The durability of polymeric reinforcements is influenced by time, temperature, mechanical damage, stress levels, microbiological attack, and changes in the molecular structure due to radiation or chemical exposure. The effects of aging and of chemical and biological exposure are highly dependent on material composition, including resin type, grade, and additives; manufacturing process; and final product physical structure.
Polymeric reinforcement, although not susceptible to corrosion, may degrade as a result of physicochemical activity in the soil, such as hydrolysis, oxidation, and environmental stress cracking. In addition, it is susceptible to construction damage, and some forms may be adversely affected by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light. The durability of geosynthetics is a complex subject, and research is ongoing to develop reliable procedures for quantification of degradation effects. Moderate-strength geosynthetics have tensile strengths of about 100 lb/in (17.5 N/mm); some are now available that have strengths well over an order of magnitude higher. Current procedure to account for strength loss due to construction damage, and as a result of aging and chemical and biological attack, is to decrease the initial strength of the intact, unaged material for design.
