Standardization News

A new ASTM International test method that provides standardization for a long-used test will aid in the use and evolution of geotextile bag technology.

The new standard, D7701, Test Method for Determining the Flow Rate of Water and Suspended Solids from a Geotextile Bag, was developed by Subcommittee D35.03 on Permeability and Filtration, part of ASTM International Committee D35 on Geosynthetics.

D7701 is based on a test that has been used extensively in the last 20 years, but which has not been standardized until now.

"D7701 will allow the end user of geotextile tubes to have an idea of the performance of a proposed geotextile when used in a geotextile tube," says Robert Lozano, senior geotechnical engineer–corporate geosynthetic specialist, The Reinforced Earth Co., and a D35 member. "Without this test, a full-size trial becomes imperative, increasing costs and risk of selecting the wrong material, increasing the chance of releasing sediments or clogging the proposed geotextile while in a full-scale test."

Lozano says that consultants, engineers, designers, owners and fabricators who wish to use geotextile tubes in dewatering slurries and coaster structures will be the primary users of D7701.

All interested parties, including design engineers, manufacturers and installers of geotextile tube, are welcome to join in the standards developing activities of D35.03.

To purchase ASTM standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation number, or contact ASTM Customer Relations (phone: 610-832-9585).

CONTACT Technical Information: Robert Lozano, The Reinforced Earth Co. • Vienna, Va. • Phone: 703-821-1175, ext. 242 | ASTM Staff: Jeffrey Adkins • Phone: 610-832-9738 | Upcoming Meeting: June 27-29 • June Committee Week • San Diego, Calif.