APPROVAL

INSPECTION
HUESKER Synthetic GmbH TESTING
CERTIFICATION
Fabrikstrasse 13–15 TECHNICAL APPROVALS FOR CONSTRUCTION
D-48712 Gescher
Germany Agrément Certificate
Tel: 00 49 2542 701-0 Fax: 00 49 2542 701-499
e-mail: info@HUESKER.de 13/4979
website: www.HUESKER.com Product Sheet 1

HUESKER GEOSYNTHETICS
STABILENKA GEOTEXTILES
This Agrément Certificate Product Sheet (1) relates to
Stabilenka Geotextiles(2), an uncoated, woven and
knitted geosynthetic fabric for use as basal reinforcement
in embankment foundations.
(1) Hereinafter referred to as ‘Certificate’.
(2) Stabilenka is a registered trademark.

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/geotextile interaction — interaction between the soil and the geotextiles 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 geotextiles 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 geotextiles 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 First issue: 19 March 2013 Brian Chamberlain Greg Cooper

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 11
 Regulations
The Building Regulations 2010 (England and Wales) (as amended)

In the opinion of the BBA, the use of Stabilenka Geotextiles, 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 Stabilenka Geotextiles, 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 Stabilenka Geotextiles, 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 (3.1, 3.3 and 3.4) and the Installation part of
this Certificate.

Additional Information
NHBC Standards 2013
In the opinion of the BBA, the use of Stabilenka Geotextiles, 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 Stabilenka Geotextiles (see Figure 1) are woven and knitted geosynthetic fabrics, consisting of uncoated polyester
yarns or a combination of polyester and polyamide yarns, depending on the product grade.

Figure 1 Stabilenka geotextile

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1.2 The geotextiles are produced in a range of mono-axial and bi-axial grades. Specification details and performance
for the grades covered by this Certificate are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

Table 1 General specification

Type Grade Nominal Mass Roll width (m) Roll length (m) Nominal gross roll weight
(g·m–2) (nominal) (nominal) (kg)

Mono-axial 150/45 300 5 300 450

200/45 400 5 300 600
300/45 550 5 300 825
400/50 700 5 200 700
600/50 1050 5 200 1050
800/100 1400 5 100 700
1000/100 1800 5 100 900
1200/100 2000 5 100 1000
1400/100 2350 5 100 1175
1500/100 2450 5 100 1225

Bi-axial 120/120 380 5 300 570

150/150 440 5 200 440
200/200 650 5 200 650

Table 2 Performance characteristics

Grade Machine direction Cross machine direction
Short-term tensile strength Elongation at Short-term tensile strength Elongation at
(kN·m–1) (1) (*) maximum (kN·m–1)(1) (*) maximum
tensile strength tensile strength
Mean value Tchar Mean value Tchar
(%) (*) (%) (*)

150/45 150 (–0) 150 11 (+0/–3) 45 (–0) 45 19 (+4/–4)

200/45 200 (–0) 200 11 (+0/–3.5) 45 (–0) 45 19 (+4/–4)
300/45 300 (–0) 300 11 (+0/–3) 45 (–0) 45 19 (+4/–4)
400/50 400 (–0) 400 12 (+0/–3) 50 (–0) 50 19 (+4/–4)
600/50 600 (–0) 600 12 (+0/–3) 50 (–0) 50 18 (+4/–4)
800/100 800 (–0) 800 12 (+0/–3) 100 (–0) 100 17 (+3/–3)
1000/100 1000 (–0) 1000 11 (+0/–3) 100 (–0) 100 17 (+3/–3)
1200/100 1200 (–0) 1200 12 (+0/–3) 100 (–0) 100 20 (+0/–4)
1400/100 1400 (–0) 1400 12 (+0/–3) 100 (–0) 100 18 (+3/–3)
1500/100 1500 (–0) 1500 11 (+0/–3) 100 (–0) 100 20 (+3/–3)
120/120 120 (–0) 120 12 (+0/–3) 120 (–0) 120 12 (+0/–3)
150/150 150 (–0) 150 12 (+0/–3) 150 (–0) 150 11 (+0/–3)
200/200 200 (–0) 200 11 (+0/–3) 200 (–0) 200 11 (+0/–3)

(1) Short-term tensile strength tests in accordance with BS EN ISO 10319 : 2008.

2 Manufacture
2.1 The geotextiles are manufactured from polyster yarns in the machine direction and polyester or polyamide yarns in
the cross machine direction, dependent on the product grade. The yarns are run through a weaving and knitting loom
to produce the finished woven geotextile.
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 Huesker Geosynthetic GmbH has been assessed and registered as meeting the
requirements of BS EN ISO 9001 : 2008 by TÜV Nord CERT GmbH (Certificate 04 10097 0084).

3 Delivery and site handling

3.1 The product is supplied in rolls (on a tube approximately 115 mm diameter) in standard widths of five metres and
lengths of fabric as shown in Table 1.

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3.2 Each roll is wrapped individually in black polythene. The rolls are labelled with the product type, polymer types,
roll width/length/weight and a unique roll number (see Figure 2). The product type is printed over the full length of the
geotextile material at approximately one metre intervals.

Figure 2 Stabilenka geotextile label

3.3 Care must be taken during off loading, handling and storage. Detailed instructions for offloading and handling
the products are provided by the Certificate holder.
3.4 Rolls must be stored away from site traffic on a level, dry, clean and well-drained surface and can be laid parallel
on top of each other to a maximum height of four rolls.
3.5 It is recommended that the rolls are covered with a tarpaulin, or similar, to provide additional protection against
UV-light. Packaging should only be removed immediately before installation.

Assessment and Technical Investigations

The following is a summary of the assessment and technical investigations carried out on Stabilenka Geotextiles.

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, Stabilenka Geotextiles are satisfactory for use as basal reinforcement of embankment
foundations where the following foundation conditions exist:
• soft foundation soils
• piled foundations
• areas prone to subsidence.
4.2 The Certificate does not cover the use of the geotextiles within the foundation zone of a building.
4.3 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.
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4.4 The construction drawings should show the correct orientation of the geotextile.
4.5 Typical sectional and plan views of structures incorporating the products for basal reinforcement are shown in
Figure 3.
Figure 3 Typical basal reinforcement applications

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 geotextiles
6.2 In accordance with the methodology set out in BS 8006-1 : 2010, Annex 3, the design strength of the
reinforcement (TD) is calculated as:
• for ultimate limit state (ULS): TD(ULS) = TCR/fn.fm
• for serviceability limit state (SLS): TD(SLS) = TCS/fm
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 used 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 Stabilenka geotextile
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 geotextile are determined as described in section 7.6 of this Certificate.
6.5 The material safety factor fm used in determining TD in both cases 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.

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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/geotextile interaction
6.7 For the purposes of checking direct sliding and pull out resistance, the friction coefficient (α’ = tanδ’/tanϕ) for the
geotextiles covered by this Certificate may be taken conservatively as 0.70. Enhanced values of δ’ may be justified, by
carrying out soil and site-specific pull-out tests in accordance with BS EN 13738 : 2004.
Fill material
6.8 Fill materials must meet the requirements of BS 8006-1 : 2010.

7 Mechanical properties
Short-term tensile strength and strain
7.1 The characteristic short-term tensile strength and the elongation at maximum load for each product grade are
given in Table 2.
7.2 A typical short-term stress/strain curve is shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4 Typical short-term stress/strain curve

stress/strain curve
Stabilenka
100

90

80

70

60
stress ratio in % of UTS

50

40

30

20

10

0
0 2 4 6 8 10

elongation in %

Tensile strength — long-term

7.3 The long-term creep performance of the geotextiles has been determined in accordance with the principles of
PD ISO/TR 20432 : 2007 using conventional data up to 10,000 hours and stepped isothermal method (SIM) creep
rupture test data up to 106 hours. The resultant creep rupture diagram is shown in Figure 5.

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 Figure 5 Regression line for life expectancy at constant stress defined by percentage of
characteristic short-term tensile strength at 20°C

Regression line for time to failure at constant stress at 20°C

90
Tensile strength (% of short-term characteristic tensile strength)
85

80

75

70

65

60

55

50
0.00 0.01 0.10 1.00 10.00 60 100.00 1000.00
years
Time (years)

7.4 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 3.

Table 3 Long-term creep reduction factors for a design

temperature of 20°C
Design life (yrs) RFCR
120 1.52
60 1.50
20 1.47
10 1.45

Serviceability limit strain

7 5 Detailed guidance on maximum allowable serviceability limit state creep strains in 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 may be reduced to typically less than 3%.
• For pile foundations, the initial tensile strain in the reinforcement is needed to generate a tensile load. A practical
upper limit of 6% strain should therefore be imposed to ensure all embankment loads are transferred to the piles.
• For shallow embankments, the choice of suitable reinforcement may be dominated by tensile stiffness considerations
rather than tensile load. The upper strain limit may therefore have to be reduced to prevent differential movements at
the surface of the embankment. Typically a lower strain limit of 3% is adopted during design in these cases.
7.6 The isochronous curves for the product range covered by this Certificate are given in Figure 6 for a design
temperature of 20°C and may be used to determine the maximum allowable tensile load TCS for a given design life,
and limiting strain value (εmax).

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 Figure 6 Isochronous curves

Stabilenka PET Isochronous Curves

100

90

80

70

short term
Tensile force (% UTS)

60
2 min

1 day
50

1 month

40
1 year

10 years
30
114 years

20

10

9
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

strain (%)

Reduction factor for installation damage

7.7 To allow for loss of strength due to mechanical damage sustained during installation, the appropriate reduction
factor (RFID) should be selected from Table 4. These reduction factors have been established from full-scale installation
damage tests using a range of materials. For soils not covered by Table 6, appropriate values of RFID may be
determined from site-specific trials or the engineer responsible for design of the project may exercise engineering
judgment to interpolate between the values given.

Table 4 Reduction factors for installation damage (RFID )

Type Grade Reduction factor (RFID)
Sand Sandy Gravel Coarse fill
d50 (mm) <1 1  d50  10 (mm) d50 > 10 (mm)

Mono- axial 150/45 1.20 1.30 Measurement required

200/45 1.15 1.20 1.60
300/45 1.15 1.20 1.60
400/50 1.10 1.14 1.54
600/50 1.10 1.10 1.30
800/100 1.10 1.10 1.30
1000/100 1.10 1.10 1.10
1200/100 1.10 1.10 1.10
1400/100 1.10 1.10 1.10
1500/100 1.10 1.10 1.10

Bi-axial 120/120 1.20 1.30 Measurement required

150/150 1.20 1.30 Measurement required
200/200 1.20 1.20 1.60

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8 Effects of environmental conditions
Weathering (including exposure to sunlight)
8.1 The products have adequate resistance to weathering and exposure to sunlight, when protected in accordance
with the recommendations of this Certificate. Provided the product is covered within two weeks and remains protected
from sun light a reduction factor (RFW) of 1.25 may be used for design. A reduction factor (RFW) of 1.00 may be used
where the product is covered within 1 day.
Chemical/environmental effects
8.2 The product has adequate resistance to hydrolysis for soil environments typically encountered in the United Kingdom.
8.3 The product is highly resistant to microbiological attack.
8.4 For a design life of up to 120 years, a design temperature of 20°C and for soil environments with pH values
between 4.0 and 9.0 the reduction factors for chemical/environmental effects (RFCH) for Stabilenkla products given in
Table 5 may be used.
Table 5 Reduction factor (RFCH )
Design life (years) RFCH
25 1.03
60 1.07
120 1.14

9 Factor of safety for extrapolation of data (fs)

9.1 For Stabilenka Geotextiles, the factor of safety for the extrapolation of data (fs), for a design life of up to 120 years
and a design temperature of 20°C, has been determined in accordance with PD ISO/TR 20432 : 2007 and is
shown in Table 6.
Table 6 Factor of safety for extarolation of data (fs )
Factor Data Value

fs Factor of safety for extrapolation 1.17

9.2 The R1 and R2 components used for determination of fs are shown in Table 7.

Table 7 R1 and R2 components

Factor Data Value
R1 Extrapolation of creep rupture 1.15
R2 Extrapolation of chemical effect 1.09

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

11 Durability
Stabilenka geotextiles will have adequate durability for a design life of up to 120 years when used and installed in
accordance with the provisions of this Certificate.

Installation
12 General
12.1 Installation of Stabilenka geotextiles 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 Formation levels must be levelled and compacted and must be free of building residues and sharp objects such
as large stones, roots or stumps.
12.3 The geotextile must be covered with soil within the timescales specified in the design specification for the project
(see Section 8.1).

13 Procedure
13.1 The geotextile fabric is unrolled over the area to be reinforced/stabilised and cut to length with a knife, scissors
or heat cutter.
13.2 The fabric is unrolled with its longitudinal direction, which is generally the direction with the higher tensile
strength (primary reinforcing direction) parallel to the stress direction. It must be placed free of folds and evenly with a
maximum deviation of ± 10 mm over a one metre length. Before applying the backfill, the fabric is pulled straight to
remove any folds or wrinkles.

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13.3 The fabric must not be jointed in the primary reinforcing direction when used in supporting structures. If a
longditinal overlap cannot be avoided, then the overlap length must be confirmed by design calculations by a qualified
and experienced individual responsible for the design of the project.
13.4 Construction equipment must not be driven directly over the fabric prior to covering with soil. It may only be
driven over after a compacted lift of 0.15 metre thickness has been spread.
13.5 The thickness of a lift should be matched to the backfill material and compaction equipment, but must not exceed
a maximum of 0.5 metre. The backfill should be compacted carefully and evenly so that the required minimum degree
of compaction is achieved.
13.6 Termination of product at outer faces of embankment shoud be in accordance with the details shown on project
design drawings and in accordance with the guidance given in BS 8006-1 : 2010.

Technical Investigations
14 Investigations
14.1 The manufacturing process of the product was examined, including the methods adopted for quality control, and
details were obtained of the quality and composition of the materials used.
14.2 An examination was made of data relating to:
• evaluation of long- and short-term tensile properties
• evaluation of long- and short-term load/strain characteristics
• resistance to damage caused during installation
• resistance to ultraviolet light
• resistance to hydrolysis
• resistance to microbial attack
• assessment of material safety factors
• coefficient of friction between Stabilenka geotextiles and the fill.

Bibliography
BS 8006-1 : 2010 Code of practice for strengthened/reinforced soils and other fills
BS EN 12224 : 2000 Geotextile and geotextile-related products — Determination of the resistance to weathering
BS EN 12225 : 2000 Geotextile and geotextile-related products — Method for determining the microbiological
resistance by a soil burial test
BS EN 12447 : 2001 Geotextiles and geotextile-related products — Screening test method for determining the
resistance to hydrolysis in water
BS EN 13251 : 2001 Geotextiles and geotextile-related products — Characteristics required for use in earthworks,
foundations and retaining structures
BS EN 13738 : 2004 Geotextiles and geotextile-related products — Determination of pullout resistance in soil
BS EN 14475 : 2006 Execution of special geotechnical works — Reinforced fill
BS EN 9001 : 2008 Quality management systems — Requirements
BS EN ISO 10319 : 2008 Geosynthetics — Wide–width tensile test
PD ISO/TR 20432 : 2007 Guidelines for the determination of the long-term strength of geosynthetics for soil
reinforcement

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 Conditions of Certification
15 Conditions
15.1 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.
15.2 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.
15.3 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.
15.4 The BBA has used due skill, care and diligence in preparing this Certificate, but no warranty is provided.
15.5 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.
15.6 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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