Full-scale pullout tests were performed in the field on several mechanically stabilized earth walls. In-situ tests allowed developing methods for evaluating the testing parameters used in design through comparison with lab test results under similar testing conditions. The pullout resistance of the reinforcement in a full-scale wall is being evaluated. The GERL laboratory also hosts a system of five creep testing devices capable of applying constant hydraulic loads to evaluate the 10,000-hours creep characteristics of the geosynthetic specimens. Creep tests are also being conducted in temperature-controlled testing devices to evaluate the accelerated creep characteristics of geosynthetics.
Accelerated tests permit evaluating creep characteristics of geosynthetics in short timed intervals.
The creep testing equipment evaluates the geosynthetic deformations in a 10,000-hour creep test. Temperature-controlled testing equipment for the development of accelerated creep testing procedures for geosynthetics. GERL facility is housed in the LTRC research laboratories. In addition to these specialized facilities, LTRC also has standard testing equipment for evaluating the unconfined engineering properties of geosynthetics.