Overview
EN ISO 10318-2:2015/A1:2018 (Geosynthetics - Part 2: Symbols and pictograms - Amendment 1) is the CEN-endorsed amendment to ISO 10318-2:2015. Its purpose is to define the property symbols, graphical symbols and pictograms used across EN and ISO geosynthetics standards. The amendment was approved by CEN (15 June 2018) and aligns ISO symbol terminology for consistent use in product data sheets, drawings, tests and standards documents.
Key Topics
This document standardizes symbol sets and pictograms relevant to geosynthetic materials and testing. Key technical topics include:
- Property symbols for physical, hydraulic and mechanical characteristics, for example:
- Physical: thickness (d), width (b), length (l), mass per unit area (ρ)
- Hydraulic (for GTX/GTP): coefficient of permeability (k), permittivity (ψ), transmissivity (θ), velocity index (ν), flow capacity (q), characteristic opening size (O90)
- Mechanical: tensile stress and strength (σ, T), tensile modulus (J), seam strength (Jmax), joint efficiency (ξ)
- Friction and loading symbols, such as friction angles (ϕ), friction interaction coefficients (f) and loads recorded in tensile, puncture, compression or shear tests (Ff, Fmax, Fp, Pn, Ps).
- Graphical symbols and pictograms classifying product types (GTX = geotextile, GGR = geogrid, GNT = geonet, GCO = geocomposite, GCE = geocell, GMA = geomat, GBR = geosynthetic barrier, GBR‑C = clay geosynthetic barrier).
- Function pictograms for separation, barrier, filtration, drainage, reinforcement, surface erosion control, protection and stress relief.
- Application pictograms covering reservoirs and dams, liquid/solid waste containment, canals, roads and railways, foundations and retaining walls, tunnels, drainage systems, coastal erosion control and asphalt reinforcement.
Applications
EN ISO 10318-2:2015/A1:2018 is used to:
- Ensure consistent labelling and symbol use on technical drawings, datasheets and product literature.
- Facilitate clear communication between manufacturers, specifiers, testing laboratories and designers.
- Standardize pictograms for safety signage and performance/function identification on-site and in documentation.
- Support procurement, compliance checks and harmonized interpretation of test results where geosynthetics are specified.
Typical users include geotechnical and civil engineers, geosynthetics manufacturers, testing laboratories, standards bodies, contractors and specification writers.
Related Standards
Keywords: EN ISO 10318-2:2015/A1:2018, geosynthetics symbols, pictograms, geotextile symbols, geogrid, geocomposite, standards for geosynthetics.
