3 Field Performance Monitoring, Self Evaluation Questions
Chapter 8 Economic Evaluation
8.1 Introduction, 8.2 Concepts of Cost Analysis, 8.3 Experiences of Cost Analyses,Self Evaluation Questions
Chapter 9 Case Studies
9.1 Introduction, 9.2 Selected Case Studies, 9.3 Concluding Remarks, Self Evaluation Questions
Appendix A: Answers to Multiple Choice Type Questions and Selected Numerical, Problems
Appendix B: Standards and Codes of Practice
1 Introduction, 2 General Information, 3 Standards on Test Methods, 4 Codes of Practice
Appendix C: Some Websites Related to Geosynthetics
References
Subject Index
