Creep Lifetime Prediction of Composite Geogrids using Stepped Isothermal Method

The creep behavior of newly developed composite geogrids which consists of PET yarns sheathed in PP were evaluated using SIM. For the SIM procedure, three test parameters, the applied loads, temperature steps and number of ribs were investigated, The study confirmed that temperature steps of 10 and 14$^{\circ}C$ up to 80$^{\circ}C$ are applicable for composite geogrids due to the different transition temperatures between two materials. At applied loads of 40 and 50%, only primary creep state was measured, while secondary creep state appeared at the applied loads of 60%, The lifetimes of composite geogrids were estimated at each of loading level using statistical reliability analysis technique. The results show that the lifetimes longer than 100 years can be predicted within 16 hours. Therefore, SIM is very effective and economical accelerated creep test methods, especially for lifetime prediction. This gives guidelines for users to select the appropriate factor of safety against creep considering the field condition within shorter test times.