While developing a Neoloy®-based geocell unlike any other, PRS also set a new range of standards to measure the its performance, as the general industry standards are outdated.
Together with experts in geosynthetics (TRI, GRI, ASTM), PRS adopted new test methods for geocells, based on widely-accepted testing methods for polymer plastics in other industries. In addition to conventional seam weld and tensile strength properties, the advanced test methods utilized by PRS predict long-term behavior and accumulated plastic strain in a geosynthetic under loading with different mechanical stresses, frequencies and temperatures. These methods include:
- TMA – Thermo-Mechanical Analysis
- DMA – Dynamic Mechanical Analysis
- SIM – Stepped Isothermal Method
- CTE – Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
- DSC – Differential Scanning Calorimetry
These test methods more accurately reflect 3D geocell geometry and material performance in the field rather than tests of individual strips and virgin materials. Although not yet adopted by the geocell industry these commonly used ASTM/ISO standards have been adopted by PRS for reliable and verifiable assessment of geocell properties and long-term performance.