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Geo Strap Testing Method Statement

The Geosynthetic Institute has updated their test method (GRI-GS21) for determining the tensile properties of geosynthetic straps. Geosynthetic straps are a strong reinforcement element used in mechanically stabilized earth structures. The test method involves clamping representative strap specimens and conducting tensile tests at a constant rate of extension until failure. Results are used to determine the ultimate tensile strength and strain of the geosynthetic strap. The test aims to overcome challenges in clamping and testing the thin, stiff straps.

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Umesh Mishra
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391 views

Geo Strap Testing Method Statement

The Geosynthetic Institute has updated their test method (GRI-GS21) for determining the tensile properties of geosynthetic straps. Geosynthetic straps are a strong reinforcement element used in mechanically stabilized earth structures. The test method involves clamping representative strap specimens and conducting tensile tests at a constant rate of extension until failure. Results are used to determine the ultimate tensile strength and strain of the geosynthetic strap. The test aims to overcome challenges in clamping and testing the thin, stiff straps.

Uploaded by

Umesh Mishra
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Testing for tensile properties of geosynthetic strap


The Geosynthetic Institute (GSI) now has a revised test method for determining the tensile properties of
geosynthetic straps. They are an extremely strong reinforcement element for mechanically stabilized
structures. These soil reinforcing elements consist of high-strength extensible geosynthetic reinforcing
straps that are connected through a sleeve or embedded connector to precast concrete facing panels.
Such structures are ideal for construction in or near water and other aggressive environments.
Geosynthetic strap reinforcements are suitable for mechanically stabilized structures such as walls,
steep slopes and reinforced embankments. A typical retaining wall installation using geosynthetic straps
is shown in Figure 1.

These reinforcement geosynthetics are typically 2 to 4 inch (51 to 102 mm) wide straps that consist of
high-tenacity polyester fibers encased in a polyethylene jacket. A photograph of a typical geosynthetic
strap is shown in Figure 2. The high-tenacity polyester is the load-bearing element, while the jacket
protects the yarns from installation damage and degradation. They exhibit the following properties
compared to geogrid or geotextile reinforcement:

 High-strength geosynthetic strap reinforcement exhibits less extensibility (strain at failure < 11%)
than typical geogrid or geotextile reinforcement.
 Geosynthetic straps are suitable for highly aggressive and corrosive environmental conditions. The
polyester yarns within the geosynthetic straps are comprised of high-tenacity polyester filament
yarns with high tensile strength and modulus, low creep and high molecular weight (>25,000 g/mol)
and carboxyl end groups (>30 mmol/kg) to ensure excellent performance and durability.
 Geosynthetic strap connections to precast facing panels are secure, simple, quick and easy.
 The composition and geometry of geosynthetic straps are dimensionally stable, weather resistant
and resistant to installation damage.

GSI first published this standard method in 2019 and has recently updated it as GRI-GS21, Test Method for
the Determination of Tensile Strength Properties of Geosynthetic Straps. This test method is intended for
quality control and conformance testing of geosynthetic strips. However, the results can also be used for
design. We felt that it was important to update it in advance of Robert Lozano’s (technical manager and
senior geotechnical engineer with The Reinforced Earth Company) effort within ASTM D35, the
Subcommittee on Geosynthetic Product Specification. It will be a nice counterpoint for lessons learned
and round-robin data.

In determining the tensile strength of various geosynthetic straps, there are numerous difficulties in
clamping and testing representative samples due to their thickness, width, coating, stiffness and varying
forms of construction. The GRI GS-21 method performs tensile tests on representative specimens to
determine their strength. The results of these tests can be used to calculate the ultimate strength and
corresponding strain of the geosynthetic strap in the direction of the test. It should be noted that most
geosynthetic straps have a single principal direction.
Figure 4 Inexpensive truck trailer tie-down clamps
This test method is applicable to all types of geosynthetic straps. Some modifications of clamping
techniques may be necessary for a given geosynthetic strap depending upon its construction. The test
apparatus for this method consists of three parts: the tensile testing machine, clamps and extensometer.
The tensile testing machine should operate under a constant rate of extension (CRE). It should have a
load cell capable of measuring 10% to 90% of the ultimate tensile force of the material being tested. An
entire force versus elongation curve needs to be recorded during the test. The constant rate of extension
apparatus should conform to ASTM D76, Standard Specification for Tensile Testing Machines for Textiles,
and ASTM E4, Standard Practices for Force Calibration and Verification of Testing Machines.

Testing clamps shall be sufficiently wide to grip the entire geosynthetic strap and with appropriate
clamping power to prevent slipping or crushing. Special clamping configurations may be necessary for
geosynthetic straps constructed of coated fibers or yarns to prevent them from damage as a result of
being gripped too tightly in the clamps. The suggested clamps are shown in Figures 3 and 4. When
testing geosynthetic straps with roller grips, it is often difficult to achieve centerline to centerline grip
separation and plumb. For this reason, a universal or swivel joint is recommended for attachment to one
of the clamps to eliminate any eccentricity in the setup.
Contact extensometer
Since the grips in most cases will be roller or Capstone-style clamps, an extensometer will be needed to
monitor deflection throughout the test. These devices can be a contact or noncontact extensometer, as
shown in Figures 5 and 6 respectively. Note that strains below 10% are required to be monitored
precisely.

Figure 6 Noncontact
video extensometer

Procedure for Testing


The load cell and extensometer need to be calibrated prior to mounting the geosynthetic strap in the
clamps. Then, the CRE needs to be balanced after the clamps have been mounted. Prepare for testing by
mounting the specimen centrally in the clamps and tighten sufficiently to prevent damage to the
specimen. A 1% preload is allowed to remove any slack from the setup. Next, set the constant rate of
extension of the test machine to 10%/min. Initiate the test by starting the testing machine and continue
running the test until rupture occurs. Record and report the entire force versus elongation response up to
and including failure.

Repeat the above procedure until 10 acceptable breaks have been obtained. The specimen result should
be discarded and another test run if:

 Specimen slips in the clamps


 Specimen breaks at the edge
 Specimen breaks within the clamps
 Faulty operation occurs
 Result falls markedly below the average for the set of specimens

Report
From the test data, a force-elongation curve for each test with a description of the type of failure that
occurred should be presented. On each of these curves, the ultimate strength and corresponding strain
should be indicated. In addition, modulus at specific strain level may be requested (i.e., 1%, 2%, 5% and
7%). The report should also include the number of tests performed, the rate of extension and the type of
clamps utilized.

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