ACE Geosynthetics Enterprise Co Ltd

No.33, Jing 3 Road APPROVAL

C.E.P.Z. Wuchi District INSPECTION
Taichung City TESTING
CERTIFICATION
Taiwan TECHNICAL APPROVALS FOR CONSTRUCTION
R.O.C.
Postal Code 43541 Agrément Certificate
Tel: 00 886 4 2659 5926 Fax: 00 886 4 2659 5935
e-mail: sales@geoace.com 08/4609
website: www.geoace.com Product Sheet 1

ACE GEOSYNTHETICS
ACEGRID GEOGRIDS FOR BASAL REINFORCEMENT
This Agrément Certificate Product Sheet(1) relates to
ACEGrid Geogrids, comprising a network of integrally-
connected elements of high tenacity polyester yarn,
coated with a protective layer of black polyvinyl
chloride, for use as basal reinforcement in embankment
foundations(2).
(1) Hereinafter referred to as ‘Certificate’.
(2) The Certificate does not cover the use of the geogrids within the
foundation zone of a building.

CERTIFICATION INCLUDES:
• factors relating to compliance with Building
Regulations where applicable
• factors relating to additional non-regulatory
information where applicable
• independently verified technical specification
• assessment criteria and technical investigations
• design considerations
• installation guidance
• regular surveillance of production
• formal three-yearly review.
KEY FACTORS ASSESSED
Soil/geogrid interaction — interaction between the soil and the geogrids has been considered and coefficients
relating to direct sliding and pull-out resistance are proposed (see section 6).
Mechanical properties — the short- and long-term tensile strength and elongation properties of the geogrids and loss
of strength due to installation damage have been assessed and reduction factors established for use in design (see
section 7).
Durability — the resistance of the geogrids to the effects of hydrolysis, chemical and biological degradation, UV
exposure and temperature conditions normally encountered in civil engineering practice has been assessed and
reduction factors established for use in design (see sections 8 and 11).
The BBA has awarded this Certificate to the company named above for the products described herein. These
products have been assessed by the BBA as being fit for their intended use provided they are installed, used and
maintained as set out in this Certificate.
On behalf of the British Board of Agrément

Date of Third issue: 21 November 2013 Brian Chamberlain Claire Curtis-Thomas

Head of Approvals — Engineering Chief Executive
The BBA is a UKAS accredited certification body — Number 113. The schedule of the current scope of accreditation for product certification is
available in pdf format via the UKAS link on the BBA website at www.bbacerts.co.uk

Readers are advised to check the validity and latest issue number of this Agrément Certificate by either referring to the BBA website or contacting the BBA direct.

British Board of Agrément tel: 01923 665300

Bucknalls Lane fax: 01923 665301
Watford e-mail: mail@bba.star.co.uk
Herts WD25 9BA ©2013 website: www.bbacerts.co.uk
Page 1 of 13
 Regulations
The Building Regulations 2010 (England and Wales) (as amended)

In the opinion of the BBA, the use of ACEGrid Geogrids for Basal Reinforcement, in relation to this Certificate, are not
controlled under these Regulations.
The Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (as amended)

In the opinion of the BBA, the use of ACEGrid Geogrids for Basal Reinforcement, in relation to this Certificate, are not
controlled under these Regulations.
The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012

In the opinion of the BBA, the use of ACEGrid Geogrids for Basal Reinforcement, in relation to this Certificate, are not
controlled under these Regulations.

Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007

Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007
Information in this Certificate may assist the client, CDM co-ordinator, designer and contractors to address their
obligations under these Regulations.
See sections: 1 Description (1.2), 3 Delivery and site handling (3.2 and 3.3) and the Installation part of this Certificate.

Additional Information
NHBC Standards 2013
In the opinion of the BBA, the use of ACEGrid Geogrids for Basal Reinforcement, in relation to this Certificate, is not
subject to the requirements of these Standards.

CE marking
The Certificate holder has taken the responsibility of CE marking the products, in accordance with harmonised
European Standard BS EN 13251 : 2001. An asterisk (*) appearing in this Certificate indicates that data shown is
given in the manufacturer’s Declaration of Performance.

Technical Specification
1 Description
1.1 ACEGrid Geogrids for Basal Reinforcement are planar structures consisting of a regular open network of
integrally-connected tensile elements of high-tenacity polyethylene terephthalate (PET) yarn, coated with a protective
layer of black polyvinyl chloride.
1.2 The range of ACEGrid Geogrids covered by this Certificate is listed in Table 1. The characteristics of the
geogrids are shown in Table 2. Typical configurations for the uniaxial and biaxial grades of ACEGrid Geogrid are
illustrated in Figure 1.

Page 2 of 13
 Figure 1 ACEGrid Geogrids

A C A C

D D

cross machine direction machine direction cross machine direction machine direction

A and : average grid size A and : average grid size

C and D: average aperture size C and D: average aperture size

Type I (Uni-axial grid) Type II (Biaxial grid)

Table 1 General specification

Grade Nominal mass(1) Average grid Average aperture Nominal Nominal Nominal
(g·m–2) size(2) (mm) size(2) (mm) roll width roll weight roll length
MD/CMD(3) MD/CMD(3) (m) (kg) (m)
AxB CxD
GG30-I 250 29 x 32 25 x 27 3.9 103 100
GG40-I 290 29 x 32 25 x 27 3.9 118 100
GG60-I 330 29 x 32 24 x 27 3.9 134 100
GG80-I 370 29 x 32 23 x 27 3.9 149 100
GG110-I 420 28 x 32 21 x 27 3.9 169 100
GG150-I 490 28 x 32 20 x 27 3.9 196 100
GG200-I 630 29 x 32 19 x 27 3.9 251 100
GG300-I 800 57 x 31 30 x 26 3.9 161 50
GG400-I 1200 57 x 31 26 x 26 3.9 239 50
GG600-I 1900 120 x 31 34 x 24 3.9 376 50
GG800-I 2400 119 x 31 24 x 24 3.9 473 50
GG60-II 420 29 x 32 24 x 26 3.9 169 100
GG80-II 520 29 x 32 23 x 25 3.9 208 100
GG110-II 660 27 x 32 21 x 24 3.9 134 50
GG200-II 1200 46 x 54 28 x 34 3.8 239 50
GG300-II 1700 50 x 56 25 x 30 3.8 337 50
(1) Mass/unit area measured in accordance with BS EN ISO 9864 : 2005.
(2) Reference dimensions (see Figure 1).
(3) MD: machine direction, CMD: cross machine direction.

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 Table 2 Performance characteristics

Grade Machine Direction (MD) Cross Machine Direction (CMD)

Short term tensile strength(1) Mean strain Short term tensile strength(1) Mean strain
(kN per m width) at maximum (kN per m width) at maximum
tensile tensile
Mean value Tolerance Tchar(2) Mean value Tolerance Tchar(2)
strength(1) strength(1)
(*) (*) (*) (*)
(%) (*) (%) (*)
GG30-I 35 –5 30 9 ±2 35 –5 30 10 ±2
GG40-I 45 –5 40 9 ±2 35 –5 30 10 ±2
GG60-I 65 –5 60 9 ±2 35 –5 30 10 ±2
GG80-I 85 –5 80 9 ±2 35 –5 30 10 ±2
GG110-I 120 –10 110 10 ±2 35 –5 30 11 ±2
GG150-I 160 –10 150 10 ±2 35 –5 30 11 ±2
GG200-I 210 –10 200 10 ±2 45 –5 40 11 ±2
GG300-I 310 –10 300 11 ±2 55 –5 50 11 ±2
GG400-I 410 –10 400 11 ±2 55 –5 50 11 ±2
GG600-I 620 –20 600 12 ±2 110 –10 100 11 ±2
GG800-I 820 –20 800 13 ±2 110 –10 100 12 ±2
GG60-II 65 –5 60 9 ±2 65 –5 60 10 ±2
GG80-II 85 –5 80 10 ±2 85 –5 80 11 ±2
GG110-II 120 –10 110 10 ±2 120 –10 110 12 ±2
GG200-II 210 –10 200 10 ±2 210 –10 200 14 ±2

GG300-II 310 –10 300 10 ±2 310 –10 300 15 ±2

(1) Values derived from short-term tests in accordance with BS EN ISO 10319 : 2008.
(2) The characteristic short-term tensile strength (Tchar) values are the mean short-term tensile strength minus 1 x the tolerance value, in accordance with
BS EN 13251 : 2001.

1.3 The machine direction (warp) is along the roll length and is indicated by a wrap-around yarn bundle.

2 Manufacture
2.1 The geogrid is woven from high strength polyester yarn to the desired mesh size and coated with a protective
layer of black polyvinyl chloride.
2.2 As part of the assessment and ongoing surveillance of product quality, the BBA has:
• agreed with the manufacturer the quality control procedures and product testing to be undertaken
• assessed and agreed the quality control operated over batches of incoming materials
• monitored the production process and verified that it is in accordance with the documented process
• evaluated the process for management of nonconformities
• checked that equipment has been properly tested and calibrated
• undertaken to carry out the above measures on a regular basis through a surveillance process, to verify that the
specifications and quality control operated by the manufacturer are being maintained.
2.3 The management system of ACE Geosynthetics Enterprise Co Ltd has been assessed and registered as meeting
the requirements of BS EN ISO 9001 : 2008 by AFAQ (Certificate 2008/32212a).

3 Delivery and site handling

3.1 The geogrids are delivered to site in rolls with the nominal widths and lengths shown in Table 1. Each roll is
wrapped for transit and site protection in a black polythene. Each bag is labelled with the geogrid grade and
identification (see Figure 2). The packaging must not be removed until immediately prior to installation.
3.2 Rolls should be stored in clean, dry conditions. When laid horizontally, the rolls may be stacked up to five high.
No other loads should be stored on top of the stack. The rolls should be protected from mechanical or chemical
damage and extreme temperatures.
3.3 Toxic fumes are given off if the geogrids catch fire and therefore, the necessary precautions should be taken
following the instructions of the material safety data sheet for the product.

Page 4 of 13
 Figure 2 Label

Assessment and Technical Investigations

The following is a summary of the assessment and technical investigations carried out on ACEGrid Geogrids for Basal
Reinforcement.

Design Considerations
4 General
4.1 When designed and installed in accordance with BS 8006-1 : 2010, BS EN 14475 : 2006 and the provisions
of this Certificate, ACEGrid Geogrids are satisfactory for use as basal reinforcement in embankment foundations where
the following foundation conditions exist:
• soft foundation soils
• piled foundations
• areas prone to subsidence.
4.2 Particular attention should be given to the following during the design:
• site preparation and foundation construction
• fill material properties
• specification for placing and compacting the fill
• drainage
• protection of the geogrids against damage during installation
• stability of existing adjacent structures.
4.3 The construction drawings should show the correct orientation of the geogrids.
4.4 This Certificate does not cover the use of the geogrids in embankments within the foundation zone of a building.

5 Practicability of installation
The product is designed to be installed by trained contractors in accordance with the specifications and construction
drawings (see the Installation part of this Certificate).

6 Design
Design methodology
6.1 Design of basal reinforcements must be in accordance with BS 8006-1 : 2010.
Strength of geogrids
6.2 In accordance with the methodology set out in BS 8006-1 : 2010, Annex 3, the design strength of the geogrid
reinforcement (TD) is calculated as:
• for ultimate limit state (ULS): TD(ULS) = TCR/fn·fm
• for serviceability limit state (SLS): TD(SLS) = TCS/fm

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where:
TCR is the long-term tensile creep rupture strength of the reinforcement at the specified design life and design
temperature.
TCS is the maximum allowable tensile load to ensure that the prescribed limiting strain specified for the SLS is
not exceeded.
fn is the partial factor for ramification of failure in accordance with BS 8006-1 : 2010, Table 9.
fm is the material safety factor to allow for the strength reducing effects of installation damage, weathering
(including exposure to sunlight), chemical and other environmental effects and to allow for the
extrapolation of data required to establish the above reduction factors.
6.3 For the ultimate limit state, the long-term tensile creep rupture strength (TCR) for each grade of geogrid is calculated
using the formula:
TCR = Tchar/RFCR
where:
Tchar is the characteristic short-term strength taken from Table 2.
RFCR is the reduction factor for creep (see section 7).
6.4 Values for TCS appropriate to each grade of geogrid are determined as described in section 7.5 of this
Certificate.
6.5 The material safety factor (fm) used in determining TD(ULS) and TD(SLS) is calculated as:
fm = RFID x RFW x RFCH x fS
where:
RFID is the reduction factor for installation damage.
RFW is the reduction factor for weathering, including exposure to ultra violet light.
RFCH is the reduction factor for chemical/environmental effects.
fS is the factor of safety for the extrapolation of data.
6.6 Recommended values for RFCR, RFID, RFW, RFCH and fS, are given in sections 7, 8 and 9 of this Certificate.
Conditions of use outside the scope for which the reduction factors are defined are not covered by this Certificate, and
advice should be sought from the Certificate holder.
Soil/geogrid interaction
6.7 There are two modes of interaction between the soil and the reinforcement that need to be considered during the
design:
• direct sliding — in which the soil above the layer of reinforcement can slide over the reinforcement
• pull-out — in which the layer of reinforcement pulls out of the soil, after it has mobilized the maximum available
bond stresses.
6.8 CIRIA SP123, 1996, sections 4.5 and 4.6 describe the following methods for determining resistance to direct
sliding and maximum available bond, to which the appropriate partial factors should be applied in accordance with
BS 8006-1 : 2010.
Direct sliding
6.9 The theoretical expression for resistance to direct sliding = fds x tan ’
where:
fds is the coefficient of direct sliding.
tan ’ is the shearing resistance of the soil
’ angle of shearing resistance for the soil.
6.10 The coefficient of direct sliding (fds) is calculated as:
fds = s x (tan /tan ’) + (1 – s)
where:
s is the proportion of plane sliding area that is solid.
 is the angle of skin friction, soil on planar reinforcement surface.
tan /tan ’ is the coefficient of skin friction between the soil and geogrid material.
6.11 For initial design purposes, the coefficient of skin friction (tan /tan ’) for the product when buried in
compacted frictional fill may be conservatively assumed to be 0.6. Values for the proportion of plane sliding area that
is solid (s) are given in Table 3.

Page 6 of 13
 Table 3 Soil geogrid interaction parameters for ACEGrid Geogrids
Grade s(1) Ratio of bearing(2)
surface to plan area
b x B/2S
GG30-I 0.27 0.014
GG40-I 0.27 0.017
GG60-I 0.30 0.018
GG80-I 0.33 0.020
GG110-I 0.37 0.017
GG150-I 0.40 0.016
GG200-I 0.45 0.017
GG300-I 0.56 0.013
GG400-I 0.62 0.014
GG600-I 0.78 0.012
GG800-I 0.84 0.009
GG60-II 0.33 0.023
GG80-II 0,38 0.025
GG110-II 0.42 0.030
GG200-II 0.62 0.020
GG300-II 0.73 0.017
(1) s is the proportion of the plane sliding area that is solid and is required for the calculation of
the bond coefficient (fb) and the direct sliding coefficient (fds) (see sections 6.10 and 6.14).
(2) The ratio of bearing surface to plan area is required to calculate the bond coefficient (fb) in
accordance with CIRIA SP123 : 1996 (see section 6.14):
• b is the proportion of the grid width available for bearing
• B is the thickness of a transverse member of a grid taking bearing
• S is the spacing between transverse members taking bearing.

6.12 For detailed design, the resistance to direct sliding should be determined from soil and geogrid specific shear
box testing.
Bond
6 .13 The theoretical expression for bond shearing resistance = fb x tan ’
where:
fb is the bond coefficient.
tan ’ is the shearing resistance of the soil.
’ angle of shearing resistance for the soil.
6.14 The bond coefficient may be calculated as:
fb = s x (tan /tan ’) + (’b/’n) x [(b x B/2S) x (1/tan ’)]
where:
s is the proportion of plane sliding area that is solid.
tan /tan ’ is the coefficient of skin friction between the soil and geogrid material.
’b /’n is the bearing stress ratio.
b x B/2S is the ratio of bearing surface to plan area.
’ is the angle of shearing resistance in terms of effective stress.
 is the angle of skin friction, soil on planar reinforcement surface.
’b is the effective bearing stress on the reinforcement.
’n is the normal effective stress.
6.15 For initial design purposes the coefficient of skin friction (tan /tan ’) for the product when buried in frictional fill
may be conservatively assumed to be 0.6. Values for the ratio of bearing surface to plan area (b x B/2S) are given in
Table 3. Typical values for the bearing stress ratio (’b/’n) are given in CIRIA SP123, 1996, Table 4.1.
6.16 The BBA recommends that site-specific pull-out tests are carried out to confirm the value of bond coefficient (fb)
used in the final design.
Fill Material
6.17 Fill material must meet the requirements of BS 8006-1 : 2010.

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7 Mechanical properties
Tensile strength — short-term
7.1 Characteristic short-term tensile strength (Tchar) and strain values for the product range are given in Table 2.
Tensile strength — long-term
7.2 The long-term creep performance of the geogrids has been determined in accordance with the principles
of PD ISO/TR 20432 : 2007 using conventional creep rupture test data exceeding 10,000 hours and stepped
isothermal method (SIM) creep rupture test data up to 5.43 x 107 hours. The resultant creep rupture diagram is shown
in Figure 3.
Figure 3 Creep rupture diagram — Regression line for the life expectancy at constant stress defined by % of
characteristic short-term strength at 20ºC

90.00

85.00

80.00
percent of tensile strength

75.00

70.00
69%

65.00

60.00

55.00

50.00
0.01 0.1 1 10 60 yrs 100 1000
0.001
time (years)

7.3 Long-term tensile strength (TCR) values for the products can be derived using the formulae given in section 6, with
the long-term creep reduction factors (RFCR) shown in Table 4.

Table 4 Long-term creep reduction factors (RFCR) for a design temperature of 20°C
Design life (years) RFCR
2 1.40
60 1.45
120 1.46

Serviceability limit strain

7.4 Detailed guidance on maximum allowable serviceability limit state creep strains for basal reinforcement is given in
BS 8006-1 : 2010:
• as a general guide, the maximum strain in the basal reinforcement should not exceed 5% for short term applications
and 5% to 10% for long term conditions.
• where basal reinforced embankments are constructed over soft sensitive foundation soils the maximum allowable
reinforcement strain should be limited to typically less than 3%.
• for pile foundations, an initial tensile strain is needed in the reinforcement to mobilise the tensile load required
to distribute the load from the embankment to the piles. A practical upper limit of 6% strain should be imposed.
However, this may need to be reduced as low as 3% (or less) for shallower embankments, to reduce the risk of
differential settlement on the surface of the embankment.
7.5 The maximum allowable tensile load to ensure that the prescribed limiting strain for the Serviceability Limit State
is not exceeded (TCS) for the ACEGrid Geogrid product range may be calculated from the isochronous curves given in
Figure 4. The curves are for a design temperature of 20°C.
7.6 The appropriate suite of isochronous curves is selected according to the product grade. (Each suite of curves
covers both the uniaxial and biaxial product grades). The stress ratio value is read off for the specified design life and
prescribed limiting strain. TCS is then determined by multiplying the stress ratio and appropriate short-term characteristic
tensile strength value (Tchar) given in Table 2. The serviceability limit state design strength TD(SLS) is then calculated as
detailed in section 6.2 of this Certificate.

Page 8 of 13
Figure 4 Typical stress/strain isochronous curves

isochronous curves for grades GG30 to GG110

100

90

stress ratio (% of short-term characteristic

80

70

tensile strength — Tchar)

60 short-term curve
50 1,000 hours

40 10,000 hours

30 100,000 hours
1,000,000 hours
20

10
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

strain %

isochronous curves for grades GG150 to GG200

100
stress ratio (% of short-term characteristic

90
80
tensile strength — Tchar)

70 short-term curve
60 1,000 hours
50
10,000 hours
40
100,000 hours
30
1,000,000 hours
20
10
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

strain %

isochronous curves for grades GG300 to GG800

100

90
stress ratio (% of short-term characteristic

80
tensile strength — Tchar)

70

60 short-term curve
1,000 hours
50
10,000 hours
40
100,000 hours
30 1,000,000 hours
20

10
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

strain %

Page 9 of 13
Installation damage (RFID)
7.7 To allow for loss of strength due to mechanical damage that may be sustained during installation, the appropriate
value for RFID should be selected from Table 5. These reduction factors have been established from full-scale installation
damage tests using a range of materials whose gradings can be seen in Figure 5. For fills not covered by Table 5,
appropriate values of RFID may be determined from site-specific trials or the engineer may exercise engineering
judgement to interpolate between the values given.

Table 5 Partial safety factor — installation damage (RFID)

Soil type D50 particle size (mm) Product grade RFID
Coarse gravel 18.50 GG40-I 1.10
Sandy gravel B 6.40 GG40-I 1.04
Silty sand B 1.20 GG40-I 1.12
Coarse gravel 18.50 GG200-II 1.04
Sandy gravel A 4.50 GG200-II 1.12
Silty sand A 0.30 GG200-II 1.10
Sandy silty clay 0.03 GG200-II 1.05
Course gravel 18.50 GG400-I 1.10
Sandy gravel B 6.40 GG400-I 1.02
Silty sand B 1.20 GG400-I 1.05
Sandy silty clay 0.03 GG400-I 1.02(1)
Coarse gravel 18.50 GG800-I 1.05(1)
Sandy gravel B 6.40 GG800-I 1.02(1)
Silty sand B 1.20 GG800-I 1.03(1)
Sandy silty clay 0.03 GG800-I 1.03(1)
(1) The highlighted test results used a minimum compacted thickness of 180 mm (All other tests had at a minimum
compacted thickness of 200 mm).

Figure 5 Particle size distributions of fills used in installation damage testing

100
sandy silty clay
90

80

70
sandy
percentage passing (%)

gravel B
60
silty sand A
50

40
silty sand B
30
sandy gravel A
coarse gravel 20

10

0
100 10 1 0.1 0.01

particle size (mm)

8 Effects of environmental conditions

Weathering (including exposure to sunlight)
8.1 A reduction factor (RFW) of 1.25 may be used for design provided the geogrids are protected from exposure to
sunlight in accordance with the recommendations of this Certificate and provided the periods of exposure are limited
to a maximum of two weeks. Where it can be guaranteed that the maximum period of exposure of every section of
the product will not exceed 24 hours, a reduction factor (RFW) of 1.0 may be used. Further investigation is required for
exposure periods exceeding two weeks.
Chemical/environmental effects
8.2 Within a soil environment where pH ranges from pH 4 to 9 and temperatures are typical of those in embankments
in the United Kingdom, the strength of the geogrid is not adversely affected by hydrolysis.
8.3 Geogrids made from polyester fibres are resistant to microbial attack under normal biological circumstances.

Page 10 of 13
8.4 To take account of chemical/environmental effects including hydrolysis, resistance to acidic and alkaline liquids
and biological/microbial attack, the appropriate value of RFCH shown in Table 6 should be used.

Table 6 Reduction factor RFCH for a design temperature of 20ºC

and pH range of 4 to 9
Design life (years) Reduction Factor (RFCH)
2 1.00
60 1.05
120 1.10

9 Factor of safety for the extrapolation of data (fs)

9.1 For ACEGrid Geogrids, the factors of safety for the extrapolation of data (fs) are given in Table 7.

Table 7 Factors of safety for extrapolation of data

Design life (years) fs
2 1.00
60 1.02
120 1.05

9.2 The values given in Table 7 have been calculated in accordance with PD ISO/TR 20432 : 2007, using the R1
and R2 values given in Table 8.

Table 8 R1 and R2 values for determination of fs

Factor Taking account of: Design life (years)
2 60 120
R1 Extrapolation of creep rupture data 1.00 1.00 1.00
R2 Extrapolation of chemical data 1.00 1.02 1.05

10 Maintenance
As the product is confined within the structure and it has suitable durability, maintenance is not required.

11 Durability
When designed and installed in accordance with the requirements of BS 8006-1 : 2010, BS EN 14475 : 2006 and
this Certificate, the geogrids will have a service life of up to 120 years.

Installation
12 General
12.1 Installation of the ACEGrid Geogrids must be in accordance with BS EN 14475 : 2006, the Certificate
holder’s Installation instructions and the details shown on the project’s construction drawings for the project.
12.2 Care should be exercised to ensure the geogrids are laid with the longitudinal direction parallel to the direction
of principal stress. Design drawings should indicate the geogrid orientation.
12.3 Rolls must be placed on the formation in the position where the length of the geogrids are required to start and
at right angles to the line of the run. Accurate alignment at the start is essential to ensure a satisfactory positioning of the
laid material.
12.4 To ease the laying and ensure proper performance of the run, the formation on which it is to be laid, should be
flat without ruts and sharp undulations.

13 Procedure
13.1 The roll should be unwound a small amount by pushing the roll in the direction of the run. The loose end of
the product now exposed should be secured by placing soil to weigh it down or by pinning it to the formation. The
roll should be unwound carefully, ensuring that no slack or undulations occur as it is laid. Where these do occur they
should be corrected immediately before proceeding. The process of laying the geogrids should be undertaken with the
use of mechanical lifting equipment to ease handling and prevent damage to the geogrids. When the roll is completely
unwound, the free end of the product should be hand tensioned and secured by weighting or pinning.

Page 11 of 13
13.2 The run of the geogrid should be straight and all strip elements should be flat and not twisted. Undulations
should not be evident. Overlaps should not be allowed in the direction of loading. In cross machine direction, the
overlap of the geogrids should be at least 300 mm and connected with U-shape anchoring steel elements.
13.3 Site vehicles should not be allowed to traffic over the laid, unprotected product. Before covering the geogrids,
the installation should be examined by an engineer and damaged runs replaced.
13.4 The geogrids must be covered with fill within the time specified in the design to prevent degradation caused by
ultraviolet light (see sections 3.1 and 8.1).
13.5 Fill materials and the thickness and compaction of the fill should be in accordance with the requirements of the
Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works (MCHW), Volume 1, and should be in line with those conditions
used to determine the installation damage partial material factors in the design (see section 7.7).

Technical Investigations
14 Tests
Dimensional checks have been carried out on each geogrid grade.

15 Investigations
15.1 The manufacturing process of the ACEGrid Geogrids for Reinforced Soil Embankments was examined, including
the methods adopted for quality control, and details were obtained of the quality and composition of the materials
used.
15.2 An examination was made of data relating to:
• evaluation of long- and short-term tensile properties
• site damage trials and resistance to mechanical damage
• resistance to hydrolysis
• resistance to weathering
• resistance to soil burial
• chemical resistance
• soil/geogrid interaction
• installation procedures and typical details.
15.3 Calculations were made to establish the plane sliding area that is solid and the ratio of bearing surface to plane
area.
15.4 The practicability of installation and ease of handling were assessed.

Bibliography
BS 8006-1 : 2010 Code of practice for strengthened/reinforced soils and other fills
BS EN 13251 : 2001 Geotextiles and geotextile-related products — Characteristics required for use in earthworks,
foundations and retaining structures
BS EN 14475 : 2006 Execution of special geotechnical works — Reinforced fill
BS EN ISO 9001 : 2008 Quality management systems — Requirements
BS EN ISO 9864 : 2005 Geosynthetics — Test method for the determination of mass per unit area of geotextiles and
geotextile-related products
BS EN ISO 10319 : 2008 Geosynthetics — Wide–width tensile test
CIRIA SP123 : 1996 Soil Reinforcement with Geotextiles, Jewell R.A
PD ISO/TR 20432 : 2007 Guidelines for the determination of the long-term strength of geosynthetics for soil
reinforcement
Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works, Volume 1 Specification for Highway Works,

Page 12 of 13
 Conditions of Certification
16 Conditions
16.1 This Certificate:
• relates only to the product/system that is named and described on the front page
• is issued only to the company, firm, organisation or person named on the front page — no other company, firm,
organisation or person may hold or claim that this Certificate has been issued to them
• is valid only within the UK
• has to be read, considered and used as a whole document — it may be misleading and will be incomplete to be
selective
• is copyright of the BBA
• is subject to English Law.
16.2 Publications, documents, specifications, legislation, regulations, standards and the like referenced in this Certificate
are those that were current and/or deemed relevant by the BBA at the date of issue or reissue of this Certificate.
16.3 This Certificate will remain valid for an unlimited period provided that the product/system and its manufacture
and/or fabrication, including all related and relevant parts and processes thereof:
• are maintained at or above the levels which have been assessed and found to be satisfactory by the BBA
• continue to be checked as and when deemed appropriate by the BBA under arrangements that it will determine
• are reviewed by the BBA as and when it considers appropriate.
16.4 The BBA has used due skill, care and diligence in preparing this Certificate, but no warranty is provided.
16.5 In issuing this Certificate, the BBA is not responsible and is excluded from any liability to any company, firm,
organisation or person, for any matters arising directly or indirectly from:
• the presence or absence of any patent, intellectual property or similar rights subsisting in the product/system or any
other product/system
• the right of the Certificate holder to manufacture, supply, install, maintain or market the product/system
• actual installations of the product/system, including their nature, design, methods, performance, workmanship and
maintenance
• any works and constructions in which the product/system is installed, including their nature, design, methods,
performance, workmanship and maintenance
• any loss or damage, including personal injury, howsoever caused by the product/system, including its manufacture,
supply, installation, use, maintenance and removal
• any claims by the manufacturer relating to CE marking.
16.6 Any information relating to the manufacture, supply, installation, use, maintenance and removal of this product/
system which is contained or referred to in this Certificate is the minimum required to be met when the product/system
is manufactured, supplied, installed, used, maintained and removed. It does not purport in any way to restate the
requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, or of any other statutory, common law or other duty
which may exist at the date of issue or reissue of this Certificate; nor is conformity with such information to be taken as
satisfying the requirements of the 1974 Act or of any statutory, common law or other duty of care.

British Board of Agrément tel: 01923 665300

Bucknalls Lane fax: 01923 665301
Watford e-mail: mail@bba.star.co.uk
Herts WD25 9BA ©2013 website: www.bbacerts.co.uk
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