ABSTRACT
When a geosynthetic is used in a civil engineering application, it is intended to perform particular function(s) for a minimum expected time period, called the design life. Geosynthetics are designed to perform a function, or a combination of functions, within the soil-geosynthetic system. Such functions are expected to be performed over the design life of the soil-geosynthetic system, which is typically less than 5 years for shortterm use, around 25 years for temporary use and 50 to 100 years or more for permanent use. The nature of the application system and the consequences of its failure may influence the design life (e.g. 70 years for a wall and 100 years for an abutment). Geosynthetics may have a short-term function although the system is permanent; for example an embankment over a weak foundation may require a geosynthetic reinforcement only while consolidation is occurring and until the weak foundation has gained sufficient strength to support the embankment load. Design life for a soil-geosynthetic system is set by the client or designer and is decided at the design stage.
