Each of these situations creates a special set of conditions that should be specifically

analyzed by a corrosion specialist.

Geosynthetic Reinforcement

Selection of Ta for geosynthetic reinforcement is more complex than for steel. The tensile
properties of geosynthetics are affected by environmental factors such as creep, installation
damage, aging, temperature, and confining stress. Furthermore, characteristics of
geosynthetic products manufactured with the same base polymer can vary widely, and the
details of polymer behavior for in-ground use are not completely understood. Ideally, Ta
should be determined by thorough consideration of allowable elongation, creep potential and
all possible strength degradation mechanisms.

Polymeric reinforcement, although not susceptible to corrosion, may degrade due to

physicochemical activity in the soil such as hydrolysis, oxidation, and environmental stress
cracking depending on polymer type. In addition, these materials are susceptible to
installation damage and the effects of high temperature at the facing and connections.
Temperatures can be as high as 50o C compared with the normal range of in-ground
temperature of 12o C in cold and temperate climates to 30o C in arid desert climates.

Degradation most commonly occurs from mechanical damage, long-term time dependent
degradation caused by stress (creep), deterioration from exposure to ultraviolet light, and
chemical or biological interaction with the surrounding environment. Because of varying
polymer types, quality, additives and product geometry, each geosynthetic is different in its
resistance to aging and attack by different chemical and biological agents. Therefore, each
product must be investigated individually.

Typically, polyester products (PET) are susceptible to aging strength reductions due to
hydrolysis (water availability) and high temperatures. Hydrolysis and fiber dissolution are
accelerated in alkaline regimes, below or near piezometric water levels or in areas of
substantial rainfall where surface water percolation or capillary action ensures water
availability over most of the year.

Polyolefin products (PP and HDPE) are susceptible to aging strength losses due to oxidation
(contact with oxygen) and or high temperatures. The level of oxygen in reinforced fills is a
function of soil porosity, ground water location and other factors, and has been found to be
slightly less than oxygen levels in the atmosphere (21 percent). Therefore, oxidation of
geosynthetics in the ground may proceed at an equal rate than those used above ground.
Oxidation is accelerated by the presence of transition metals (Fe, Cu, Mn, Co, Cr) in the
backfill as found in acid sulphate soils, slag fills, other industrial wastes or mine tailings
containing transition metals. It should be noted that the resistance of polyolefin
geosynthetics to oxidation is primarily a function of the proprietary antioxidant package
added to the base resin, which differs for each product brand, even when formulated with the
same base resin.

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