Geotextile Approval

Description of drainage geotextiles

Changes to the program and Specification 985

Drainage geotextiles allowed to date

Approval at the project level

Contact information
Florida Department of Transportation
What is a Drainage Geotextile?

Drainage geotextiles are industrial fabrics used to
separate and filter soils and aggregate materials

They are synthetic and usually made of polyester
Florida Department of Transportation
Types of Drainage Geotextiles

They come in different strengths and styles to
meet the minimum requirements for the
application.
◦ The strength requirement is to assure the material will
survive the process of installation.
Florida Department of Transportation
Types of Drainage Geotextiles

They can be either woven or nonwoven depending
on the type that is required.

The following slides show some of the types of
materials used for drainage geotextiles.
Florida Department of Transportation
Monofilament X Monofilament

A monofilament is single yarn of material woven
into a fabric.
Florida Department of Transportation
Monofilament X Monofilament


Close up view of woven monofilament
Notice the single yarns (monofilaments) in both
directions
Florida Department of Transportation
Fibrillated X Monofilament


This woven fabric uses a “fibrillated” yarn
The next slide shows a close up view
Florida Department of Transportation
Fibrillated X Monofilament

Fibrilated yarns are made from film or tape that is
slit and then bundled to make a “fibrillated” yarn
Unravelled yarn
Florida Department of Transportation
After bundling into a
yarn
Multifilament X Monofilament

Woven monofilament with multifilaments in one
direction
Florida Department of Transportation
Multifilament X Monofilament

The “multifilaments” are several smaller
monofilament strands oriented in one direction
Florida Department of Transportation
Nonwoven

Produced by entangling long fibers or filaments,
usually through a combination of mechanical
(needle punching) and thermal (calendaring)
processes into a felt like material.
Florida Department of Transportation
Slit Film

These yarns resemble the ribbon in a cassette
tape
◦ Slit Film fabrics typically do not meet the strength
requirements for drainage geotextiles.
◦ Slit Film fabrics are dimensionally unstable. The material
tends to distort when stressed.
 The distortion may restrict the ability for water to flow
through the material

There are no slit film materials currently on the
Approved Product (APL) list for drainage
geotextiles.
◦ There are slit film materials on the APL for silt fence
applications.
Florida Department of Transportation
Slit Film
This sample of slit film was pulled by hand which
caused distortion in the fabric.
Before
Florida Department of Transportation
After
Changes January 2015
Index 199
was
removed
Florida Department of Transportation
Changes January 2015
◦ Moved to Specification 985.
Florida Department of Transportation
Changes January 2015
◦ (4 X 8 inch) samples are too small.
Florida Department of Transportation
Changes January 2015
◦ Two - (8 X 10 inch) samples must be submitted.
Florida Department of Transportation
Changes January 2015
Geotextiles must now be on the “Approved Product List”.
Florida Department of Transportation
What has not changed
◦ There are still 6 types of Geotextiles D1, D2, D3, D4, D5,
and D6
◦ A sample must be submitted to the State Materials Office
for evaluation
◦ The manufacture’s certification must accompany the
sample
Florida Department of Transportation
Drainage Geotextiles and Soil Type

A soil classification test is needed when placing D1,
D2, or D3 geotextiles.
The amount of fines in the soil determine the class for Types
D1, D2, and D3 geotextiles. See the chart below
Geotextile Selection – Section 985-2.2
In-situ Soil Types % passing
a No. 200 Sieve*.
Class for Type D1, D2, D3
Materials (See Table 1.1)
< 15%
a
15% to 50%
b
> 50%
c
> 50% with Plastic Indes >
7
d
*as per AASHTO T88
Florida Department of Transportation
Delivery and Storage of Material
 985-2.4 Packaging and Labeling: Geosynthetics shall be
packaged in a protective covering sufficient to protect the
material from temperatures greater than 140 F, sunlight, dirt,
and other debris during shipment and storage. The
manufacturer’s name, product name, style number, roll
dimensions and LOT numbers must be clearly labeled on all
packaging.
 The Contractor should always keep the correct label
with the roll even if the roll is partially used.
 Materials that have been exposed to the elements and show
signs of deterioration should be rejected.
 Hint: When the material arrives on site. Get a copy or a
picture of the label for the material.
 Collect a minimum of two - 8 X 10 inch samples for approval
Florida Department of Transportation
Approved Product List
 985-3.1 Product Acceptance: All
geosynthetic materials shall be one of the
products listed on the Department’s
Approved Product List (APL). …
 Determine where the contractor intends to
place the geotextile.
 Check the Label against the Approved
Products List for Specification 985.
Florida Department of Transportation
Type D1 – Revetment (Special)
Label
Structure
M400
Woven Monofiliment

Mirafi FW404
Woven Monofilament

WINFAB 2404 Woven Monofilament

Florida Department of Transportation
a
b
c
d
Type D2
Revetment (Standard)
Articulating Block
Gabions
Rock, Rubble, Broken Concrete
Mechanically Stabilized Retaining Wall Supporting Spread Footing Foundations
Material Label
Structure
a
c
d
b

HSP2
Fibrilated / Monofilament
M100
Monofilament
Mirafi FW404
Monofilament
Mirafi FW700
Monofilament
  
TerraTex EP
Monofilament
  
WINFAB 2199
Monofilament
  
WINFAB 2x2HF
Fibrilated / Monofilament
Florida Department of Transportation
  


Type D3
Underdrain
French Drain
Sheet Piling Filter
Filter Fabric Jacket (Culvert)
Concrete Pavement Subdrainage
Material
Label
M100
Mirafi 160N
Structure
a b c d
Material
Label
Structure
a b c d
  
TerraTex
N06
Nonwoven
   
   
WINFAB
2199
Monofilamen
t
WINFAB
2x2HF

Fibrilated /
Monofilamen
t
WINFAB
600N
Nonwoven
Monofilamen
t
Nonwoven
Mirafi
FW404
Monofilamen 
t
Mirafi
FW700
Monofilamen
t
N060
Nonwoven
  
   
Florida Department of Transportation
  
   
Type D-4, D-5, & D-6
Slope Pavement (Sand-Cement)
D-4
Ditch Pavement (Sand-Cement)
Mechanically Stabilized Retaining Wall*
D-5
Cast-In-Place Retaining Wall
Slope Pavement (Concrete)
D-6
Slope Pavement (Concrete)
Material
Label
D-4
D- 5 D - 6
Mirafi 170N



N070



R070



TerraTex
N07



*The Grab Tensile Strength for D5
material was recently increased to
WINFAB



700N Florida Department of Transportation
resist roots growing through joints
in the walls.
This change makes D-5 material
very similar to D-4 & D-6 material.
Submittal Package
 Collect the sample of material and the certification
 Complete the C22 card with the project information and
the proposed application for the material.
 Log the sample into the LIMS database
 Deliver the submittal package to the State Materials
Office.
Florida Department of Transportation
SMO Review




Verify the material is on the APL for the intended use (for
projects let after January 2015
Ensure the manufacture’s certified test report is correctly signed
Ensure the material matches the manufacture’s certified test
report
The weight and style of the material can be reviewed to ensure
the material matches the manufacturer’s certified test report
Type

Typical
Minimum
Weight (oz./sy)
D1
8.0
D2
7.0
D3, D4, D5,&
D6
5.0
The sample is reviewed within 2 working days (but usually in the
same day) after receipt.
Florida Department of Transportation
Common Mistakes
◦ Sample not logged into LIMS by project personnel
◦ The Section 985 certified test report (cert) does not meet
the requirements for the Type (D1 etc)
 Sometimes the material meets the requirements even
though the “cert” does not meet requirements
◦ Sometimes the cert meets the requriements but the
material does not match the cert.
◦ Any missing information will be sent out to project
personnel.
◦ After 2 weeks, the sample is subject to rejection in LIMS.
Florida Department of Transportation
QUESTIONS / CONTACTS
◦ Project related – State Materials Office
◦ Tim Blanton timothy.Blanton@dot.state.fl.us 352-9552941
◦ Bill Greenwood William.greenwood@dot.state.fl.us 352-
955-2938
◦ Approved Product List – Program Management
◦ Approved Product List - Specifications 900 -999
◦ Andy Harper Clifton.harper@dot.state.fl.us 850-4144776
Florida Department of Transportation


120-8.1 Embankment Construction – LOTs
What is the maximum length of a LOT?
• Mainline pavement lanes, turn lanes, ramps,
parking lots, concrete box culverts and retaining
wall systems
• A LOT is defined as a single lift of finished embankment
not to exceed 500 feet.
• Shoulder-Only areas, bike/shared use paths, and
sidewalk areas
• A LOT is defined as 2000 feet or one Day’s Production,
whichever is greater. Effective July 14
132

Where is RAP prohibited?
◦ Construction areas that are below the
seasonal high groundwater table
elevation.
◦ Behind and below MSE Wall backfill.
◦ Base Material other than on Shoulders
133
◦ Embankment above the water table
 Soil & RAP mixture120-8.4.2
 Not allowed in the upper 12 inches of
Embankment
 Alternate Layer Construction 120-8.4.3
◦ Shoulder Base 283
◦ Stabilizing Material 160
134
Base or final grade
Top Zone - Up to the subgrade or final grade
Soil Envelope
(No Thick Lift)
1 foot above pipe
Cover
Zone
PIPE
Bedding Zone 4” below the pipe (Can be 12” when
backfilling for removal of rocks or other hard material
Lowest Zone
135


Compaction requirements are the same for both
Concrete and Metal Pipe
Top of pipe is less than 15 inches below base
◦ 100% standard proctor within cover zone

Top of pipe is greater than 15 inches below base
◦ 95% standard proctor within cover zone

Structure backfill requires 100% of Standard
proctor regardless of the depth
136
Base or Pavement
Soil Envelope
(No Thick Lift)
Top Zone Minimum Density
=100% Std. Proctor
Top Zone
Cover
Zone
Top of pipe to bottom
of base < 15 inches
PIPE
Bedding Zone
Bottom of
Trench
Lowest Zone
137
Base or Pavement
Soil Envelope
(No Thick Lift)
Top Zone Minimum Density
=100% Std. Proctor
Bottom of
Trench
Cover
Zone
Top of pipe to bottom
of base >= 15 inches
PIPE
Bedding Zone
Lowest Zone
138



125-8.1.1 states “Backfill for structures and pipe
compacted in one operation will be considered as
one LOT within the cover zone”
Drainage structures require 100% density
regardless of the depth.
If pipe and structure are compacted in one
operation one density test that meets 100%
density may represent both pipe and structure.
◦ Density tests must be taken at random locations along
Structure and pipe


Test Strip Requirements for 12 inch thick compacted lifts.
125-8.1.6 – In the soil envelope - maximum allowed thickness of backfill is 6
inches.
Requirements for max. 12 inch thick compacted
Earthwork
Section
A-3 and A-2-4
soils with up to
15% fines
A-1, Plastic
materials, and A-24 Materials with
greater than 15%
fines
Embankment
120-8.2
Pipe Backfill
125-8.1
No Test strip
required
Test strip required
Test strip required
12 inch compacted
lifts are only
allowed above the
soil envelope
140

How many passing density tests are required
before the contract allows Reduced Frequency
Density Testing for:

Pipe backfill?

Embankment?
142
Reduced Frequency in Pipe Backfill and Embankment
Roadway
Pipe
Backfill
# of passing tests required before Reduced Frequency can 12
be considered
6
Reduced Test Frequency
1 per 2
LOTs
1 per 4
Yes
Yes
Select test locations randomly from one of the two (or four) Yes
LOTs under consideration
Yes
Requires Engineers permission to place more than one
LOT over an untested LOT
Yes
Required to use the same compactive effort on the
untested LOTs as the LOT that is tested
Yes
* Effective on projects left after July 2014
Reduced frequency for pipe backfill in the
trench box was previously 1 per
*
LOTs
 Commercial Material - Approved Source
(usually Aggregate Base) 160-2.1
 Local Materials 160-2 (Local Materials as
defined in 914)
 Existing Base 160-2.3
144
 Local Materials 160-2 (Local Materials as
defined in 914)
 Liquid Limit <=40
 Plastic Index <= 10
 Organic Content (max average 2.5%)
 Max individual 4.0%
145

What is the most recycled material in the United
States?
According to the EPA asphalt pavement is the most recycled
product in the United States by weight.
◦ Source Investigation (440A)
 Evaluate the stockpile as a local material - 160-2.2
 If failing organic content is due to the asphalt
content of RAP or RAP Blended material the
department may modify acceptance at the
roadway
149
 160-2.2.1 (Local Materials as defined in
914)
 Modified Acceptance for RAP or RAP Blend
(440/440B)
 Sample and test for Asphalt Content (FM 5563) after Mixing
 The upper limit for FM 5-563 in the mixed
Subgrade is 4.7%
 Failure may indicate too much Asphalt or
the presence of a material with a high
organic content
150
RAP or
RAP
Blend
Decide if the material is RAP/RAP
Blended material (Jump to Step 2)
or treat as Local Material (clay)
Yes
Step 1: Source Sampling / Engineer
inspection: (i.e. stockpiles, plant
millings). Sample and test 440A
comparing results to Section 914.
QC/VT collect 3 separate pint
samples and test for OC, LL/& PI.
Test for T27 if necessary
Step 2: Field Testing: If the
RAP or RAP Blended material
is uncontaminated, acceptance
may be based on Asphalt
Content by ignition oven (FM
5-563) after mixing.
Pass
Remove Material
No
No
Asphalt
Content
<= 4.7%
Accept
Material
Yes

Requires a “Process Control Plan” from the
Contractor including
◦ Location of the existing rock and where it will be used.
◦ Methods of handling the rock


Review the plan with the District Materials
Engineer.
Prepare stockpiles for materials testing

QC and District Materials Office each collect 3
samples for materials testing.
◦ All tests must meet the material requirements for the
base

If 10 consecutive LBR tests are greater than 120
and no individual test is less than 120 the
sampling requirements may be reduced to one
sample per stockpile.

Effective January 2015
◦ If approved the Contractor is relieved of the responsibility
to perform QC proctors for rock base.


Must be requested
The source mine must have a published pit
proctor value for the quarter.
◦ http://www.dot.state.fl.us/statematerialsoffice/


VT tests frequency remains one per 16 LOTs
The Earthwork Record System has a special work
sheet the Pit Proctor
◦ Consider each Area Compacted as a LOT

There is a FAQ on the Construction Memo website
http://www.dot.state.fl.us/construction/memos/2014/PitProctor
FAQs.pdf
157

A LOT is defined as a single lift of finished
embankment not to exceed 500 feet in length or
cumulative length of continuous, interconnected
walls.

Backfill within 3 feet from the panels and backfill
beyond 3 feet from the panels are separate LOTs.

Strips up to 8 feet wide between two retaining wall
volumes constructed with the same material in one
operation may be considered as one LOT with the
retaining wall volumes.

Overlapping retaining wall volumes may be
considered one LOT, excluding the 3 feet width
behind the panels.
500’
150’
80’
6’ max between straps
3 foot zone
380’
270’
•The contractor places this area in one lift and compacts in each
zone in one operation. What is the minimum number of Density
tests for one lift in this scenario?

548-2.6.4 Coarse Aggregate Backfill:
◦ Use Size 57 to 89 (unless restricted in the plans
◦ Must test aggregate for pH, resistivity, sulfate, and
chloride content – Effective July 14

548-8.5.2 Flowable Fill:
◦ Metallic wall components must be completely
encapsulated by the flowable fill.

548-8.5.1 Compacted Select and Coarse
Aggregate Backfill:
◦ Within 3 feet of wall
 Equipment must weight at least 600 lbs and less than 1000
lbs.
 Minimum three passes
◦ Greater than 3 feet away from wall
 Requires vibratory compaction with centrifugal force >= 7500
lbs.
 Minimum two passes

548-9.4.1 Optional Acceptance Criteria for A-3
and A-2-4 Materials: Obtain a minimum density
of 95% of the maximum dry density as determined
by AASHTO T99 within 3 feet behind the wall face
and obtain a minimum density of 100% of the
maximum dry density as determined by AASHTO
T99 beyond 3 feet behind the wall face.




Beneath rip rap, pipe wrap, MSE Wall Joints,
Ditch Lining
The material properties have been removed from
Design Standard 199 and added to specification
985.
Allowable materials will be listed in the QPL
Will still require a submittal to State Materials
Office
Appendix
A3

2. When testing other materials from the roadway for
project acceptance a sample is made up of three
subsamples:
◦ a. Replace the word “sample” with “subsample” in
AASHTO T 267.
◦ b. Randomly select a location along the roadway and collect three
subsamples across the roadway. When collecting a subsample,
sample the full depth of the lift taking care to exclude any
underlying material.
◦ c. In the laboratory, perform loss on ignition for each subsample.
Record the individual results. Determine individual maximum and
average organic content for the subsamples collected in (b). If
required, the remaining material may be combined for other
testing.
A4
Clay as
Stabilizer
Reject source
No
Step 1: Source
Sample and test the source (440A).
Compare results to 914. QC/VT
collect 3 separate pint samples and
test for OC and LL/PI. Sample and
test for T27 if necessary
Pass
Yes
Remove Stabilizing
Material
No
Step 2: Material at the roadway (After spreading
and before mixing) Sample and test 440B
meeting the frequency of section 160-3.4. Take 3
1 pint samples across the road at a random
location and test for OC and LL/PI. Sample and
test for T27 if necessary (rocks > 3 ½ inch)
Pass
Yes
Continue to meet
acceptance criteria
in 160-4