GEOfabrics - Designed to Perform

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Published papers and test reports

	Development of geosynthetics for beneath ballast (28/01/05) GEOfabrics are at the cutting edge of research into the use of geosynthetics for rail ballast applications. A half-sleeper-width rail-trafficking rig has been designed & installed with the help of the DTI.
Downloadable File: Development of geosynthetics for rail ballast applications (75kB pdf)

Geosynthetics in coastal engineering protection and placement issues: Click to download

Geosynthetics in coastal engineering protection and placement issues (19/01/06)
This paper, presented by David Shercliff (International Sales Manager at GEOfabrics Limited) at "Geosynthetics in Hydraulic Engineering", Nottingham Trent University, July 12th 2005, describes some of the key issues with selection, design and installation based on his and GEOfabrics years of experience. It illustrates several methods of placement including fascine mattressing and sinking beam installation methods as well as showing the tough and superior nature of thick needle punched non wovens in this harsh environment.

Downloadable File: Geosynthetics in coastal engineering protection and placement issues (605kB pdf)

Paper - Accelerated testing of geosynthetics in trackbed using Europe's largest full-scale rail rig: Click to download

Paper - Accelerated testing of geosynthetics in trackbed using Europe's largest full-scale rail rig (22/03/06)
Sharpe, Dr P, & Caddick, V, - A full-scale, seven half-sleeper, test rig which simulates the harshest conditions geosynthetics may encounter within the rail sector has been used to assess the resistance to damage of products in common use. The paper describes the research carried out to confirm that the test conditions match those found under main lines, and tests on current and proposed products aimed at reducing pumping failure beneath the track. The tests were conducted for a minimum of 1M load cycles and it was shown that settlement could be reduced by three-quarters when a sand blanket is combined with a geotextile separator. Further tests have demonstrated the performance of geotextiles when laid on a failed, coarse-blanket layer when the product will have to resist considerable abrasive forces. This has shown that geotextile type is very important when considering the life of the construction. Research continues and the rig is available to carry out projects for third parties.

Downloadable File: Railway paper (240kB pdf)

Paper - Designing with the cylinder test: Click to download

Paper - Designing with the cylinder test (09/03/06)
This paper, given by David Shercliff (International Sales Manager, GEOfabrics Ltd) was given at The Polluted and Marginal Land Conference 1998, The Re-use of Contaminated Land and Landfills 7th ? 9th July 1998, Brunel University, London. It describes the extensive research work and development carried out on protection geotextiles used in the base of landfills to protect HDPE liners from overlying stone drainage blankets. The cylinder test is a performance test which simulates the base conditions of the landfill and the paper then shows the important correlation between the long term performance test with the short term index tests used in quality control testing. This then gives the designer a confidence to specify certain parameters, such as puncture resistance and thickness. The designer is guided through a design method and rationale to a meaningful specification which would be adequate for publishing in a tender document later to be confirmed with an actual cylinder test.

Downloadable File: Designing with the cylinder test (815kB pdf)

Paper - Difficulties with unit weight (03/05/01)
This paper given by David Shercliff (GEOfabrics International Sales Manager) and co-authored with Dr Russell Jones (Golder Associates) and Dr Neil Dixon (Loughborough University) presents the results from a series of cylinder tests showing the irrelevance of weight to the specification of a protector geotextile. CBR Puncture is the most relevant.

Downloadable File: Paper - Difficulties with unit weight (PDF)

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