Chilean experience with geosynthetics applied as reinforcement

Since 1977 geotextiles have been used in Chile mainly as filters and separators in roads. Geogrids are known since 1980, but first reinforcement applications are from the beginning of the 90s. Non-woven geotextiles were the first geosynthetics applied in walls 3 to 6 m height. Later, geogrids and woven geotextiles were specified in diverse projects. The main problem to apply geosynthetics is the seismicity of the country and that designs shall comply with life expectancies for more than 20 years. For the covering abstract see ITRD E125786.