A Study on the Long-Term Tensile Strength Properties of the Geotextile Tubes

This study examines the tensile behavior of both plain and seamed geotextiles. Samples were taken from two geotextile tube test beds, one made of composite materials and the other of woven materials, constructed in 2013 and 2016, respectively, in the Saemangeum reclaimed area. These test tubes have been exposed to marine conditions and sunlight for 10 and 8 years, respectively. Based on sunlight exposure, samples of plain and seamed geotextiles were collected from both exposed (top) and non-exposed (bottom) locations. The tensile strength–strain curves, strength degradation, and seam efficiencies of the original samples were compared with those exposed to marine environments and sunlight for 8–10 years. Geotextile tubes have been found to function normally even after being exposed to seawater and sunlight for 8–10 years, with sunlight being identified as the most significant factor affecting long-term tensile strength. The influence of seawater on tensile behavior is minimal, and it was observed that the tensile strength of the seam after 8–10 years is only about 10–19% of the initial plain tensile strength. Nevertheless, the tubes operate without failure, suggesting that the earth pressure acting on stabilized geotextile tubes is relatively low. These findings offer valuable insight into the long-term durability of geotextiles tubes under harsh environmental conditions and serve as a reference for future applications.