DEGRADATION OF GEOSYNTHETICS BY NATURAL WEATHERING IN COASTAL AREA
Geosynthetics; Natural Weathering; Ultraviolet radiation.
Geosynthetics are polymeric materials used in various engineering projects. Among them, its use in coastal protection works stands out with high application potential, together with granular materials for erosion control. The durability, after exposure to the weather, needs to be known for a more accurate dimensioning. Like any polymeric material, they are subject to degradation due to exposure to UV radiation. Both ASTM D5970 (2019) and ASTM D1435 (2013) contain guidelines for the exposure of geosynthetics to UV radiation. In this sense, this work presents a comparison between the two patterns by the change in the exposure slope of a PP geotextile in a coastal environment by the seaside of Natal/RN. In addition, the influence of the color, and consequently the temperature, of the exposure table, as well as its interaction with granular material, was evaluated. The exposure time was 176 days, divided into three distinct periods (42, 84 and 176 days) and the tensile strength of the samples was compared with those obtained from virgins. The results indicated small differences in UV degradation due to the slope of exposure. On the other hand, the color of the exposure table produced greater degradation in those samples exposed on black tables, compared to those on white tables and the most critical result was for samples exposed in sand. The data obtained in this study are essential for the design and adoption of mitigation measures in coastal engineering works that use geosynthetics.