DOST agency to test quality of geotextiles

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has signed an agreement with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the testing of geotextiles used in various civil engineering applications, including roads, embankments, canals and dams.

PTRI director Carlos Tomboc said his agency has received a DOST grant worth P37.5 million for the upgrading of its geotextitle testing facility and acquisition of other equipment.

Tomboc said the new facilities include the P5.6-million Zwick/Roell universal testing machine, which is used in determining the tensile properties of geotextiles.

“These equipment are capable of testing the breaking load and tensile strength properties of geosynthetics and geotextiles,” Tomboc said.

He said the Bureau of Research and Standards of the DPWH does not have the technical capability to conduct tests on geosynthetics and geotextiles and recognizes the capability of the PTRI to conduct local testing for the quality assurance of these products for use in construction.

“The PTRI was designated as the official testing center of the DPWH on geotextiles,” Tomboc said, adding the agency has the available testing facilities, personnel and expertise for the quality evaluation of geotextiles and textile-related construction materials.

Geotextiles, the byproduct of copra, are used to hold the soil together to prevent erosion.

Coco fibers have many end-products, including ropes, door mats, and cushions for upholstery.

However, the “coconet” is seen to be the most promising because of its high demand in the local and foreign markets.

The coconet has made a significant contribution to the preservation of the environment, as it is being used to cover highly eroded or erosion-susceptible areas.