Welcome to the next February 2015 edition of the Maccaferri MacNews.

This month we will be focusing on two of our design software programs. One is used for Fluid Drainage
and the other for Flexible Pavement design. Our software is always free and available our website for
easy downloading. Just register on our website (www.maccaferri-usa.com) to gain access to our
documents and software library.

MacRead Studio for Pavement Design

Maccaferri developed the MacRead Studio 1.0 Pavement Design Suite to help engineers and designers
create models for the proper strength and position of geogrids for road base/sub base stabilization
Geosynthetics are extensively used for the improvement of soil mechanical properties with the target to
obtain a pavement sections able to carry higher/more loads; such effect is the results of the positive effect
induced by the geosynthetic presence due to the following stabilizing mechanisms:

Base course lateral restraint mechanism for horizontal stresses generated by the soil self-weight
Base course lateral restraint mechanism for horizontal stresses generated by wheels loading
Tensioned membrane mechanism at the base or sub base - subgrade interface

The tensile stresses due to the soil self-weight and the tensioned membrane mechanism at the base or
sub base - subgrade interface are static, while the tensile stresses induced by traffic load are
dynamic/cyclic. However in each instance both static and dynamic stresses coexist.
The design methods presently available provide no/or insufficient indications about the number of
required geogrids layers and the mechanical characteristics thereof. Hence a new design method has
been developed which accounts the design of geogrids for road base/sub base stabilization, based on a 4
layers model: asphalt layers (binder and wearing course), in case of paved roads; base, sub base,
subgrade.
Once the base and/or sub base thickness has been defined with one of the available methods in literature
(AASHTO method, Giroud Han method, Leng - Gabr method, etc.) it is already appropriate for providing
the structural capacity of the road to resist the design number of wheel passages for the whole design life
of the road. Given this thickness, by considering separately the effect of the static loads (soil self-weight
and tensioned membrane mechanism) and the instant effect of wheel load, it is then possible to calculate
the distribution of the horizontal tensile forces in the whole road structure and the overall tensile forces
generated in each layer of geosynthetic, and then to select the appropriate geosynthetic for each layer
based on a limit state criterion.
The proposed design method allows to set the number and the mechanical characteristics of
geosynthetics layers required for absorbing the horizontal forces generated by self-weight, wheel load
and membrane effect. Obviously, more important is the road structure we are designing and lower the
design geosynthetic strain shall be: hence for important structures the geosynthetic strain may be limited
to 2%, while for less important structures (or when the design conditions afford slightly larger
deformations) 3%, 4% or5% geosynthetic strain may be acceptable.
Below is a Case History in South Africa where this method was used successfully.

CASE HISTORY: Unpaved Road Secunda Mpumalanga (Republic of South Africa)

Design by Leng-Gabr + Geogrid Design
A Reconstruction and Development Programme taking place near Secunda in Mpumalanga (Republic of
South Africa) required the improvement of the road infrastructure, from gravel to paving block surface
road. In a particular stretch about 600m long, soft soil was encountered at 0.5m deep from natural ground
level. The original design reported in Figure 3 required a rock pioneer layer of 350mm which would have
caused major construction issue and most important, it would have impacted on the budget which most
surely would have brought the project to a standing still.

Figure. 3Original cross section

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The Leng-Gabr method was used to calculate the reduction in pavement thickness of the rock layer. Back
analyzing the model in order to match the layer thickness, an overall CBR for the whole pavement was
considered as follows:
Input data:

(a slit film polypropylene woven geotextile with 70-70 kN/m ultimate tensile strength was considered)
Output:

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The pavement thickness using the geotextile reinforcement reduces from 730mm to 530mm.
The Leng-Gabr method yielded the following result: the rock layer thickness with the woven geotextile
reinforcement can be reduced from 350 mm to 150mm.
Therefore the total thickness of the pavement has reduced from 730 mm to 530 mm.
Since the reduced total thickness is still very large for a single geotextile reinforcement, the above
outlined Geogrid Design method was used to check the effective reinforcement requirement: the selected
input data are reported below Table 2:

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Table 2 Input data selected for Example 1

The geogrid design model resulted in the following section as shown in Table 3.

Table 3 Results of calculation for Example 1

The woven geotextile at the sub base subgrade interface has to work at 3 % strain, rather than 2 %
considered in the Leng-Gabr method, producing 9.63kN/m tensile strength for the tensioned membrane
effect Tm, which is not considered in the Leng-Gabr method; moreover an extruded biaxial Polypropylene
geogrid, with 20-20 kN/m ultimate tensile strength is required to reinforce the 300 mm thick base layer:
MacGrid EG 20S (Extruded Geogrid 20 kN/m);
MacTex W1 7S (Woven Geotextile 70 kN/m)
This geogrid will work at 3 % strain as well. Considering that the pavement is made up of articulated
concrete blocks, that is a very flexible pavement; such strain level is considered to be appropriate. Note
that for the geogrid in the base course the prevailing tensile forces is the T p force due to the dynamic load
produced by wheels, while the tensile force T z produced by soil self-weight corresponds to5 % of the
ultimate tensile strength of the geogrid; at this tensile level the long term creep deformation of the geogrid
can be assumed to be negligible.

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For the woven geotextile in the sub base the prevailing tensile force is the Tm force due to the tensioned
membrane mechanism which, as above said, is developed during construction, without further
development in time; the tensile force Tz produced by soil self-weight corresponds to 0.8 % of its ultimate
tensile strength; at this tensile level the long term creep deformation of the geotextile can be assumed to
be negligible.

MacFlow Studio for Drainage

Maccaferri has developed the MacFlow Studio software to facilitate the design of MacDrain
geocomposites. MacFlow Studio software has been engineered as an expert system, able to
automatically select the appropriate geocomposites for any given project, and is presently the most
advanced software for geocomposite design available on the market.
Used with our MacDrain geocomposite, the fluids drain underground from one place to another and are
composed by a draining core bonded - on one or both side - to filtering geotextiles. MacDrain
geocomposites are designed to replace traditional drainage materials such as gravels and sands.
MacFlow Studio software has been engineered as an expert system, able to automatically select the
appropriate geocomposites for any given project, and is presently the most advanced software for
geocomposite design available on the market.
MacFlow Suite is composed of 6 different modules:

MacFlow H: for the design of MacDrain geocomposites in sub-horizontal applications

MacFlow S: for the design of MacDrain geocomposites in sloping applications

MacFlow V: for the design of MacDrain geocomposites in sub-vertical applications

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MacFlow EH: for the design of MacDrain geocomposites as an equivalent to a given granular
layer in sub-horizontal applications

MacFlow ES: for the design of MacDrain geocomposites as an equivalent to a given granular
layer in sloping applications

MacFlow EV: for the design of MacDrain geocomposites as an equivalent to a given granular
layer in sub-vertical applications

Examples of use of MacDrain geocomposites in horizontal, sloping and vertical applications

MacFlow software affords to calculate the design input flow QD in MacDrain geocomposites by taking
into account:

The length and inclination of the geocomposite

The coefficient of infiltration of rainfall into the soil or material placed on the geocomposite
The types of contacts on the two faces of the geocomposites: Hard / Hard, Hard / Soft or Soft /
Soft
The unit weight and thickness of soil or material placed on the geocomposite, and the distributed
surcharge
The average water temperature, hence its dynamic viscosity, or a given viscosity
The rainfall characteristics: parameter a and exponent n of the pluviometric curve in the region
of the project, or a given rain height, and the design duration of the rainfall
Any additional surficial flow entering the geocomposite

Then MacFlow software affords to calculate the available long term flow rate Q a of MacDrain
geocomposites, based on the results of short term flow rate laboratory tests according to ASTM D4716
08 (2013) test standard and the application of Reduction Factors (for the intrusion of filter geotextiles into
the draining core, for the compressive creep of the geocomposite, for chemical and biological clogging of
the draining core) to account for long term reduction of flow rate.
The appropriate values of the Reduction Factors can be selected according to the suggested values
reported in the Drainage Manual issued by Maccaferri.
MacFlow software compares the design input flow with the available long term flow rate of all MacDrain
geocomposites, and shows the products for which the available flowrate exceed the requested flowrate
and calculate also the related factor of Safety.

Hereafter we report a case study where the MacFlow S design package was used

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Example of MacFlow S input and output:

CASE HISTORY: Remediation of Blanchard Landfill - Le Moule, Guadalupe

COMPLEX WATERPROOFING AND DRAINAGE PROJECT FOR LANDFILL COVER
The Blanchard landfill, IN THE TOWN OF Moule, French Guadaluope, Caribbean, was opened in 1982
for receiving collected domestic and assimilated-to-domestic waste, but without specific measures for the
protection of the environment.
Moreover, the passage of Hurricane Hugo in 1989 resulted in the landfilling of other waste types, like
metallic scrap, out of use vehicles, etc.
Two options were then available: close the landfill or go through a remediation program. Finally the
option of remediation was selected by the municipality.
This remediation was carried out in several stages:

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1. Removal of cars, metallic scraps and all non-domestic wastes to be sent to adequate treatment
processes
2. Re-profiling of the landfill to ensure stability
3. Capping the landfill by: Sealing with a Geocomposite Clay Liner (GCL) to prevent water
penetrating into the waste, percolating to the soil and causing contamination; installation of
geocomposite drains to capture biogas and rain water; and placement of topsoil on the capping to
allow revegetation.
After 6 months of work and nearly 1.5 million invested, the Blanchard landfill in the town of Moule is now
fully rehabilitated. Between July 2012 and January 2013 Contractor CSD Ingenieurs and Project manager
RHEA Environnement Antilles completed the works, including: profile remodeling, waterproofing of the
capping, biogas management by biofiltration.
The remediation project allowed putting the site in safe conditions and the successful environmental
integration of the landfill.
2
Waterproofing was provided by Maccaferri GCL MacLine W11 (10,000 m ), while drainage was provided
2
by Maccaferri geocomposite MACDRAIN W1061 (16,000 m ).

The Maccaferri products used for the remediation of the Blanchard landfill

Detail of the landfill capping

Cross-section showing the re-profiling and final capping of the landfill

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Plan view of the landfill remediation

Installation of MacDrain W1061 geocomposite

Installation of MacLine W11 GCL

The landfill capping near completion

DESIGN OF MACDRAIN W GEOCOMPOSITE FOR RAIN DRAINAGE OF CAPPING. DESIGN BY
MACFLOW-S SOFTWARE
Cross-section A-A was selected for the design of the rain water drainage system:

The total slope length is equal to 45 m;

Considering the two berms the average slope length is equal to 1V : 2H, that is the slope angle is
equal to 26;
Considering that Guadaloupe is in tropical area, the design rainfall intensity is very high: it was
set at 150 mm/hour with a critical duration of 1.0 hour;

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The Reduction Factors for evaluating the available long term flow rate of MacDrain
geocomposites were selected according to the indications provided in the MacFlow Drainage
Manual issued by Maccaferri, for the following conditions:
o Surcharge on MacDrain = 1.0 m thick cover soil
o Contacts = Soft / Soft
o Design life = 30 years
Since the drainage system is on slope, MacFlow-S software was used.
Input and output pages from the MacFlow software for the design of Blanchard landfill:

FAQ's: Soil Reinforcement/Geosynthetics

Is the use of a biaxial geogrid economical compared to two uniaxial geogrids installed in cross
direction?
It's common assumption that, using one biaxial geogrid is more economical than using two uniaxial
geogrids in cross direction. The main reason behind this assumption is the cost of additional layer of
geogrid and its installation. This assumption is correct. However, some hidden costs have to be evaluated
if biaxial geogrid is chosen and this impacts not only the economical aspect but also the good
Engineering practice.
To answer this question properly, we have to evaluate two potential scenarios related to different
applications. Most importantly, we need to distinguish between soil stabilization application and soil
reinforcement application.
In case of soil stabilization applications, the low strength geogrids (e.g. 30/30, 40/40, --- up to 100/100
kN/m) are used as reinforcement material. The typical applications are road base / sub-base
reinforcement and parking area sub-base reinforcement aimed at improving the bearing capacity of the
sub-soil by spreading the loads on to much larger surface area.
In case of soil reinforcement applications, the required tensile strength is typically much higher and it is
not same in both directions (e.g. Piled embankment, Embankments on voids or on soft soils and similar
applications).
In any case, the design tensile strength must be guaranteed in both working directions. This can be
achieved by overlapping geogrids. The length of required overlap is based on passive friction and

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bonding. The connection strength at the overlap is calculated using the surcharge load and friction
coefficient between soil and geogrid. The length of overlap or the connection strength shall be greater
than the required structural strength. Having said that, geogrid strength is governed by the connection
strength and the design connection strength is not the strength of geogrid.
The length of geogrid overlap (Le) is calculated using below formula:

tan(1 ) 2 tan(2 )
( 1
+
)

Where
Tdesign
fp

h
a'1
one

Design tensile load in the reinforcement per meter run

The partial factor for reinforcement pullout resistance
Unit weight of embankment fill
The average height of embankment fill above the reinforcement length
The interaction coefficient relating the soil / reinforcement bond angle to tan(1 ) on
side of the reinforcement
a'2
The interaction coefficient relating the soil / reinforcement bond angle to tan(2 ) on
other side of the reinforcement
1
The large stain angle of friction of embankment fill under effective stress
condition on one side of the reinforcement
2
The large stain angle of friction of embankment fill under effective stress
condition on other side of the reinforcement
fms
The partial material factor applied to tan( )

In case of soil stabilization applications, the calculated length of overlap coincides with standard range of
overlap (20 to 40cm). It is evident that, in case of soil stabilization the standard geogrid overlap ensures
the structural continuity in both main and cross direction because the forces mobilized are very limited
and minimum length of overlap is sufficient to fulfill the structural continuity.
The overlap length requirement is completely different when the required design tensile strength is not
limited. For example, if we have to provide 50 kN/m of connection strength, the required overlap is 6.6 m
with 1.0m of soil cover. The length of overlap is inversely proportional to overburden pressure. As
overburden (depth of soil) increases, required overlap length decreases.
Lets analyze two different design cases:
1. Standard road/parking area with 70 cm of base and sub base and 15 cm of asphalt layer; full
width approximately 8 meters where a 30/30 kN/m geogrids has to be installed at the base in
order to provide a tensile strength of 10 kN/m at 2%. Using above formula to calculate length of
geogrid overlap, the required overlap length to guarantee the continuity is 30 cm so the standard
overlap length satisfy the requirement; the below sketch shows geogrid installation layout.

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Fig 1.0 Soil Stabilization: Road / Parking area base / sub-base reinforcement using biaxial geogrids
2. 3.0m high embankment supported using group of piles spaced at 2 m having a cap size of 80 cm:
In this case a geogrid of 300 kN/m is required (Tdesign= 140 kN/m approx.) in the transverse
direction and geogrid with 140 kN/m is required (Tdesign= 64 kN/m approx.) in the longitudinal
direction.
If we use two different geogrids, 300 kN/m in one direction and 150 kN/m in the other, we do not
need an overlap in transverse direction. However, overlap is required in the longitudinal direction
if the length of the geogrid roll is shorter than the length of the embankment. In this case the
wastage will be equal to the required overlap 1.6 m divided by the length of the roll. If we assume
length of roll as 80 m, the approximate waste would be 2%. Under such circumstances, there will
be minimum wastage however we have to take into consideration two geogrids installation
operation instead of one. To be noted that, even if, we have a geogrid with a strength of 300/30
kN/m and 110/30 kN/m we cannot add the tensile strength of the cross direction of the first
geogrid to the tensile strength of longitudinal direction of the second geogrid (30 kN/m + 110
kN/m) to achieve the design strength (140 kN/m) because the stress-strain curve of the two
materials are not comparable and have quite different modulus.

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Fig 2.0 Soil Reinforcement: Piled Embankment Reinforcement using two layers of uniaxial geogrids
In case of using one biaxial geogrid with tensile strength of 300/150 kN/m, we can install it in one pass
but the grid will have to be overlapped minimum 1.60 m at each sheet. It is important to note that the
maximum width of a geogrid is never more than 5.3 m (typically between 4 and 5); we will have a
wastage ranging from 30 to 40%. In these projects even if, use of biaxial geogrid is correct, It is not
advisable because it will require an overlap connection every few meters and this is something that is not
a good practice. Also from the cost point of view such overlapping makes this installation / solution
uneconomical.

Fig 3.0 Soil Reinforcement: Pilled Embankment Reinforcement using Biaxial geogrid

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From the above examples, in most applications it is not suitable to use biaxial geogrids and it is evident
why most of the geogrid manufacturers try to produce materials with limited strength in the cross
direction. The knitting or the woven technology has a limitation on minimum numbers of filaments in the
warp direction. Because of such limitation on number of filaments, cross machine direction strength
cannot be lower than 20-30 kN/m. Extruded geogrids or strip bonded geogrids does not have such
structural limitation so the extruded geogrid are considered fully uniaxial and the strip bonded have a
minimum strength of 5 kN/m in the cross machine direction.
To recap, it is evident that to make an appropriate cost comparison, we will have to apply the following
formulas keeping in mind good installation practice to analyze which design case is cost effective.
Cost of solution with two geogrids = Cost of geogrid (longitudinal) + Cost of geogrid (transversal) + Cost
of longitudinal geogrid installation + Cost of transversal geogrid installation + Cost of geogrid overlapping
in longitudinal direction.
Cost of solution with one geogrid = Cost of geogrid + Cost of geogrid installation + Cost of structural
overlapping

Upcoming Events:
Meet our people and learn about our products and solutions at:
Booth #1917 at the SME/CMA, Annual Conference in Denver, CO, Feb. 15-18, 2015
Booth #831 at Geosynthetics 2015 in Portland, OR, Feb. 15-18, 2015
The outdoor section, booth #9024, IFCEE 2015 Conference in San Antonio, TX Mar. 17-21, 2015
60th New Mexico Transportation Engineering Conference in Las Cruces, NM, Apr. 22-24, 2015
New Mexico Floodplain Managers Association, TBD, April 2015
And many more throughout the year!

10303 Governor Lane Blvd.

Williamsport, Maryland 21795
800-638-7744
www.maccaferri-usa.com

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