Durability of Geotextiles

Geotextiles used in ground engineering applications are expected to carry out one or more functions over a given design life. The five defined functions are drainage, separation, filtration, protection and reinforcement. For a given application, the functional requirements will determine the performance properties required, and any assessment of the products durability will be based on the degradation of these properties over a given time.

Several factors influence the geotextile durability: the physical structure of the fabric, the nature of the polymer used, manufacturing quality and consistency, conditions of storage and installation, the in-service physical and chemical environment and the different loads supported by the geotextile.

It is essential that a geotextile performs effectively for the full design service-life, and not just in initial conformance testing. Simon will explore key factors that influence the product’s performance and longevity and manufacturing steps necessary to ensure the highest possible standards are met for the design life.

Venue

Earth Sciences Department, Queens Building, University of London, Royal Holloway College, Egham

Time

The talk starts at 7pm. Tea/coffee available from 6:30 pm, drinks and nibbles will be served after

Speaker

Simon Griffith, Geofabrics Ltd

Simon has been involved in all aspects of geotextile, geosynthetic and geocomposite sales, designs and specifications for a wide range of civil engineering applications. Following degrees in Geology and Advanced Geophysics, he started out as a geophysicist; since then he has held roles as client, contractor and consultant, primarily in landfill and infrastructure engineering, and joined GEOfabrics in January 2010