Photo-Initiated Degradation of Geotextiles

Abstract

Seven commercially available needle punched nonwoven geotextiles were evaluated in three outdoor locations and the results were contrasted against results from three different accelerated laboratory weathering test devices. The outdoor tests were conducted in Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas, and were conducted for 12 months' duration. The laboratory tests were carbon arc, xenon arc, and UV-fluorescent methods conducted for 500 hours' duration. Responses of various nonwoven geotextiles varied from little strength and strain loss to significant degradation of the material. Outdoor versus accelerated results are contrasted and practical conclusions are given based on information gained from this investigation.