Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Marking, manufacturers in Europe are obligated, depending on the application of the
geotextile, to report the relevant test properties for each geotextile, and to ensure that
the geotextile supplied also conforms to the properties stated on the label. However,
these standardised tests in the context of European legislation are index tests only. The
properties show results for the tested piece of geotextile only and do not account for
interaction with the foundation when installed. For a successful design with geotextiles
in general, and thus also for these geosystems in particular, it is necessary to have infor-
mation concerning the interaction between the geotextile and other materials in the
structure. Performance tests are normally required for this purpose but standardisation
of these is difficult since they have to be adjusted for local conditions. Nonetheless, it
is important to take account of this whenever test results supplied by the manufacturer
are used in a design.
CE Marking contains various distinct functions for which a geotextile can be used:
reinforcement;
separation;
filtration;
drainage.
To assess whether a geotextile is suitable for a particular application, relevant geotex-
tile index properties must be available for individual geotextile types. The relevant geo-
textile index properties are described in the European Application Standards EN13249
to EN13257 and EN13265 for geotextile applications. The European Application Stand-
ard EN13253 “Geotextiles and geotextile-related products - Required characteristics for
use in erosion control works” is relevant for geotextile-encapsulated sand elements.
Appendix B contains further information on CE Marking for geotextiles. It covers
the different index tests and the durability of geotextiles in more detail. Table 2.8 gives
some standard specifications of geotextiles.
