Standardization News

An ASTM International committee is creating a standard to support the emergence of a geosynthetic material that is increasingly used in soil erosion protection and other construction projects. All interested parties are invited to participate in this effort (WK49719, Test Method for Determining the Flexural Strength of a Geosynthetic Cementitious Composite Mat (GCCM) Using the Three-Point Bending Test).

GCCMs are frequently used as a protection layer in channel or ditch lining applications, protecting soil from erosive forces. In addition, GCCMs can serve as temporary lining for corrugated metal culvert inverts.

"This material is complicated in that it has geosynthetic-like behavior when dry and when wet, but becomes a fiber-reinforced cement composite material when hardened or cured," notes ASTM member John Paulson, a consultant with Dison Supply LLC. "Existing standards do not directly address these multiple phases of the material, which is why this standard and possibly others are being proposed."

Manufacturers would be the primary users of the proposed standards. Laboratories that are asked to test materials submitted for use on a construction project could also use the standard for their work.

ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Become a member at www.astm.org/JOIN.

CONTACT Technical Information: John Paulson, Dison Supply LLC • Atlanta, Ga. • tel +1.770.851.6090 | ASTM Staff: Katerina Koperna • tel +1.610.832.9728 | Upcoming Meeting: June 29, July 1 • June Committee Week • Chicago, Ill.