BS EN 16994 is the European standard on geosynthetic barriers that describe characteristics relevant to the intended use and if tested to the specified method.
BS EN 16994 specifies the characteristics of clay geosynthetic barriers (GBR-C) as well as multicomponent geosynthetic clay barriers (e.g. a GBR-C with a polymeric or bituminous geosynthetic barrier attached to it) when used as fluid barriers and separation layer in the construction of underground structures (other than tunnels and associated structures), and the appropriate test methods to determine these characteristics.
If in a multicomponent GBR-C, the GBR-P or GBR-B is the predominant hydraulic barrier then the appropriate standard should be used.
The intended use of these products is to control the leakage of fluid through the construction wall.
BS EN 16994 provides the assessment and verification of constancy of performance (AVCP) of the product including factory production control procedures.
NOTE: BS EN 16994 is not applicable to geotextiles or geotextile-related products.
NOTE: BS EN 16994 does not cover applications where the geosynthetic barrier is to be in contact with water that has been treated for human consumption.
BS EN 16994 on geosynthetics is useful for:
A geosynthetic barrier is a barrier with at least one of whose components is made from a synthetic or natural polymer, in the form of a sheet, a strip or a three-dimensional structure, used in contact with soil and/or other materials in geotechnical and civil engineering applications.
BS EN 16994 navigates you through the characteristics and corresponding methods of testing geosynthetic barriers used in the construction of underground structures to prevent or reduce the flow of fluid through the structure.
BS EN 16994 specifies the physical and mechanical properties of geosynthetic materials, as well as the test techniques for determining them.
Assessment and verification of constancy of performance (AVCP) on the compliance of geosynthetic barriers for use in the construction of underground structures are given in BS EN 16994.
BS EN 16994 provides guidance on the factory production control (FPC) system to ensure that the products placed on the market comply with the declared performance of the essential characteristics.
Overall, BS EN 16994 instructs you on the features of geosynthetic materials that prevent leakages and ensure the longevity of geosynthetic barriers used in underground structures construction for the satisfactory performance of barrier systems.
In this way, geosynthetic materials can be used to function efficiently, ensuring flexibility, mechanical strength, frost and heat resistance, availability through industrial manufacturing, and ease of workability, resulting in the long-term performance of underground structures.
EN 16994:2018