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This practice covers recommendations for installing buried geocomposite drains used in highway edgedrains, underdrains, and other pavement drainage applications. It aligns with Specification D7001 and provides guidelines to minimize installation-caused deformation or damage while ensuring long-term performance. All values in SI units are regarded as the standard, with inch-pound units provided for reference only. Due to diverse product designs and variable ground conditions, achieving satisfactory performance may require review and modification by the engineer to meet specific project requirements.
Proper installation depends on adherence to key ASTM standards for soil characterization and compaction. The following table summarizes essential parameters and referenced methods:
| 🟦 Parameter | 📏 Specification/Value | 📐 Reference Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Compaction Effort | 12,400 ft-lbf/ft³ (600 kN-m/m³) | D698 (Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction) |
| Soil Classification | Unified System: GW, GP, GM, SW, SP, SM | D2487 (Practice for Classification of Soils) |
| Plasticity Index | Determined via Liquid Limit and Plastic Limit tests | D4318 (Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit) |
| Underground Installation Practices | General guidelines for gravity-flow applications | D2321 (Practice for Underground Installation of Thermoplastic Pipe) |
While this practice does not set compressibility or hydraulic performance criteria, it emphasizes procedures that preserve the geocomposite drain’s integrity. Appendix X1 of the standard provides a commentary on product performance and installation factors critical for long-term success. Engineers should integrate these guidelines with project-specific conditions to ensure the drain meets the owner’s established criteria over its designed life.
This standard provides installation recommendations for geocomposite pavement drains in highway edgedrains, underdrains, and similar applications, focusing on minimizing damage during installation and ensuring stable long-term performance.
The standard references the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) per D2487, listing soil types such as GW, GP, GM, SW, SP, and SM for proper drainage and compaction.
Per D698, the standard compaction effort is 12,400 ft-lbf/ft³ (600 kN-m/m³), applied for laboratory characterization of soils used in pavement drain installations.
Due to variations in product designs and natural ground conditions, the standard recommends that an engineer evaluate and modify the provisions to guarantee satisfactory performance for each unique project.