ASTM paves the way for geotextiles

When geotextiles are used to reinforce the base layers of flexible pavement, the interaction between the fabric and aggregates is important, as is the tensile property of the geotextile. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has developed two new standards pertaining to these important features. ASTM D7499, Test Method for Measuring Geosynthetic-Soil Resilient Interface Shear Stiffness; and ASTM D7556, Test Methods for Determining Small-Strain Tensile Properties of Geogrids and Geotextiles by In-Air Cycling Tension Tests, should aid a current national movement to develop a design guide for pavements.For details, or to purchase the ASTM standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation number.