Stressing of geosynthetics during installation and construction on site: Installation of geosynthetics in waterways

Very often the placing of a geosynthetic product and the construction steps which immediately follow incorporate the strongest load this product will meet during its lifetime. In hydraulic and waterway engineering, heavy machinery and large construction elements are normally used, so extraordinary loads are nearly inevitable, even when all work is done with great care. Examples of possible loading states during installation are presented and some advice is given on how to avoid or reduce them.