Geotextiles in Embankment Dams - Association of State Dam Safety ...

Chapter 6Construction Methods and ConsiderationsThe performance of a geotextile can be significantly affected by the quality of theinstallation. It is critical that the mechanical and hydraulic properties of thegeotextile are not compromised during construction. Prolonged UV exposure,contamination, abrasion, puncture, tearing, and misalignment of geotextiles duringconstruction must be avoided. To achieve a successful installation, the design mustbe feasible to construct, the geotextile must be able to accommodate the anticipatedconstruction stresses, specifications must clearly spell out proper installationrequirements, and quality control and quality assurance procedures must be strictlyenforced.6.1 Shipping and storageCare in handling and storage is necessary to prevent damaging the fabric before it isinstalled. Standard guidance is available for proper geotextile handling and storageprocedures (ASTM 2002). Rolls should be marked and/or tagged with the followinginformation: 1. Product identification including manufacturer and type; 2. Lotnumber and roll number; 3. Roll length, width, and weight. This information shouldbe provided in at least three locations: outer cover, roll, and inside roll cover.All geotextile materials are usually covered with UV resistant packaging at the factorybefore being shipped to the site. At the factory geotextiles are typically rolled ontostrong and durable cardboard tubes that allow for storage and easy movement andloading on trucks for shipping to the site. Storage areas at the site should beprepared prior to delivery. If stored on the ground, a smooth surface free of rocksshould be prepared. Other storage methods include placing geotextile rolls onpallets, on sheets of plywood, or on asphalt or concrete pads. Once delivered, therolls should be inspected for damage, see Figure 6.1. Careful unloading andmovement about the site is best performed using canvas slings (see Figure 6.2), orspreader bars and a probe such as a steel pipe (see Figure 6.7) that can be insertedinto the center of the roll to prevent tearing or puncturing the geotextile. Thesemethods allow for the rolls to be relocated without dragging across the ground orusing other improper methods such as lifting rolls with a fork lift or excavatorbucket. Section 4.4.1 of this report discusses improper storage and handlingmethods which must be avoided.117