Analysis of the combined effect of installation damage and creep of geosynthetics

This paper aims to analyse the effect of the installation procedures on geosynthetics and its effect on their short and long term mechanical behaviour, using experimental results. The experimental test program includes two different processes of simulating the damage induced on these materials during the process of their installation in a construction site. Damage laboratory tests, according to European standards (ENV 10722-1) were hereby performed on various materials. Field tests to induce damage in real conditions were also carried out. The degree of mechanical damaged is characterized using standardized index tests: tensile tests (EN ISO 10319) and creep and creep rupture tests (EN ISO 13431). Test results are presented and discussed and the main conclusions are stated.