Test Methods and Specifications

Cover of Geosynthetic Reinforcement
Geosynthetic Reinforcement
  • Publication no: ATS-2170-25
  • Published: 9 December 2025
  • Edition: 1.0

Austroads Technical Specification ATS 2170 sets out the requirements for the supply and installation of geosynthetic reinforcement, which is used in applications such as:

  • a) embankment basal reinforcement (for example, embankments over soft ground);
  • b) piled embankments with basal reinforcement; and
  • c) reinforcing of embankments with a batter slope ≤ 70° from horizontal.

ATS 2170 only applies to high strength geosynthetic products, which may include geogrids, straps and woven products.

ATS 2170 does not cover any of the following:

  • a) geosynthetic reinforcement for reinforced soil structures (refer to ATS 5120);
  • b) geotextiles used as separation and/or filtration elements in earthworks construction (refer to ATS 2160); and
  • c) geotextiles used in pavement construction.

This technical specification can also be downloaded as a Word document.

  • 1. Scope
  • 2. Referenced Documents
  • 3. Definitions
    • Symbols
  • 4. Quality System Requirements
  • 5. Constituent Materials
    • General
    • Chemical Composition
    • Reinforcement Types and Properties
    • Short-term Tensile Test
  • 6. Selected Material in Contact with the Geosynthetic Reinforcement
  • 7. Design Strength Requirements
  • 8. Packaging, Storage and Delivery
  • 9. Sampling, Testing and Acceptance
  • 10. Installation
    • General
    • Filling over Installed Reinforcement
  • Annexure A Summary of Hold Points, Witness Points and Records