Analysis of the maximum reinforcement loads of four MSE walls compared to the values predicted by the AASHTO 2020 specification Keli Bohrer, Delma Vidal E3s Web of Conferences, 2024 Mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) systems are a well-known and applicable solution for retaining walls, that presents a composite structure consisting of layers of backfill soil with rigid or flexible reinforcement inclusions. The stability of the wall system is derived from the interaction between the backfill and soil reinforcements involving friction and tension. The wall facing has as its main function to prevent erosion of the structural backfill. The design of MSE walls is usually divided in two phases: external and internal stability. Although there are many methods to design MSE walls, the Coherent Gravity Method is the most common used for MSE walls reinforced with inextensible (steel) reinforcements, the Simplified Method for both steel and geosynthetics reinforced wall systems and the new one included in 2020, Stiffness Method, to calculate the maximum reinforcement loads, Tmax, for extensible (geosynthetics) reinforced MSE walls (all these methods are outlined in Section 11 of the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications 2020) . The main objective of this paper is to carry out the analysis of the 3 methods available at AASHTO and compare the results from full-scale MSE walls and the predicted Tmax values.
Natural weathering effects of nonwoven geotextile exposed to different climate conditions J. L. E. Dias Filho, J. L. Silva, C. A. Valentin, M. P. Fleury, M. A. Aparicio-Ardila, et al. Geosynthetics International, 2024 Humidity, air temperature, rainfall and solar radiation all contribute to the weathering of geosynthetics. Over time, their useful life can be affected and changes in properties can be observed, which affects the performance of these materials. As geosynthetics durability analyses must encompass each work condition, assessing the climate effects is essential for design purposes. This study exposed a nonwoven needle-punched poly(ethylene) terephthalate geotextile to natural weathering in three Brazilian cities (different exogenous environments) for 18 months. Mechanical tests were conducted to evaluate the geotextile changes due to weathering. This was demonstrated by the results: exposure to weather leads to the deterioration of the geotextile mechanical properties and increased stiffness. After four months, the tensile strength fell by half, while the deformation needed more than 12 months to have this same reduction; ultraviolet radiation intensity was the most effective weathering condition in the field; humidity and rainfall can affect the stiffness of geotextiles; the impact of accumulated climate factors gradually showed a convergence in the response of geotextile to weathering. Thus, this work highlights the need to evaluate the climate conditions in each location to understand the material's behavior on the exposure time.
Application of polyelectrolytes for improving the dewatering performance of drinking water treatment sludge using geotextiles Livia Luiza de Souza Avancini, Matheus Muller, Delma de Mattos Vidal Revista Ambiente E Agua, 2021 The sludge generated at drinking water treatment plants (WTPs) is a high-moisture content residue, and therefore difficult to handle, transport, dispose of or recover. During the last decades, geotextile tubes have been successfully applied to reduce the residue volume, facilitate its handling and subsequent reuse. This study aimed to understand the factors that interfere in the filtration and dewatering efficiencies and to experimentally analyze the dewatering process of WTPs sludge, evaluating different test procedures and investigating the influence of the type and dosage of polymeric additives on dewatering performance. Geotextile cone dewatering tests and geotextile bag dewatering tests were performed, using four different woven geotextile samples and an aluminum sulfate WTP sludge sample. The results showed that the use of geotextile cone dewatering tests for geotextile selection and for additive selection and dosage was representative for the dewatering process intended, reflecting the results verified in the geotextile bag dewatering tests. Sludge chemical conditioning increased dewatering rate and solids retention during the tests’ early stages, but it did not result in a higher final solids content sludge cake.
 Keywords: dewatering systems, geosynthetics, waste management.
Influence of sand addition in the early stage retention of fine sludge dewatering by geotextile Gabriel Luis Anibal de Oliveira, Delma De Mattos Vidal Revista Ambiente E Agua, 2020 The need to investigate viable methods to facilitate correct disposal of high-water content waste is immediate in the scenario of water source degradation. In this context, Closed Geotextile Systems (CGS) have shown promise for dewatering a variety of high water-content sediments, aiming to reduce the waste final volume, encapsulating particles, and at the same time allowing fluid drainage. Especially in Water Treatment Plants, the geotextiles generally employed in these systems have good tensile strength and rigidity to support mechanical solicitations and hydraulic properties that warrant good drainage conditions. In these applications, the geotextile element should assure the waste confinement and retention of some particles that will form a filter cake which will control internal flow conditions. The present work investigated how small portions of sand influence fine-particle retention. The sludge used consisted of a mixture of filtered water with two well-defined fractions of ground quartz: FG, a silt and CG, a fine sand. The results show that small amounts of sand are capable of leading to the formation of a pre-filter, even if the maximum diameter of the fine particles is much less than the geotextile filtration opening size. The test results indicate that the retention efficiency gradually increases as CG increases in the solution, up to a fraction of CG close to 14%, which represents only 0.7% of the total solution mass. The increase in particle retention was directly proportional to the increase in the GC fraction until reaching the filtration efficiency of approximately 72% where it stabilizes.
Geogrid pull-out modelling using DEM Marcus Guadagnin Moravia, Pascal Villard, Delma De Mattos Vidal E3s Web of Conferences, 2019 With the advancement of the use of synthetic reinforcements in geotechnics, a greater understanding of the mechanisms involved in soil-reinforcement interaction is the focus of major research centres on the subject. The topic of this study is the shearing behaviour at interfaces between granular materials and geogrids. The main objective is to provide a more fundamental understanding of some micromechanisms present in this type of interface, which in turn are important to optimize the design of such reinforcement. The numerical modelling of these reinforced structures must deal with the complexity of the material-reinforcement interaction problem; therefore, it requires specific numerical models whose formulations admit localized behaviours in the contacts as well as the granular nature of the material (e.g., soil, gravel, ballast). A robust and flexible way of modelling this problem is through the Discrete Element Method (DEM). The DEM proposes to model this granular nature by representing the soil as interacting constituent particles, whose behaviour is ruled by physical laws defined at the contact points. The numerical approach is desirable since it allows, in an articulated and relatively fast way, studying closely different regions of the interface, in order to identify factors and variables that are important for the problem. The purpose involves the DEM for a 3D modelling of a geogrid pull-out test to calculate the magnitude of forces in different elements of the geogrid (i.e., nodes, longitudinal and transverse members). Preparation of numerical samples has a particular importance in the final results of simulations. Thus, the numerical techniques used to obtain better geometry for the geogrid and a granular assembly with a representative grain rolling effect are also presented in this paper.
A new image-based technique for measuring pore size distribution of nonwoven geotextiles R. A. e Silva, R. G. Negri, D. de Mattos Vidal Geosynthetics International, 2019 The use of digital images to evaluate geotextile characteristics has appeared in the scientific literature, particularly for estimating the pore size distribution (PSD) of nonwoven geotextiles used...
Intervenience of reinforcement in railway ballast with load of high traffic Luiz Gustavo Paulo Oran, Delma Mattos Vidal, José Souza Romero, Kledermon Garcia, Elizeu Nascimento Filho Geotecnia, 2019 Os lastros constituintes da superestrutura de vias permanentes, quando submetidos a cargas cíclicas de alta intensidade e frequência, sofrem desgaste rápido em sua estrutura portante. Os desguarnecimentos e nivelamentos dos lastros demandam grandes volumes por quilômetro devido à sua degradação. Seus ombros e altura mínimos de construção definem contornos de seções com largas bases de brita. Devido a isso, o desgaste do particulado e seus custos de manutenção inflam o orçamento das ferrovias. Com esse mote, escolheu-se aqui caminhar por um itinerário investigativo cujo paradigma tem seu cerne no conceito de confinamento e seus efeitos sobre o Módulo de Resiliência do lastro. A pesquisa se manteve nos efeitos práticos de reforços por geogrelhas aplicado dentro do corpo do lastro e não na interface com a camada subjacente. Nesse trabalho atingiu-se o objetivo proposto de levantar parâmetros diretivos para orientar ensaios de desempenho de reforços e possibilitar a melhor compreensão das causalidades decorrentes das propriedades específicas das geogrelhas como abertura da malha e rigidez dos elementos, bem como correlacionar o efeito da cota de posicionamento do reforço e os efeitos sobre o grau de confinamento gerado.
A review of theoretical methods for quantifying the number of constrictions in nonwoven geotextile filters 11th International Conference on Geosynthetics 2018 Icg 2018, 2018
Influence of water treatment plant sludge characteristics on its dewaterability in geotextile closed systems 11th International Conference on Geosynthetics 2018 Icg 2018, 2018
Reinforced walls - Effect of the distance between reinforcements on reduced models 11th International Conference on Geosynthetics 2018 Icg 2018, 2018
Construction methodology and dimensioning of silt fences: Scientific, normative and laboratorial review 11th International Conference on Geosynthetics 2018 Icg 2018, 2018
Unsaturated flow behavior of leak-detection systems with geonets 10th International Conference on Geosynthetics Icg 2014, 2014
Some aspects of the durability testing for geosynthetics exposed to climatic degradation agents 10th International Conference on Geosynthetics Icg 2014, 2014
Retention analysis of nonwoven geotextile filters during filtration of suspended solids 9th International Conference on Geosynthetics Geosynthetics Advanced Solutions for A Challenging World Icg 2010, 2010
Geosynthetics applied to base reinforcement - TBR and LCR parameters evaluation from a real field condition experiment 9th International Conference on Geosynthetics Geosynthetics Advanced Solutions for A Challenging World Icg 2010, 2010
Mechanical behavior of a PVC geosynthetic barrier exhumed from an industrial waste disposal trench 9th International Conference on Geosynthetics Geosynthetics Advanced Solutions for A Challenging World Icg 2010, 2010
Metallic mesh with geosynthetic retention strips for slope protection against superficial erosion 9th International Conference on Geosynthetics Geosynthetics Advanced Solutions for A Challenging World Icg 2010, 2010
Laboratory studies on geotextiles tube dewatering by pressure filtratio test in reduced model 9th International Conference on Geosynthetics Geosynthetics Advanced Solutions for A Challenging World Icg 2010, 2010
A rational design for textile filters: Retention criterion Solos E Rochas, 2006
Private communication consultancy towards the year 2000 British Telecommunications Engineering, 1990
RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Natural weathering effects of nonwoven geotextile exposed to different climate conditions JLE Dias Filho, JL Silva, CA Valentin, MP Fleury, MA Aparicio-Ardila, ... Geosynthetics International 32 (1), 169-179 , 2025 2025 Citations: 7
Evaluation of the hydraulic behavior of hydrophilic and hydrophobic geotextiles under hydrostatic pressure test LC Rodrigues, DM Vidal Geosynthetics: Leading the Way to a Resilient Planet, 1603-1609 , 2023 2023 Citations: 1
Influence of lateral restriction on bags for dewatering sludge of water treatment plants M Müller, D Vidal, GA Oliveira Geosynthetics: Leading the Way to a Resilient Planet, 1581-1587 , 2023 2023
Sludge dewatering with geotextile refill in a draining container: case study in a water treatment plant M Müller, D Vidal, EA Guanaes, MR de Freitas REVISTA DELOS 16 (45), 1732-1747 , 2023 2023
Comparativo de desaguamento em ensaio piloto entre bolsas geotêxteis com e sem drenagem vertical M Müller, D Vidal, EA Guanaes, MR de Freitas REVISTA DELOS 16 (45), 1721-1731 , 2023 2023
Guest Editorial for the Special Issue on “Geosynthetics in Mining” J Lins da Silva, D de Mattos Vidal International Journal of Geosynthetics and Ground Engineering 9 (1), 13 , 2023 2023
Installation damage of a geogrid employed for stabilization in a mining area DO Tschöke, D de Mattos Vidal, CAT do Carmo International Journal of Geosynthetics and Ground Engineering 9 (1), 10 , 2023 2023 Citations: 5
Uni and bi-directional dewatering behaviour of open geotextile containers used for filtration of waste slurries RA e Silva, D Vidal Geotextiles and Geomembranes 50 (2), 347-356 , 2022 2022 Citations: 3
Application of polyelectrolytes for improving the dewatering performance of drinking water treatment sludge using geotextiles LLS Avancini, M Muller, DM Vidal Revista Ambiente & Água 16 (5), e2723 , 2021 2021 Citations: 2
Utilização de polieletrólitos para melhorar o desempenho de desaguamento de lodos de ETA em tubos geotêxteis LLS Avancini, M Muller, DM Vidal Revista Ambiente & Água 16, e2723 , 2021 2021
Coastal protection jetty with geotextile tubes core and artificial beach creation in Tocopilla, Chile M MÜLLER, E GUANAES, D VIDAL Huesker , 2021 2021
Geogrid-reinforced layer approach using DEM modeling MG Moravia Université Grenoble Alpes [2020-....]; Instituto tecnólogico de aeronáutica … , 2020 2020 Citations: 1
Approche MED du renforcement des sols granulaires par géogrilles MG Moravia Université Grenoble Alpes , 2020 2020
Influence of sand addition in the early stage retention of fine sludge dewatering by geotextile GLA Oliveira, DM Vidal Revista Ambiente & Água 15, e2527 , 2020 2020 Citations: 2
Influência das exposições aberta e fechada na durabilidade de geossintéticos sob intempéries Influence of the open and backed exposures on the geosynthetics’ durability by … MGA Guimarães, D de Carvalho Urashima, D de Mattos Vidal, ... Braz. J. of Develop 6 (6), 37031-37049 , 2020 2020 Citations: 1
Influência da adição de areia na retenção inicial do desaguamento de lodos finos por geotêxtil GLA Oliveira, DM Vidal Revista Ambiente & Água 15, e2527 , 2020 2020
Interveniência de reforço em lastro ferroviário sob carga de alto tráfego LGP Oran, DM Vidal, JS Romero, K Garcia, E Nascimento Filho Geotecnia, 29-41 , 2019 2019
A New Image-Based Technique for Measuring Pore Size Distribution of Nonwoven Geotextiles RA R. A. e Silva, RG Negri, D Mattos Vidal Geosynthetics International 26 (3), 261-272 , 2019 2019 Citations: 24
Geogrid pull-out modelling using DEM M Guadagnin Moravia, P Villard, D de Mattos Vidal E3S Web of Conferences 92, 13015 , 2019 2019 Citations: 4
Intervenience of reinforcement in railway ballast with load of high traffic LGP Oran, DM Vidal, JAS Romero, K Garcia, E Nascimento Filho, ... Geotecnia 145, 29-41 , 2019 2019 Citations: 5
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Degradation of polypropylene woven geotextile: tensile creep and weathering D Guimarães, M.G.A., de Mattos Vidal, D., De Carvalho Urashima Geosynthetics International jgein.16.00029 , 2017 2017 Citations: 40
Dewatering of sludge from a water treatment plant in geotextile closed systems MGA GUIMARAES, DC URASHIMA, DM VIDAL Geosynthetics International 21, 310-320 , 2014 2014 Citations: 37
A New Image-Based Technique for Measuring Pore Size Distribution of Nonwoven Geotextiles RA R. A. e Silva, RG Negri, D Mattos Vidal Geosynthetics International 26 (3), 261-272 , 2019 2019 Citations: 24
Geotextile filter design by probabilistic analysis DC Urashima, DM Vidal Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Geosynthetics, Atlanta … , 1998 1998 Citations: 19
Performance of two geotextile reinforced soil slopes M Ehrlich, D Vidal, PA Carvalho Proceedings of International Symposium on Recent Developments in Soil and … , 1997 1997 Citations: 15
Interaçao solo-reforço e mecanismos de ruptura em solos reforçados com geotêxteis RC Gomes Universidade de São Paulo , 1993 1993 Citations: 14
Dimensionamento de filtros e drenos em geossintéticos D Vidal, DC Urashima Proc. Simpósio Sul-Americano de Geossintéticos, CD-ROM, Rio de Janeiro , 1999 1999 Citations: 10
Natural weathering effects of nonwoven geotextile exposed to different climate conditions JLE Dias Filho, JL Silva, CA Valentin, MP Fleury, MA Aparicio-Ardila, ... Geosynthetics International 32 (1), 169-179 , 2025 2025 Citations: 7
Numerical tools for geosynthetic reinforced walls design: a performance assessment on basis of laboratory-scale models results PI Queiroz, N Batista, CT Santos, D Vidal, RC Gomes 8th International conference on Geosynthetics, 1335-1338 , 2006 2006 Citations: 7
Analysis of filtration systems by probabilistic theory and simulation methods D Urashima, D Vidal 7th International Geosynthetics Conference - State of the Arts, 1115-1118 , 2002 2002 Citations: 7
O conceito de fatores de redução aplicados às propriedades dos geossintéticos DM Vidal, TW Fabrin, FT Montez 1º SSAG-Simp Sul Americano de Geos./3SBG-3º Simp. Bras. de Geossintéticos … , 1999 1999 Citations: 7
Comparison between open and closed system for dewatering with geotextile: Field and comparative study M Müller, D Vidal Int. J. Civ. Environ. Eng 13, 634-639 , 2019 2019 Citations: 6
Filtering systems particles retention analysis by probabilistic theory and simulation DC Urashima, D Vidal GEOFILTERS 3rd Internation al Conference on Filters and Filtration Phenomena … , 2000 2000 Citations: 6
Installation damage of a geogrid employed for stabilization in a mining area DO Tschöke, D de Mattos Vidal, CAT do Carmo International Journal of Geosynthetics and Ground Engineering 9 (1), 10 , 2023 2023 Citations: 5
Intervenience of reinforcement in railway ballast with load of high traffic LGP Oran, DM Vidal, JAS Romero, K Garcia, E Nascimento Filho, ... Geotecnia 145, 29-41 , 2019 2019 Citations: 5
Fatores de influência no comportamento de camadas anti-reflexão de trincas com geossintéticos. F Wickert 2003 Citations: 5
A study about geosynthetic-reinforced foundation TW Fabrin, DM Vidal, A Faleiros Proceedings of the Second European Geosynthetics Conference, Bologna, Italy, 311 , 2000 2000 Citations: 5
Propriedades hidráulicas dos geotê xteis DM Vidal, CC Righetti VI CBGE, IX COBRAMSEF, Salvador, 589-596 , 1990 1990 Citations: 5
Geotê xtil: Propriedades e Ensaios DM Vidal Manual té cnico geotê xtil Bidim, 1-31 , 1990 1990 Citations: 5
Geogrid pull-out modelling using DEM M Guadagnin Moravia, P Villard, D de Mattos Vidal E3S Web of Conferences 92, 13015 , 2019 2019 Citations: 4