A material which started a new era in geotechnical engineering: geosynthetics

Abstract

In this paper, the opportunities that can be provided by using geosynthetics are introduced. Many examples mentioned in the text show explicitly that geosynthetics can provide effective engineering solutions for a variety of projects ranging from extremely important to very simple projects. In order to illustrate the benefits of the geosynthetics, two applications were chosen as example applications. These were chosen from the applications where geosynthetic products are used most frequently, namely: reinforced walls and barrier systems. The most important research papers were referenced in these two subjects and examples from projects in Turkey were given. New geosynthetic products are brought to the market every day. To highlight this aspect, a relatively new, however, well-established technique was chosen: geosynthetic encased columns. Basic concepts of this technology is given. Many similar developments in the geosynthetic industry necessitates that engineers are up to date with the new developments in this field. It is well known that besides providing very efficient engineering solutions, use of geosynthetics also allows to reduce the construction time and cost. Recently, survivability issues are becoming as important as the other concerns. Therefore, at the very end of the paper examples are given of how the use of geosynthetics can reduce the carbon dioxide footprint.