A wide specimen reduces the necking and edge effects that distort narrow-strip results, so the test better represents a geotextile working in soil. Results are given in kN/m or lb/ft, together with the strain at peak and the strength at set strains such as 2 or 5 percent to show stiffness. Geogrids are tested by a similar method on single ribs or multi-rib specimens.
Design needs wide-width tensile at 5 percent strain, not just ultimate, so ask the supplier for the full curve.
Also heard as
- wide width tensile strength
- wide strip tensile
- WWT
Related terms
Grab tensile
Index tensile test on geotextiles in which a 100 mm wide specimen is gripped by 25 mm jaws in its middle.
LTDS
Long-term design strength: reinforcement strength left after reductions for creep, installation damage and aging.
Reinforcement
Using the tensile strength of a geosynthetic to hold soil together so it can stand steeper or carry more load.
Creep
Slow, continuing stretch of a geosynthetic under a constant load over time.