Use of Geosynthetics in Infrastructure Remediation

Abstract

The remediation of infrastructure systems represents a massive public-works effort that probably rivals past activities such as dam/canal building in the 1930s and the construction of the interstate system more recently. Every facet of construction (including materials, design, testing, installation, and inspection) will be brought into this effort and will even be challenged so as to expand the horizons of the respective technologies. Existing and newly developed technologies will both be included, and geosynthetics will have a role. Just how large of a role is yet to be seen as the total remediation effort unfolds. This paper presents the manner in which geosynthetics might be considered for various aspects of infrastructure remediation based upon the primary function that is being served. Once decided, some of the many applications involving geosynthetics in infrastructure remediation are presented. Obviously, not all applications can be included, but it is felt that the major ones currently available are described here. Hopefully, the paper will convey to the reader the wide range of infrastructure remediation applications that utilize geosynthetics and the important role that these materials can perform either by themselves or in a complimentary manner with other construction materials.