Overview
ISO/TR 18228-6:2023 - Design using geosynthetics - Part 6: Protection is a technical report that provides guidance for evaluating geosynthetics used as protective layers in contact with barriers, liners and other surfaces. It explains the fundamental principles for protection geosynthetics, design approaches, laboratory and field testing methods, and practical considerations for handling and installation. The document is part of the ISO/TR 18228 series and is intended to support designers, specifiers and constructors of containment and below‑ground systems.
Key topics and requirements
- Purpose and principles: Defines the objective of protection geosynthetics - to limit stresses and strains on underlying barriers during construction and operation so as to minimize puncture and stress‑crack risk.
- Design approaches:
- Strain minimization - reduce localized deformation of the barrier to a permissible strain limit.
- Puncture resistance - select protection layers to resist localized puncture and yield under imposed loads.
- Protection levels: Describes commonly used protection levels (for example, Level I for hazardous‑waste containment with a limiting local strain of 0.25 % and an intermediate Level II), and discusses the basis for selecting the appropriate level.
- Testing and performance evaluation:
- Index tests: CBR burst strength and elongation (ISO 12236), tear strength (ISO 9073‑4), mass (ISO 9864) and thickness (ISO 9863‑1) are used as indicators of protective capacity.
- Performance‑index and field tests: Cylinder tests and site test pads (with actual drainage aggregate and placement equipment) are recommended to assess real‑world performance and minimum cover thickness during aggregate placement.
- Considerations: Interaction with drainage aggregate, construction trafficking, settlement, UV exposure, thermal and chemical effects, and biological factors.
- Practical guidance: Handling, installation and identification requirements to ensure the protective element performs as intended.
Applications and who uses it
ISO/TR 18228-6 is relevant to:
- Geotechnical and civil engineers designing landfill liners, containment systems, and subgrade protection
- Environmental and waste‑management specialists specifying barrier protection
- Geosynthetic manufacturers and product developers assessing material performance
- Contractors and site supervisors performing installation and validation test pads
Practical use cases include protection of HDPE geomembranes, geosynthetic clay liners, and other barrier materials from puncture by drainage aggregates and construction loads.
Related standards
Keywords: geosynthetics protection, protection geotextile, barrier protection, puncture resistance, strain minimization, ISO/TR 18228-6:2023, laboratory testing, field testing, landfill liner protection.
