ABSTRACT
The new norm prEN 1997-3 (at present under discussion in CEN TC 250), that is the new EuroCode for Geotechnical Design, is introducing specific rules for the design of reinforced fill structures. Polymeric coated woven steel wire mesh reinforcement is treated in specific clauses, with Reduction Factors suited to this peculiar type of reinforcement. In facts a product with a metallic core and polymeric coating exhibits different properties than Geosynthetics and fully metallic reinforcements. The present paper is aimed at presenting the durability criteria for woven steel wire mesh reinforcement and the way to derive the specific Reduction Factors proposed in new EuroCode. For design purposes it is required to address the concept of durability following mechanical and chemical damage. In practical terms this means that installation damage, as well as chemical degradation tests, are required for defining the Reduction Factors which need to be accounted for to reduce the tensile strength from the characteristic value to the design value. The paper presents the specific approach to durability for woven steel wire mesh reinforcement, for defining the Reduction Factors for design of reinforced fill structures.
