Geosynthetic Institute GRI

475 Kedron Avenue GEI GII

Folsom, PA 19033-1208 USA GSI
TEL (610) 522-8440
FAX (610) 522-8441 GAI GCI

Original: Sept. 27, 1999

Rev. 2: December 18, 2012
Revision Schedule: pg. 9

GRI Test Method GT10

Standard Specification for

“Test Methods, Properties and Frequencies for High Strength Geotextile Tubes used as
Coastal and Riverine Structures”

This specification was developed by the Geosynthetic Research Institute (GRI) with the
cooperation of the member organizations for general use by the public. It is completely optional
in this regard and can be superseded by other existing or new specifications on the subject matter
in whole or in part. Neither GRI, the Geosynthetic Institute, nor any of its related institutes,
warrant or indemnifies any materials produced according to this specification either at this time
or in the future.

1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers high strength geotextile index test properties for
subsequent use to form coastal and riverine structures in the form of soil filled
geotextile tubes.

1.2 This specification sets forth a set of minimum physical, mechanical and chemical
properties that must be met, or exceeded by the geotextile being manufactured. In a
few cases, a maximum value is specified.

1.3 This specification covers not only the main geotextile tube, but also the scour
apron(s), if so required in the design.

1.4 In the context of quality systems and management, this specification represents a
manufacturing quality control (MQC) document.

Note 1: Manufacturing quality control represents those actions taken by a

manufacturer to ensure that a product represents the stated objective
and properties set forth in the specification.

This GRI standard is developed by the Geosynthetic Research Institute through consultation and review by the
member organizations. This specification will be reviewed at least every 2-years, or on an as-required basis. In this
regard it is subject to change at any time. The most recent revision date is the effective version.
Copyright © 1999, 2001, 2013 Geosynthetic Institute
All rights reserved
GT10 - 1 of 9 Rev. 2 – 12/18/12
 1.5 This standard specification is intended to ensure good quality and performance of
high strength fabrics used as geotextile tubes and scour aprons but is possibly not
adequate for the complete specification in a specific situation. Additional tests, or
more restrictive values for the tests indicated, may be necessary under conditions of
a particular application.

1.6 This standard specification does not address installation practices or design
guidance. Both of these items are addressed in companion documents focusing on
this application area.

2. Referenced Documents

2.1 ASTM Standards

D 4491 Test Methods for Water Permeability of Geotextiles by Permittivity

D 4533 Test Method for Trapezoidal Tearing Strength of Geotextiles
D 4595 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Geotextiles by the Wide-Width
Strip Method
D 4751 Test Method for Determining Apparent Opening Size of a Geotextile
D 4833 Test Method for Index Puncture Resistance of Geotextiles,
Geomembranes and Related Products
D 4873 Guide for Identification, Storage and Handling of Geotextiles
D 4884 Test Method for Seam Strength of Sewn Geotextiles
D 7238 Test Method for Effect of Exposure of Unreinforced Polyolefin
Geomembrane Using Fluorescent UV Condensation Apparatus

2.2 GRI Standards

GT9/GG6 Standard Guide for Grip Types for Use in the Wide Width Testing of
Geotextiles and Geogrids

3. Definitions

3.1 Geotextile Tube - A large tube [greater than 7.5 ft (2.3 m) in circumference]
fabricated from high strength woven geotextile in lengths greater than 20 ft (6.1 m).
Geotextile tubes used in coastal and riverine applications are most often filled
hydraulically with a slurry of sand and water, although many other fill materials
have been used. The tubes can also be filled by a combination mechanical and
hydraulic method.

3.2 Scour Apron - An apron of geotextile designed to protect the foundation of the main
geotextile tube from the undermining effects of scour. In coastal and riverine
applications, scour can be present at the base of the tube due to wave and current
action. Scour aprons may be on both sides of the main tube, or on only one side.
Scour aprons also reduce local erosion and scour caused during the hydraulic filling
process of the main tube. Scour aprons are typically anchored by a small tube at the
water's edge or by sandbags attached to the apron.

GT10 - 2 of 9 Rev. 2 – 12/18/12

 3.3 Fill Port - Also called a fill spout or fill nozzle, fill ports are sleeves sewn into the
top of the geotextile tube into which the pump discharge pipe is inserted. Ports are
typically 12 to 18 inches (300 to 450 mm) in diameter and 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 m)
in length. Ports are spaced along the top of the tube to provide access to the
contractor. Spacing is usually no closer than 25 feet (7.6 m) to accommodate sand
slurry but can be as far apart as 100 feet (30 m) for some viscous fill materials.
After pumping, ports are to be closed by tying, sewing or gluing shut. After filling
the tube the port sleeves shall be closed and attached to the main tube in a manner
sufficient to prevent movement of the sleeve by wave action. Fill ports are
fabricated from the same geotextile as the main tube.

3.4 Manufacturing Quality Control (MQC) - A planned system of inspections that is

used to directly monitor and control the manufacture of a material which is factory
originated. MQC is normally performed by the manufacturer of geosynthetic
materials and is necessary to ensure minimum (or maximum) specified values in the
manufactured product. MQC refers to measures taken by the manufacturer to
determine compliance with the requirements for materials and workmanship as
stated in certification documents and contract specifications [ref. EPA/600/R-
93/182]. This definition is expanded herein for geotextile tubes and scour aprons to
include fabrication, including sewing and packaging by the fabricator.

Note 2: This particular specification for high strength fabrics used as

geotextile tubes and scour aprons falls under the concept of
MQC.

3.5 Manufacturing Quality Assurance (MQA) - A planned system of activities that

provides assurance that the materials were constructed as specified in the
certification documents and contract specifications. MQA includes manufacturing
facility inspections, verifications, audits and evaluation of the raw materials (resins
and additives) and finished geosynthetic products to assess the quality of the
manufactured materials. MQA refers to measures taken by the MQA organization
to determine if the manufacturer is in compliance with the product certification and
contract specifications for the project [ref. EPA/600/R-93/182].

4. Material Classification and Formulation

4.1 This specification covers high strength geotextiles for tubes and scour aprons which
are placed into two categories: Class 1 is for aggressive conditions, and Class 2 is
for typical conditions.

Note 3: It is recognized that "aggressive" and "typical" are arbitrary

terms, however, based on current practice and field
performance these two categories appear to be suitable for
most projects.

4.2 The type of fabric style is not identified as such, but based on current
manufacturing practice the properties lend themselves to woven, high tenacity,
monofilament, multifilament or fibrillated geotextiles.

GT10 - 3 of 9 Rev. 2 – 12/18/12

 4.3 The type of polymer used for the production yarns is not identified as such, but
based on current manufacturing practice both the "aggressive" conditions and the
"typical" conditions can be attained using polyester or polypropylene yarns.

4.4 Due to the critical nature of fabrication and the involvement of the manufacture, the
main tube and scour apron must be sourced from the same manufacturer.

5. Specification Requirements

5.1 The fabric for use as geotextile tubes and associated scour aprons shall conform to
Tables 1(a) and 1(b) for "aggressive" conditions, and to Tables 2(a) and 2(b) for
"typical" conditions. These are referred to Class 1 and Class 2, respectively. Each
table is further subdivided according to the tube in part "a" and the scour apron in
part "b", of the respective tables. Each of the tables are given in English and SI
(metric) units. The conversion from English to SI is soft.

5.2 The tables are subdivided into mechanical, hydraulic and endurance test categories.
Each item is accompanied by the appropriate ASTM test method designation and
the minimum frequency of performing the test.

Note 4: The wide width testing of high strength fabrics is not trivial.
Past problems have arisen from noncalibrated testing
machines, poorly prepared specimens, inadequate
elongation measuring devices, and (perhaps most of all)
improper gripping devices. This last item of grips is
addressed in GRI GT9/GG6.

Note 5: The targeted value of apparent opening size (AOS) is the

largest opening size of the fabric's voids. Thus, the sieve
size number is intended to specify the minimum sieve
opening size. When specified in units of mm, AOS is the
maximum dimension allowed.

Note 6: A minimum water flow rate is specified in both tables via

ASTM D4491. This is a constant head permeability test
usually resulting in the permittivity of the fabric. En route
to permittivity one measures the water flow rate (i.e., the
"flux") which is requested in the specification. The two
terms are interrelated by the thickness of the fabric.

5.3 The various properties shall be tested at the minimum frequency shown in Tables 1
and 2. If the specific manufacturer’s quality control guide is more stringent and the
product is certified accordingly, it must be followed in like manner.

Note 7: This specification is focused on manufacturing quality

control (MQC). Conformance testing and manufacturing

GT10 - 4 of 9 Rev. 2 – 12/18/12

 quality assurance (MQA) testing are at the discretion of the
purchaser and/or quality assurance organization.

6. Workmanship and Appearance

6.1 The finished fabric shall have good appearance qualities. It shall be free from such
defects that would affect the specific properties of the geotextile, tube or apron.

6.2 General manufacturing procedures shall be performed in accordance with the

manufacturer’s internal quality control guide and/or documents.

7. MQC Sampling

7.1 Sampling shall be in accordance with the specific test methods listed in Tables 1
and 2. If no sampling protocol is stipulated in the particular test method, then test
specimens shall be taken evenly spaced across the entire width of the geotextile.
No sampling of the fabricated tube is recommended.

7.2 The number of replicate tests shall be in accordance with the appropriate test
methods listed in Tables 1 and 2.

7.3 The average of the test results should be calculated per the particular standard cited
and compared to the minimum value listed in these tables, hence the values listed
are the minimum average values.

Note 8: The exceptions to this item are the physical properties and
the AOS, as described in Note 5.

8. MQC Retest and Rejection

8.1 If the results of any test do not conform to the requirements of this specification,
retesting to determine conformance or rejection should be done in accordance with
the manufacturing protocol as set forth in the manufacturer’s quality manual.

9. Packaging and Labeling

9.1 The finished geotextile tube and its associated scour apron shall be rolled on a
stable core or accordion folded into a bundle for handling, storage and shipment.
The geotextile tube and/or scour apron is to be protected by an outer wrapping or
plastic bag. The manufacturer's identification label shall be clearly visible on the
outer wrapping and in a manner consistent with the established policy of the
manufacturer.

9.2 Handling of the rolls or bundles shall be by forklift stinger or carpet pole, or by
dedicated slings and spreader bars consistent with the weight of the unit. No hooks,
tongs or other sharp instruments shall be used for handling. The geotextile tube or
scour apron shall not be dragged along the ground.

GT10 - 5 of 9 Rev. 2 – 12/18/12

 9.3 Geotextile tubes shall be stored elevated off the ground in areas where water cannot
accumulate and where they are protected from conditions that will affect the
properties or performance of the geotextile.

9.4 Geotextile tubes and scour aprons shall be labeled, shipped, stored, and handled in
accordance with ASTM D4873 and as specified herein. Each segment of geotextile
tube and scour apron shall be wrapped in an opaque layer of plastic during
shipment and storage. The plastic wrapping shall be placed around the unit in the
manufacturing facility and shall not be removed until deployment. Each packaged
segment of geotextile tube and/or scour apron shall be labeled with the
manufacturers name, geotextile type, lot numbers, roll numbers, and dimensions
(length, width, gross weight).

10. Certification

10.1 Upon request of the purchaser in the contract or order, a manufacturer’s

certification that the material was manufactured and tested in accordance with this
specification, together with a report of the test results, shall be furnished at the time
of shipment.

GT10 - 6 of 9 Rev. 2 – 12/18/12

 Table 1(a): Class 1 Tubes - Aggressive Conditions
(all are minimum average values unless noted otherwise)
Property Test English Units Metric Units
Method Property Frequency Property Frequency
ASTM
Physical
Tube Circumference Measured 7.5/15/22.5/30/45/60-ft. n/a 2.3/4.6/6.8/9.1/14/18 m n/a
Fill Port (diameter) Measured 12 or 18 in. n/a 30 or 45 cm n/a
Mechanical
Wide Width Tensile Strength D4595 1000 x 1000 lb/in. 10,000 yd2 175 x 175 kN/m 7500 m2
Wide Width Elongation (max.) D4595 15 x 15% 10,000 yd2 15 x 15% 7500 m2
Trapezoidal Tear Strength D4533 600 x 600 lb 10,000 yd2 2.7 x 2.7 kN 7500 m2
Puncture Strength D4833 400 lb 10,000 yd2 1.8 kN 7500 m2
Seam Strength (factory) D4884 600 lb./in. 50,000 yd2 105 kN/m 40,000 m2

Hydraulic
Apparent Opening Size (AOS) D4751 No. 40 Sieve (min.) 50,000 yd2 0.425 mm (max) 40,000 m2
Water Flow Rate D4491 6 gpm/ft2 50,000 yd2 240 l/min/m2 40,000 m2

Endurance
Accelerated UV Resistance D7238 65% formulation 65% formulation
(% retained after 10,000 lt. hrs.)

Table 1(b): Class 1 Scour Aprons - Aggressive Conditions

(all are minimum average values unless noted otherwise)

Property Test English Units Metric Units

Method Property Frequency Property Frequency
ASTM
Physical
Anchor Tube Circumference Measured 3-6 ft. n/a 0.9 - 1.8 m n/a
Mechanical
Wide Width Tensile Strength D4595 400 x 550 lb/in. 10,000 yd2 70 x 95 kN/m 7500 m2
Wide Width Elongation (max.) D4595 20 x 20% 10,000 yd2 20 x 20% 7500 m2
Trapezoidal Tear Strength D4533 180 x 270 lb 10,000 yd2 0.8 x1.2 kN 7500 m2
Puncture Strength D4833 260 lb 10,000 yd2 1.2 kN 7500 m2
Seam Strength (factory) D4884 350 lb/in. 50,000 yd2 60 kN/m 40,000 m2

Hydraulic
Apparent Opening Size (AOS) D4751 No. 40 Sieve (min.) 50,000 yd2 0.425 mm (max) 40,000 m2
Water Flow Rate D4491 6 gpm/ft2 50,000 yd2 240 l/min/m2 40,000 m2

Endurance
Accelerated UV Resistance D7238 65% formulation 65% formulation
(% retained after 10,000 lt. hrs.)

GT10 - 7 of 9 Rev. 2 – 12/18/12

 Table 2(a): Class 2 Tubes - Typical Conditions
(all are minimum average values unless noted otherwise)

Property Test English Units Metric Units

Method Property Frequency Property Frequency
ASTM
Physical
Tube Circumference Measured 7.5/15/22.5/30/45-ft n/a 2.3/4.6/6.8/9.1/14 m n/a
Fill Port (diameter) Measured 12 or 18 in. n/a 30 or 45 cm n/a
Mechanical
Wide Width Tensile Strength D4595 400 x 550 lb/in. 10,000 yd2 70 x 95 kN/m 7500 m2
Wide Width Elongation (max.) D4595 20 x 20% 10,000 yd2 20 x 20% 7500 m2
Trapezoidal Tear Strength D4533 180 x 270 lb 10,000 yd2 0.80 x 1.2 kN 7500 m2
Puncture Strength D4833 260 lb 10,000 yd2 1.2 kN 7500 m2
Seam Strength (factory) D4884 350 lb./in. 50,000 yd2 60 kN/m 40,000 m2

Hydraulic
Apparent Opening Size (AOS) D4751 No. 40 Sieve (min.) 50,000 yd2 0.425 mm (max) 40,000 m2
Water Flow Rate D4491 6 gpm/ft2 50,000 yd2 240 l/min/m2 40,000 m2

Endurance
Accelerated UV Resistance D7238 65% formulation 65% formulation
(% retained after 10,000 lt. hrs.)

Table 2(b): Class 2 Scour Aprons - Typical Conditions

(all are minimum average values unless noted otherwise)

Property Test English Units Metric Units

Method Property Frequency Property Frequency
ASTM
Physical
Anchor Tube Circumference Measured 3-6 ft n/a 0.9-1.8 m n/a
Mechanical
Wide Width Tensile Strength D4595 400 x 400 lb/in. 10,000 yd2 70 x 70 kN/m 7500 m2
Wide Width Elongation (max.) D4595 20 x 20% 10,000 yd2 20 x 20% 7500 m2
Trapezoidal Tear Strength D4533 180 x 270 lb 10,000 yd2 0.80 x 1.2 kN 7500 m2
Puncture Strength D4833 160 lb 10,000 yd2 0.70 kN 7500 m2
Seam Strength (factory) D4884 200 lb./in. 50,000 yd2 35 kN/m 40,000 m2

Hydraulic
Apparent Opening Size (AOS) D4751 No. 30 Sieve (min.) 50,000 yd2 0.60 mm (max) 40,000 m2
Water Flow Rate D4491 6 gpm/ft2 50,000 yd2 240 l/min/m2 40,000 m2

Endurance
Accelerated UV Resistance D7238 65% formulation 65% formulation
(% retained after 10,000 lt. hrs.)

GT10 - 8 of 9 Rev. 2 – 12/18/12

 Revision Schedule

for

GT Specification for GRI-GT10

“Test Methods, Properties and Frequencies for High Strength Geotextile Tubes used as
Coastal and Riverine Structures”

Adopted: September 27, 1999

Revision #1: September 1, 2001: Made moderate changes in strength values

Revision #2: December 18, 2012: Replaced D4355 with D7238 weathering device and
required procedure.

GT10 - 9 of 9 Rev. 2 – 12/18/12