No. 5 of 19 Geosynthetics in Separation by Prof. Alan Mcgown University of Strathclyde

No.
5 of 19
Geosynthetics in Separation
By
Prof. Alan McGown
University of Strathclyde
The information presented in this document has been reviewed by the Education
Committee of the International Geosynthetics Society and is believed to fairly
represent the current state of practice.
However, the International Geosynthetics Society does not accept any liability
arising in any way from use of the information presented.
Separation
Lecture Outline
What is separation?
Geosynthetic properties related to the
separation function
Separation applications
Factors affecting design
Design codes
What is Separation?
Definition of the Separation Function
A Geosynthetic placed at the interface

between two dissimilar geotechnical
materials functions as a Separator when it
prevents these materials from mixing
under the action of applied loads
The Influence of Permeability
Although the Geosynthetic acts primarily
as a physical barrier to the migration of
solid particles, it may or may not allow the
flow of water or gas between the two
geotechnical materials depending on its
permeability.
When it is intended that the Geosynthetic
is highly impermeable to water or gas, it is
termed a Geomembrane.
When the Geosynthetic exhibits
significant permeability to water or gas, it
is termed a Separator.
Geosynthetic Properties Related
to the Separation Function
Important Properties
To ensure that a Geosynthetic
successfully performs as a Separator, the
following properties must be considered:
Tensile strength and flexibility
Puncture and tearing strengths
Soil tightness and water/gas permeability
Tensile Strength and Flexibility
In many situations, Separators are

required to deform under load and to
accommodate large tensile strains.
Further they may be required to conform
to highly irregular surfaces. In both cases
they must do so whilst remaining intact.
Puncture and Tearing Strengths
Sharp objects or angular aggregates

above or below a Geosynthetic are likely
to press into it under construction or
operational loading.
The Geosynthetic must possess sufficient
puncture resistance and tear strength to
resist these actions and remain intact or at
least prevent propagation of any puncture
holes or tears that are produced.
Soil Tightness and Water/Gas
Permeability
Waterborne fine particles should not pass
through a Separator, however, water or
gas should be allowed to pass through
without the build-up of excess pore
pressures.
These two requirements are essentially
conflicting hence in any given situation a
compromise must be made regarding the
Geosynthetic soil tightness and water/gas
permeability.
Separation Applications
Typical Application of Geosynthetics
as Separators
At sub-grade/sub-base
interfaces in temporary and
permanent roads
Between railroad ballast and

a foundation soil
Between embankment fill

and soft foundation soil
Separation Geotextile Being Laid and
Covered
Factors Affecting Designs
Important Site Specific Factors:
Sub-grade/foundation soil size and

grading
Sub-grade/foundation soil strength
Fill particle size and grading
Thickness of the fill layer
Construction and operational loading
Sub-grade/Foundation Soil Size and
Grading
Sub-grades and Foundation Soils which are gap-
graded or have a very high fines content may be
problematic in terms of a Geosynthetic providing a
high degree of soil tightness yet retaining sufficient
water/gas permeability.
Soils with large cobbles and boulders may also
present problems as they cause puncturing and
tearing of the Geosynthetic, particularly if the soil
particles are angular rather than rounded. However,
this may be largely avoided by careful preparation of
the sub-grade/foundation, including removal of large
stones and any other sharp or angular objects such
as tree roots.
Sub-grade/Foundation Soil Strength
The lower the strength of the Sub-

grade/Foundation Soil, in terms of undrained
shear strength, California Bearing Ratio
(CBR), or other strength parameters, the
greater will be the requirements for tensile
strength and flexibility from the
Geosynthetic.
General and local deformations and strains
are likely to increase as the strength of the
Sub-grade/ Foundation decreases.
Fill Particle Size and Grading
The maximum particle size, the grading

and shape of the materials placed on the
Geosynthetic must be considered in the
design of Separators.
The potential for damage to the
Geosynthetic and the effect of abrasion
are linked to these Fill properties.
Thickness of the Fill Layer
The purpose of the Fill layer placed over
the Geosynthetic acting as a Separator, is
to spread loads over a sufficiently wide
area such that the applied stress on the
Sub-grade/Foundation Soil is less than the
ultimate bearing capacity.
The closer the applied stress is to this
value of limiting stress then the more
demands there will be on the
Geosynthetic. Thus the thickness of the
initial layer of Fill is a critical factor in the
design.
Construction and Operational
Loading
These loads result from the deposition of
Fill onto the Geosynthetic acting as a
Separator during construction and then
during operation.
Very often the construction conditions are
the most critical and must be taken into
account during design.
Design Codes
A wide variety of International and

National Design Codes exist for
Separators.
In addition many Geosynthetic
manufacturers provide Design
Recommendations for Separators.
These should be used as appropriate,
taking into account the points previously
made in this Lecture.

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Definition of the Separation Function

A Geosynthetic placed at the interface

In many situations, Separators are

Sharp objects or angular aggregates

Between railroad ballast and

Between embankment fill

Important Site Specific Factors:

Sub-grade/foundation soil size and

The lower the strength of the Sub-

The maximum particle size, the grading

A wide variety of International and

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