Each reduction factor is 1.0 or larger and comes from product-specific testing or conservative defaults. Creep factors for polyolefin grids can exceed 2.5, while polyester often sits below 2; installation damage factors depend on fill gradation and compaction; durability factors cover chemistry and temperature. Multiplied together they can cut usable strength to a third of the roll's ultimate value or less.
Supplier tested their installation damage reduction factor in sand, and our backfill is crushed rock, so ask for new data.
Also heard as
- RF
- partial factor
- strength reduction factor
Related terms
LTDS
Long-term design strength: reinforcement strength left after reductions for creep, installation damage and aging.
Creep
Slow, continuing stretch of a geosynthetic under a constant load over time.
Installation damage
Loss of geosynthetic strength caused by placing, spreading and compacting fill on it.