Briefvorlage Geokunststoff GbR - IBH - Herold + Partner Ingenieure

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Future prospects:
Cheap constructions?
Constructing using geosynthetics does not mean cheap.
The fallacy of a simple construction method, that ostensible
building errors will be absorbed by this good-natured
material, is often first recognised too late by customer and
constructor alike. Just like all others, this method of construction
requires detailed design and intensive engineering
treatment. Geosynthetics are not a panacea for
erroneous pricing or mistakes in the design. The
method of construction has now acquired its place in the
geotechnics, earth management and foundation design
and comes, just like all other methods of constructions,
with its own advantages and disadvantages. The responsibility
of knowing when and where this method of construction
is to be recommended rests in the hands of the
engineer, the consultant and the manufacturer. A wrong
application of geosynthetics, or an unmaintainable generalisation,
for example ‘…we save on soil replacement by
using geosynthetics…’, cast a shadow on the entire
method of construction. One does not have to search
long to find examples of inappropriate application.
Be that as it may with the critical aspects mentioned
above, the geosynthetic sector will continue to expand
with numerous alternative solutions into further fields of
application. This conference has the goal of contributing
in a small way to a special field of application and developing
new stimuli and ideas for the application of geosynthetics,
particularly when subjected to non-stationary
(dynamic) loading. Interesting contributions, good and
interesting discussions as well as an excellent venue
kindle the hopes of a valuable conference for all involved.
Dipl.-Ing. A. Herold
Design Standards?
A further problematic area to be discussed at this point is
the legal situation and industry standards. For applying
geosynthetics in a construction. The current design concepts
published in Germany are not based on the eagerly
awaited partial security concept (Partialsicherheitskonzept)
and industry standard 1054. This standard has not
yet been introduced for construction supervision.
This results in legal consequences for designer, constructor
and retailer. Every retailer would be well-advised to
consider these consequences just as he should seek
neutral information about this method of construction. It
should be the case that the optimal product is chosen for
the particular purpose. The spectrum of available geosynthetics
allows a selection from a multitude of products
which can be selected according to the dictates of technical
understanding and economical considerations.
Innovatives Bauen mit Geokunststoffen-english.doc