GEOGRID CONNECTIONS

Connections can have a significant impact on the performance of geosynthetic systems whether their intended function is separation or reinforcement. When reinforcement is the function, the connection must be considered as a limiting strength factor and evaluated by the same performance standards as the reinforcement material alone. If used in critical structures with design lives of more than 1 or 2 years, the geosynthetic and its connections must be evaluated for durability limitations such as creep, site damage and chemical degradation. Geogrid connections typically fall into this category. Geogrid connections are accomplished by either overlapping or mechanical connections. Overlap connections must be designed and constructed to assure proper overlap lengths. Overlap length is governed by soil interaction behavior. Geogrid-soil interaction is measured by pull-out testing and pull-out performance is a function of geogrid dimensional stability. Overlaps can be secured by a variety of tyiing techniques but these ties are not efficient for load transfer. Geogrid Bodkin Joints are the preferred mechanical connection for assuring full load transfer between adjacent layers of some geogrids. This paper discusses geogrid connections, the techniques used, and the factors that affect their performance. © 1990.