Abstract: A geosynthetic reinforcement comprising a container formed of semipermeable material mutually conformed with a portion of earthen material contained therein. A structural member such as a geogrid may engage (e.g. frictional) the container and extend therefrom to engage and support a structure such as a retaining wall, earthen slope, etc. Accordingly, the container may function as an anchor to the structure. Due to the containment provided by the container, the physical characteristics of the earthen material therewithin become less important. Thus, low quality fills such as fine-grained fill or fill with a high moisture content may be used in structural applications. If desired, more than one container and structural member may be incorporated. Containers may be stacked, positioned side-by-side, positioned end-to-end, etc. Structural members may be incorporated as needed to adequate support the structure. Drain layers may be incorporated to control moisture.

Abstract: A geosynthetic reinforcement comprising a container formed of semipermeable material mutually conformed with a portion of earthen material contained therein. A structural member such as a geogrid may engage (e.g. frictional) the container and extend therefrom to engage and support a structure such as a retaining wall, earthen slope, etc. Accordingly, the container may function as an anchor to the structure. Due to the containment provided by the container, the physical characteristics of the earthen material therewithin become less important. Thus, low quality fills such as fine-grained fill or fill with a high moisture content may be used in structural applications. If desired, more than one container and structural member may be incorporated. Containers may be stacked, positioned side-by-side, positioned end-to-end, etc. Structural members may be incorporated as needed to adequate support the structure. Drain layers may be incorporated to control moisture.

Abstract: A cylindrical, direct shear apparatus and method engage multiple layers of geosynthetic, geotechnical, or both types of materials for evaluating interface friction. Geosynthetic fabrics, geomembranes, naturally occurring materials (soils, rock, gravel, aggregate, other geotechnical materials), and the like maintain frictional contact in many applications. Conventional testing, as per ASTM standard D 5321-92 requires a comparatively modest displacement. Behaviors of geosynthetic membranes and geosynthetic fabrics may change substantially when displaced beyond the dimensions tested under ASTM standards. Accordingly, an apparatus for providing virtually unlimited displacement of layers under "normal" loading for establishing effective "displacement force" in order to establish an "effective coefficient of friction" over a range of displacements.