Technical Talk on

Geosynthetic Cementitious Composite Mat

(GCCM)
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 CONCRETE CANVAS - SPEAKER

PRESENTER

Michael Chong is currently working in Concrete Canvas Ltd, UK as

business development manager for Far East Asia. He graduated from
University Science of Malaysia (USM) with Bachelor Degree in Civil
Engineering. He has 18 years of working experience in geosynthetics
industry with 13 years in TenCate Geosynthetics Asia and 2 years in
Saint Gobain - Adfors Malaysia. Michael is a certified professional in
erosion and sediment control of CPESC, USA and graduate member
of Institute of Engineers Malaysia (IEM).
 WHAT IS GEOSYNTHETICS CEMENTITOUS COMPOSITE MAT ?

ASTM D8058 - (Terminology 3.2.7) defines Geosynthetic Cementitious Composite Mat (GCCM)
as ‘a factory-assembled geosynthetic composite consisting of a cementitious layer contained
within a layer or layers of geosynthetic materials that becomes hardened when hydrated’.
 WHAT IS GEOSYNTHETICS CEMENTITOUS COMPOSITE MAT ?

GCCM consists of 3 layers:

 Fibrous hydrophilic top surface

 A 3-dimensional fibre reinforcing matrix filled with
a dry, high early strength cementitious blend.
 A low permeability polymeric bottom layer
(typically PVC)
WHAT IS GEOSYNTHETICS CEMENTITOUS COMPOSITE MAT ?

How does it work?

Soft & Flexible Add Water Harden

80% strength in 24 hours
 FUNCTIONS CONCRETE CANVAS

Erosion control Containment Protection

FUNCTIONS GCCM

GCCM for surface protection GCCM is not for reinforcement.

Surface failure cause by rain Deep slip failure cause by

surcharge or pore water pressure
GCCM CAN COMBINE WITH ANCHORS OR SOIL NAILING

SHALLOW DEEP
PLANAR SEATED
ROTATIONAL
ROTATIONAL
GLOBAL
 GEOSYNTHETICS CEMENTITOUS COMPOSITE MAT

GCCM are available in batched and bulk roll

Batched Rolls Bulk Roll

Man portable batched rolls of 5 or 10sqm Up to 200 sqm of concrete on a single pallet
GCCM CORE APPLICATIONS

Channel lining Slope protection Bund lining Concrete remediation

Lagoon Lining Weed suppression Culvert Lining Gabion reinforcement

Pipe protection Outfall Lining Shelters

Mining Vent Walls
GCCM OTHER APPLICATIONS

Tank Floor Lining Slope Protection with anchors Bridge abutment protection Containment

Design Walkway Sand bag protection Regulating layer

KEY ADVANTAGES OF GCCM

Key benefits of GCCM

 Suitable for space constraint site / line or lane possession is not possible.
 Suitable for remote job site – mining areas
 Very fast installation – to meet deadlines/emergency repair
 Very easy to install – just add water and minimum tools are required
 Fast setting & strength – 80% strength in 24 hours
 No need formwork – especially for berm drains
 Can install in rain !
 Very flexible and conform to soil profile
 Two in one solutions - impermeable + protection (Permanent solution)
 Low logistic footprint
KEY ADVANTAGES OF GCCM – NO LINE OR LANE POSSESSION
KEY ADVANTAGES OF GCCM – SPACE CONSTRAINT
KEY ADVANTAGES OF GCCM – SPACE CONSTRAINT
KEY ADVANTAGES OF GCCM – NO FORMWORK REQUIRED
KEY ADVANTAGES OF GCCM – FAST INSTALLATION
KEY ADVANTAGES OF GCCM – REMOTE JOBSITE

…
CONCRETE CANVCAS PROJECTS

REMOTE JOB SITE

KEY ADVANTAGES OF GCCM – CAN INSTALL DURING RAIN

…
KEY ADVANTAGES OF GCCM – JUST ADD WATER (EVEN SEA WATER)
LOW LOGISTICAL FOOTPRINT

1 Bulk Roll = 2 x 17T

Ready-mix Trucks
ASTM FOR GCCM

INSTALLATION
 INSTALLATION OF GEOSYNTHETICS CEMENTITOUS COMPOSITE MAT

ASTM D8173-18 Standard Guide for Site Preparation, Layout, Installation and Hydration of
Geosynthetic Cementitious Composite Mat (GCCM).

4 Important practices to follow

 INSTALLATION OF GEOSYNTHETICS CEMENTITOUS COMPOSITE MAT

Key steps of GCCM Installation according to ASTM D8173 -18

• Identify the applications

• Documentation, storage, tools & equipment
• Subgrade preparation
• Fastening & anchors
• Deployment and layout
• Type of Joints
• Hydration
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Basic tools required Lifting equipment for bulk rolls

 TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Typical spreader beam

 SUBGRADE PREPARATION

Subgrade Preparation

• Remove vegetation / sharp or protruding

rocks.
• Subgrade should be firm and stable
• Proper anchor trench should be prepared
on crest and toe
 ANCHOR TRENCH

Typical layout with anchor trench

Anchor Trench
Compacted Backfill

GCCM

Substrate

Anchor Trench
FASTENING & ANCHORS

Steel J Pegs Bolts & Nails

Soil nail Percussion anchors

DEPOLYMENT OF GCCM

Deployment of GCCM

Longitudinal Deployment
Transverse Deployment
DEPLOYMENT OF GCCM

Deployment of GCCM

Direction of water flow

Top Layer of GCCM

Overlap / Shingle
Bottom Layer of GCCM
 GCCM TYPE OF JOINTS

Type of GCCM Joints Joint Strength and permeability

• Shingled Joint with screw • The joint strength and impermeability are
• Knuckle Shingled Joint with screw depending on type of joints.
• Shingled Joint with Screw & adhesive • Shingled Joint with screw is the most common
• Double bead of adhesive joint for slope protection and channel lining.
• Thermal bonding / welding • Thermal Bonding or welding has the lowest
impermeability and highest joint strength
mostly used for applications that need
waterproof.
GCCM TYPE OF JOINTS

Shingled Joint with screw Knuckle Shingled Joint with screw

GCCM TYPE OF JOINTS

Shingled Joint with Screw & adhesive

GCCM TYPE OF JOINTS

Thermal Bonding
GCCM TYPE OF JOINTS

Thermal Bonding
GCCM TYPE OF JOINTS

Thermal Welding
 HYDRATION OF GCCM

Key Points of GCCM Hydration

• GCCM to water ratio

• Working time – 2 hours
• Hydration on slope – respray after 1 hour
• Avoid pressure jet
• Touch Test
• Do not rely on rainfall
• High temperature/ direct sunlight/strong
wind/low humidity – hydrate at dusk
HYDRATION OF GCCM

GCCM Water

kg/m2 L /m2

• Refer to manufacturer’s recommendation

• The density of cement will affect the water absorption.
• Refer to ASTM standard D8329
 HYDRATION OF GCCM

Slope Hydration

• Spray from crest to toe

• Re‐spray after 1 hour
INSTALLATION VIDEOS
QUIZ TIME
1. Name 1 application of GCCM.
slope protection, channel lining, weed suppression, bund lining, concrete remediation, culvert lining.

2. GCCM can be used as soil reinforcement. Can or cannot?

Cannot. GCCM is for surface erosion control.

3. Give one benefit of using GCCM.

Easy to install, fast installation, space constraint, remote job site, no formwork, fast setting, install in rain

4. Suggest a GCCM joint for slope protection.

Screw or Screw + Sealant/adhesive.

5. It is OK to hydrate GCCM with any amount of water. Yes or No.

No. Must follow manufacturer’s recommendation.
COMFORT BREAK‐5 mins
KEY PROPERTIES OF GCCM
 GCCM MATERIAL PROPERTIES

Compressive Strength (N/mm2) - ASTM D8329

• Water cement ratio

• Cube test ASTM C109
 GCCM MATERIAL PROPERTIES

FLEXURAL STRENGTH ASTM D 8058

3-Point Bending Test

Three phases in failure:

1. Initial Elastic Phase

2. Incremental Rupture Phase

3. Final Rupture
 GCCM MATERIAL PROPERTIES

Tensile Strength Test ASTM D 6768 - uncured

• Originally developed for GCL testing
• Specimen 100mmx200mm.
• Loading rate of 300mm/min to represent the installation situation.

Tensile Strength Test ASTM D4885 - cured 28 days

• Originally developed for gemembrane testing

• Wide strip tensile method
• Loading rate of 20mm/min to represent the in-use properties
• Initial tensile strength and final tensile strength
 GCCM MATERIAL PROPERTIES

Pyramid Puncture Test ASTM 5494

Geomembrane Protection – Function of GCCM
GCCM MATERIAL PROPERTIES

Abrasion Resistance Test ASTM C-1353

• All channel applications subjected to abrasion.

• 1000 g weights on each wheel

(Estimate ~18 psi pressure at abrasion surface)

• Resurface abrasive wheel with diamond tip every 500

cycles

• Measure change in mass and change in thickness

versus number of cycles

• Lower value better GCCM

52
GCCM MATERIAL PROPERTIES

Abrasion Resistance Test ASTM C-1353

500 Cycles 1500 Cycles 2000 Cycles 6500 Cycles

53
GCCM MATERIAL PROPERTIES

Abrasion Resistance Test ASTM C-1353

20Mpa (2300 psi) concrete, 64Mpa (9300 psi) concrete, GCCM 8mm thick material,
4700 cycles 5000 cycles 6500 cycles

Good GCCMs have abrasion resistance similar to high compressive strength

concrete, but will not fall apart (fiber reinforced) as it experiences wear.

54
GCCM MATERIAL PROPERTIES - DURABILITY

Freeze-Thaw Test ASTM C-1185

Freeze-thaw:
1-2hrs at (-20 ± 4) °C freezing & 200 cycles Pass
1-2hrs immersed in water (20 ± 4) °C
 Surface Roughness or Manning Value

Water flow rate for Open Channel can determined using Manning equation as follow:
 Surface Roughness or Manning Value

Surface roughness, n is based on channel material. It is also refer as Manning Value.

Lower Manning value, n means higher water flow rate as per Manning equation.

Typical Manning’s values, n for rigid channel are as follow (Based FHWA website)

Look for GCCM that has Manning value of, n=0.011

GCCM CHEMICAL RESISTANCE

5mm thick 8mm thick 13mm thick

Mean Strength (N) 56.9N 121.7N 326.3N

Acid
Retained Strength (%) 123% 172% 117%

Mean Strength (N) 58.8N 96.9N 332.7N

Alkaline
Retained Strength (%) 138% 140% 116%

Mean Strength (N) 64N 105N 396N

Hydrocarbon
Retained Strength (%) 115% 99% 103%

GCCM products showed no loss of flexural strength following chemical immersion.

 HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY OF GCCM

Hydraulic Conductivity, K value

(coefficient of permeability)

Material Hydraulic Conductivity, K value

GCCM material 1x10‐11 m/s

Joint (screwed+seal) 3.7 x10‐8 m/s
Joint (sealed double) 2.7x10‐8 m/s
 GCCM MATERIAL PROPERTIES

Impermeability / Hydraulic Conductivity Test Equipment

Impermeability is important for containment application / bund lining

ASTM FOR GCCM

CASE STUDY
GCCM PROJECTS
GCCM PROJECTS
GCCM PROJECTS
GCCM PROJECTS
GCCM PROJECTS
TEMPORARY SLOPE PROTECTION – KIM CHUAN DEPOT
TEMPORARY COVER – MAY FLOWER MRT STATION
GCCM COLORS
PETROCHEM PROJECT
PETROCHEM PROJECT
PETROCHEM PROJECT
GCCM with Anchors
Myra Fall Canada
CCUK: “New Opportunities in CC” : Petrochemical
DESIGN
ASTM FOR GCCM

ASTM Standards for GCCM

ASTM FOR GCCM

ASTM Standards for GCCM

• ASTM D8173 - ‘Standard Guide for Site Preparation, Layout, Installation, and Hydration of GCCMs’

• ASTM D8030 - ‘Standard Practice for Sample Preparation for GCCM’

• ASTM D8058 - ‘Standard Test Method for Determining the Flexural Strength of a GCCM Using the Three-Point
Bending Test’

• ASTM D8329 - ‘Standard Test Method for Determination of Water/Cementitious Materials Ratio for GCCMs and
Measurement of the Compressive Strength of the Cementitious Material Contained Within’

• ASTM D8364 - ‘Standard Specification for Geosynthetic Cementitious Composite Mat (GCCM) Materials
ASTM FOR GCCM – SAMPLE PREPARATION

• ASTM D8030 - ‘Standard Practice for Sample Preparation for GCCM’

• Submerged in a hydration tank for 24 hours.

• Represent worst hydration condition.
• Cured specimens for flexural strength test.
Specimen laid between two porous stone.
FLEXURAL STRENGTH

• ASTM D8058 - ‘Standard Test Method for Determining the Flexural Strength of a GCCM Using the Three-Point
Bending Test’
FLEXURAL STRENGTH

Typical Reporting of ASTM D8058

Mean Std Dev

 FLEXURAL STRENGTH

Geosynthetics are strong in tension but weak in compression Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension

GCCMs HARDEN on hydration, so the durability of the cementitious material must be understood.
Tensile testing of GCCMs does not provide information on the quality of the cementitious material

Flexural (bending) strength testing provides information on

both compressive behaviour of the cementitious material
and the tensile behaviour of the geosynthetic components
FLEXURAL STRENGTH

ASTM D8058-19: Standard Test Method for

Determining the Flexural Strength of a GCCM using a
Three-Point Bending Test

Provides an ‘index test’ in much the same way that

tensile testing has been used for other geosynthetics

Flexural Strength testing of GCCM’s provides the best

overall indication of its performance in its hardened
(cured) state

Stress-displacement curves provide key information on

how composite layers in a GCCM behave and interact
FLEXURAL STRENGTH

Elastic Phase
FLEXURAL STRENGTH

Initial break of concrete

(Initial Flexural Strength)

Elastic Phase
FLEXURAL STRENGTH

Continued cracking and deformation

(Semi-ductile failure)

Initial break of concrete

(Initial Flexural Strength)

Elastic Phase
FLEXURAL STRENGTH

Continued cracking and deformation

(Semi-ductile failure)

Geotextile failure)
Initial break of concrete
(Initial Flexural Strength)

Elastic Phase
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

Water/Cement ratio affect Compressive Strength

BR331 - Design of Normal Concrete Mixes: second

edition:

‘A major factor in providing durable concrete is the

production of a dense, impermeable concrete, having an
adequate cement content and low free-water/cement
ratio, which is fully compacted and properly cured’.

If the water/cement ratio is too high, the cured concrete

will be extremely weak, as illustrated in Figure 4 of
BR331

(© IHS Markit, reproduced with permission from Design of Normal Concrete Mixes - BRE Report BR 331)
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

For Example: 45N/mm2 @ W/C 0.35

A concrete with a compressive strength of 45N/mm2 at a

w/c ratio of 0.35 will have a compressive strength of
12N/mm2 when the w/c ratio is increased to 0.75

12N/mm2
Controlling w/c ratio is therefore critical to GCCM @ W/C 0.75
performance
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

• ASTM D8329 - ‘Standard Test Method for Determination of Water/Cementitious Materials Ratio for GCCMs and
Measurement of the Compressive Strength of the Cementitious Material Contained Within’

It is not possible to test the compressive strength of a GCCM

as a composite, the powder needs to be removed from the
material and cast into cubes for testing.

Compressive cube test (ASTM C109/C39) taking optimum

water/cement ratio does not reflect the true compressive
strength at job site due to installation.

The technology of containing cementitious material within the

GCCM will affect the water/cement ratio.

ASTM D8329 has been created to determine the water to

CEMENTITIOUS MATERIALS ratio (sand and cement) in a
GCCM when installed in the field
 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

The GCCM is manipulated (bent) to deconsolidate the Compressive strength

at optimum W/C ratio
GCCM, and then hydrated by immersion to calculate the
water absorbed by the cementitious powder and determine
the realistic field deployed water/cementitious materials
ratio.

The powder is extracted from dry sample GCCM material May be much weaker
and prepared into cubes at the ASTM D8329 calculated when an ‘as installed’
water/cementitious materials ratio for compressive strength ASTM D839
testing water/cementitious
materials ratio is used
ASTM D8329 is used to calculate the realistic compressive
strength of the cementitious materials when installed, not
determining an unrealistic strength at optimum w/c ratio
under lab conditions.

(© IHS Markit, reproduced with permission from Design of Normal Concrete Mixes - BRE Report BR
331)
STEPS OF ASTM D8329

Deconsolidated by wrap and Calculate water/cement ratio

Hydrate by full submersion in water
unwrap GCCM on a cylinder

Extract cement from Make cubes with pre- Conduct Compressive Cube Test
new uncured GCCM determinated water/cement ratio ASTM C109 / C39
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

High density and compacted cementitious material within the 3D reinforcing fabrics prevents voids from
occur and absorbing excessive water.

OPTIMUM WATER/CEMENT RATIO HIGH WATER/CEMENT RATIO

HIGHEST COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH LOW COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
ASTM SPECIFICATIONS – ASTM D8364

ASTM D8364 - ‘Standard Specification for Geosynthetic Cementitious Composite Mat (GCCM) Materials
Property Test Method State of GCCM Minimum Values Unless Specified

Type I Type II Type III

Thickness D5199 Uncured cured 4.5mm 7.0mm

24h
Mass Per unit area D5993 Uncured 6.5kg/m2 10.5kg/m2

Density D5993/D5199 Uncured 1250 kg/m3

Flexural Strength Initial breaking load D8058 Cured 24h 625N/m 1500N/m 3750N/m

IFS 3.5 Mpa

FFS 4.0 Mpa

Compressive Strength of Cementitious Mix D8329 Cured 28 days 40 Mpa 50 Mpa 60 Mpa

Pyramid puncture D5494, TypeB Cured 28 days 2 kN 3.5 kN 4.5 kN

Abrasion (Max value) C1353/C1353M Cured 28 days 0.3mm

Cementitious Barrier Depth of Wear
Tensile Strength Final D6768/D6768M Uncured 8 kN/m

Initial D4885 Cured 28 days 3.5 kN/m 6.5 kN/m 9 kN/m

Final 10 kN/m 19 kN/m

Freeze‐Thaw Residual IFS (D8058) C1185 Cured 28 days > 80% (pass)
200 cycles
ASTM SPECIFICATIONS

ASTM D8364 - ‘Standard Specification for Geosynthetic Cementitious Composite Mat (GCCM) Materials

Guidelines for designers/consultants to specify GCCM projects for different applications

Type Site I Conditions/Requirements Typical Type I Applications

• Minimal requirement of abrasion and wear. • Erosion Control
• Shear stresses < 50kg/m2 • Weed suppression
• Flow velocity ≤ 6m/s • Slope protection (gradient < 3:1, Slope length < 50ft)
• No subjected to impact load, wave action, water • Berm protection
over topping or similar force. • Remediation of hydraulic structures
• Installed on dense subgrade of capable
supporting them (concrete/rock)
• Perimeter fixings required.
• Intermediate fixings required if under
wind/hydraulic loading or exceed slope angle
and length.
ASTM SPECIFICATIONS

ASTM D8364 - ‘Standard Specification for Geosynthetic Cementitious Composite Mat (GCCM) Materials

Type II Site Conditions/Requirements Typical Type II Applications

• Abrasion and wear requirement greater than • Channel lining

Type I • Berm protection
• Shear stresses > 50kg/m2 • Armouring
• Flow velocity ≥ 6m/s • Slope protection (any angle and run length)
• Subjected to design requirement of impact load. • Culvert invert lining
• Installed on medium dense subgrade. • Concrete overlay
• Perimeter fixings required. • Remediation of hydraulic structures
• Intermediate fixings required if under
wind/hydraulic loading or exceed slope angle
and length.
ASTM SPECIFICATIONS

ASTM D8364 - ‘Standard Specification for Geosynthetic Cementitious Composite Mat (GCCM) Materials

Type III Site Conditions/Requirements Type III Applications

• Additional flexural strength (breaking load) due • All Type I & II applications
to unsuitable (loose) subgrade.
• Perimeter fixings required.
• Intermediate fixings required if under
wind/hydraulic loading or exceed slope angle
and length.
QUIZ TIME
1. Initial flexural strength (IFS) is the measurement of concrete strength
component of a GCCM. True or False?

TRUE

2. High water ratio will cause high compressive strength of a GCCM. True or
False?
FALSE

3. What is the ASTM standard for GCCM specification?

ASTM D 8364
4. What is the minimum initial flexural strength, ASTM D8058 for GCCM under
ASTM D 8364 specification?

3.5 Mpa

5. The cementitious barrier abrasion value of a GCCM show 1mm. Does it

comply to ASTM D8364 specification?

No
QUESTION & ANSWER