<p><p><strong>Reference(s):</strong></p><p><em>Geosynthetic Design and Construction Guidelines (Holtz et al. 2008)</em></p><p><strong>Method Summary</strong></p><p>The geosynthetic must survive the construction operations and must have the required properties to perform its intended function. Enough cover should be provided to prevent it from being damaged. Geosynthetics are susceptible to performance problems as a result of poor product, poor construction monitoring procedures, and inappropriate installation. Field personnel should adhere to the following procedure while observing geosynthetic installation:<br><ol> <li>Read the specifications.</li> <li>Review the construction plans.</li> <li>Determine whether the geosynthetic is specified by specific properties or by an approved products list.</li> <li>Check the rolls of the geosynthetics delivered to the site for damage and confirm they are properly stored or not.</li> <li>Check roll and lot numbers of geosynthetics to confirm whether they match certification documents.</li> <li>Cut two samples 4 to 6 in. (100 to 150 mm) square from a roll. Staple one to the copy of the specifications for comparison with future shipments and send one to the design engineer for approval or information.</li> <li>Observe materials in each roll to make sure they are the same. Observe rolls for flaws and non-uniformity.</li> <li>Obtain test samples according to specification requirements from randomly selected rolls. Mark the machine direction on each sample and note the roll number. Take at least one archive sample of each geosynthetic, even if testing is not required.</li> <li>Observe construction to see that the contractor complies with specification requirements for installation.</li> <li>Check all seams, both factory and field, for any missed stitches in geotextile. If necessary, either re-seam or reject materials.</li> <li>If possible, check geosynthetic after aggregate or riprap placement for possible damage. This can be done either by constructing a trial installation, or by removing a small section of aggregate or riprap and observing the geosynthetic after placement and compaction of the aggregate, at the beginning of the project. If perforations, tears, or other damage has occurred, contact the design engineer immediately.</li> <li>Check future shipments against the initial approved shipment and collect additional test samples. Collect samples of seams, both factory and field, for testing. For field seams, have the contractor sew several meters of a dummy seam(s) for testing and evaluation.</li></ol><strong>Accuracy and Precision</strong></p><p>The method accurately verifies the properties of the geosynthetics used for construction through adherence to ASTM standard test methods. This QC/QA method also provides specification for construction.</p><p><strong>Adequacy of Coverage</strong></p><p>The material properties can be verified by the field personnel at the site during geosynthetic installation by checking roll and lot numbers of geosynthetics in prepared product lists. Possible geosynthetic damage can be Checked either by constructing a reasonable number of trial installations, or by removing a small section of aggregate or riprap and observing the geosynthetic after placement and compaction of the aggregate, at the beginning of the project.</p><p><strong>Implementation Requirements </strong></p><p>Implementation requirements (cost, personnel, training, equipment, and time) are not excessive.</p><p><strong> </strong><strong>General Comments</strong></p><p>The method is applicable to quality assurance specification and warranty provisions and somewhat applicable to method approach specification. Use of geotextile and geogrid with specified properties can stabilize the pavement foundation, increase pavement service life, reduce pavement thickness, and give desired performance. The reference provides guidelines for geotextiles used for subsurface drainage systems and for separation purposes.</p></p>