Avaliação da degradação de um geotêxtil tecido submetido ao intemperismo do ambiente costeiro em Natal/RN

Abstract

The number of cases of maritime works and coastal protection using geosynthetics has increased. Systems that use geosynthetic materials in conjunction with filler materials, usually sand, are often used to prevent and control coastal erosion. The type of geosynthetic most used in these systems is geotextile. The coastal environment has as main aggressive agents UV radiation and salinity of sea water. The durability and properties of the material, after exposure to weathering in oceanic environments, need to be known for more accurate designing. In hydraulic works, tensile strength is one of the most important properties to be guaranteed. This research analyzed the degradation of a woven geotextile submitted to the weathering of the coastal environment in Natal / RN comparing values of tensile tests before and after exposure. The samples were exposure for a period of up to three months. The samples were exposed in four different situations and interactions: on a wooden plate, on sand, on sand immersed in sea water, and only immersed in sea water. In order to assess the effects of degradation, the geotextile samples were subjected to breaking force and elongation of textile fabrics test, according to ASTM D5035. The analysis of the results consisted of comparing the values of tensile strength and deformation at break obtained from the virgin samples and the exposed samples, considering the mean value and the time of exposure. The results found show that, for the analyzed period, there was no significant degradation of the polypropylene woven geotextile and that the different exposure situations did not present great divergences in the results.