5.1 The ability to maintain design function (for example, reinforcement, separation, barrier, etc.) or design properties (for example, tensile strength, chemical resistance, etc.), or both, of a geosynthetic may be affected by damage to the physical structure of the geosynthetic due to the rigors of field installation. The effect of damage may be assessed by analyzing specimens cut from sample(s) retrieved after installation in a representative test section. Analysis may be performed with visual examination or laboratory testing of specimens from the control sample(s), and from the exhumed sample(s).
5.2 A uniform practice for installing and retrieving representative sample(s) from a test section is needed to assess installation damage using project-specific or generally accepted, representative materials and procedures. Damage of a specific grade and type of geosynthetic under specific installation procedures may be assessed with sample(s) exhumed from a full-scale test section.