Soil Reinforcement

TenCate Geosynthetics North America has developed a patented, woven geosynthetic for soil stabilization and base course reinforcement applications when differential settlement occurs due to heaving in the subgrade soils. TenCate Mirafi® H2Ri is a wicking geosynthetic created from high-tenacity polypropylene filaments and wicking filaments formed into an innovative weave to provide superior reinforcement strength and soil interaction integrated with high soil retention and wicking capabilities. Read more in the release.

The bienniel Geosynthetics conference series continues 1-4 April 2013 in Long Beach, California. This event will be co-located with the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) annual Southwest Geotechnical Engineers Conference and the Geosynthetic Institute's (GSI) 25th Geosynthetic Research Institute conference (GRI–25). Geosynthetics 2013 has issued a call for proposals for short courses, panel discussions, and technical papers. Deadline for submission: 1 February 2012.

NAUE America has announced the appointment of Paul O'Malley as President of NAUE America, effective 1 January 2012. In the United States, the international manufacturer specializes its business around Secugrid® and Combigrid® geogrids for reinforcement utilization in applications such as road construction, wind farm development, retaining walls and soil stabilization. O'Malley is a veteran of the construction and engineering materials field, including numerous years involved in geosynthetics. Read more in the official release.

The Geosynthetic Certification Institute (GCI) has announced a NEW Inspector Certification Program (ICP) for Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) Walls, Berms and Slopes Using Geosynthetic Reinforcement. A 14 March 2012 one-day short course has been announced in support of this certification opportunity. The course shall be focused on the inspection, monitoring and maintenance of MSE walls, berms and slopes reinforced with geogrids and geotextiles. Read more from Jamie Koerner.

Tensar International Corporation, a leader in geosynthetic soil reinforcement and stabilization, has announced the launch of the new SpectraPave mobile application. The SpectraPave mobile application allows users in the field to quickly and accurately determine aggregate savings with the use of TriAx® Geogrid (TX140/TX160) for subgrade stabilization projects. The SpectraPave mobile application can be accessed with Internet connected devices on demand, at any time and from anywhere in the world. Read more.

In a 1 December 2011 release, the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) announced that it is postponing its IFAI Expo Asia 2012 event, originally scheduled to be held in late June 2012 at the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre. However, construction on the Suntec Center may not in fact be completed by June to ensure the full success of the event and the association cites the softness of the global economy as another primary reason for the event's postponement. Two geosynthetics sessions were to be held at the event.

Maccaferri now offers a biaxial geogrid. Manufactured in the United States and in accordance with USA regulations and standards, Maccaferri MacGrid® EG biaxial geogrids are a single layer product, which are produced of polypropylene (PP) using punched and drawn technology. The introduction of the MacGrid® EG biaxial geogrid series reinforces the company's commitment to superior quality and availability of geosynthetic products with improved technology.

The latest issue of Tensar's GEOTALK newsletter is now available. This issue includes case studies on the Port Mann/Highway 1 (PMH1) Improvement Project (British Colombia, Canada), a $500,000 cost reduction on a Michigan road rehab project, and a lake's restoration in Belleville, Wisconsin. Other articles focus on seasonal flood protection, the approval of key grade separation solutions, and Alabama Power's Hydromulch trials. Learn more here.;

A number of calls are closing shortly, as conference technical committees and companies finalize their 2012 agendas. In our latest update we look at five of them: EuroGeo 5 (November 30), Global Waste Management Symposium (December 1), World Bioenergy 2012 (December 1), Environmental Connection (December 16), and GeoManitoba 2012 (January 15).

For the week of November 28, ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics has announced a number of standards reapprovals and revisions. The latest includes specifications relating to geofoam, geocomposites, shear strength between segmental retaining wall block units, and short-term compression behavior. Read more.

The November 2011 issue of Railway Track and Structures includes an article from editor Mischa Wanek-Libman on the growing role of geogrid reinforcement in track construction. While the technologies are decades old, railway construction is utilizing the materials on a wider scale only now. Helping geogrid finally gain acceptance in this sector is the 2010 publication of a new geogrid information for users of AREMA specs. Learn more here.;

Titan Environmental Containment has announced it will now offer HUESKER's Canal3 Geocomposite Liner products. Canal³® is a unique geosynthetic barrier solution that combines containment and protection in a single material. A geosynthetic barrier layer is encapsulated between exceptionally durable nonwoven geotextiles. It's an easy, reliable and cost-effective canal lining solution. Learn more. Learn more here.;

In recognition of its commitment to protecting the environment in which it operates, Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) has won an Environmental Protection Award at the prestigious International Bulk Journal Awards 2011, held last week in Antwerp, Belgium. Rising 4m above the water, the Environmental Breakwater at Khalifa Port cuts down sea-swell, contamination and unnecessary temperature change from any projected port use. The breakwater is constructed with a foundation of core materials covered with a strong geotextile and heavy riprap.

The California High-Speed Rail Authority has received a $928.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, bringing the total amount of federal and state government money dedicated to high-speed rail projects in the state to more than $6 billion. CHRSA said it has sufficient funding to complete the 130-mile Central Valley line, a project that could create 100,000 jobs over five years. Learn more here.;

ASTM International Committee D35 on Geosynthetics has announced the new standard D7737, "Standard Test Method for Individual Geogrid Junction Strength." It is important to note that for this standard the test is performed in isolation, while in service a junction is typically confined. Thus, the results from this test method are not anticipated to be related to design performance. D7737-11 is published as part of ASTM BOS Volume 04.13. Learn more here.;

The Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia wanted to convert an unusable plot of land into a much needed drill field and shooting range complex. The site presented several challenges due to the changing grades and extensive rock blasting and fill areas. The retaining walls were built on a crushed gravel leveling pad and reached 34 feet high, extending over a quarter mile long, and holding up over 100,000 cubic yards of fill. The walls were used to create a level 6-acre field. To reinforce the land, Stratagrid SG200 and SG350 soil reinforcement was placed in embedment lengths of 22 feet behind nearly 50,000 square feet of block wall. The geogrid was placed on every other course with 2-inch minus crushed rock used for reinforced backfill.

Prof. Krishnan Balan (Civil Engineering at College of Engineering, Trivandrum, India) reports that they are organizing a short course on Geosynthetic Applications Case Histories. This event will be held 6-8 December 2011 for the Departmental Engineers of India's Kerala State. An exhibition is being planned and interested manufacturers will have the opportunity to present case histories of their products in use and design procedures. Learn more here.;

The North American Geosynthetics Society (NAGS) and the Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) will hold a 1.5-day (9 PDHs) short course on "Geosynthetics in Roadways" from 28-29 November 2011 in Orlando, Florida. The event will be held at the Orlando Holiday Inn - Orlando Airport and provide training on the appropriate, cost-effective utilization of geosynthetics in roadway applications. The course examines the use of geotextiles, geogrids, and edge drains in pavement structures. Applications of filtration, drainage, roadway separation, roadway reinforcement, roadway subgrade improvement, and pavement overlays are addressed. Instructors: Barry R. Christopher, Ph.D., P.E., is an independent geotechnical engineering consultant. David Suits, MSCE, is the executive director of the North American Geosynthetics Society.

The 5th European Conference on Geosynthetics (EuroGeo 5) will be held 16-19 September 2012 in Valencia, Spain. The Spanish Chapter of the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) will organize it, and the event will be held under the auspices of the IGS. Authors interested in presenting a paper at the Conference must provide an abstract before 30 November 2011, addressed to the Conference Secretariat, through the Conference website. Abstracts received by fax or mail will not be considered. Abstracts must be written in either English or Spanish. View the event brochure.

International manufacturer of geosynthetics, synthetic turf and other materials TenCate has released its financial performance report for the first nine months of 2011. According to the statement, geosynthetics sales showed "a positive trend on all continents." The relative proportion of sales in South America and Asia rose, while Emas Kiara was integrated within TenCate Geosynthetics Asia.

In the company's latest project story, Stata Systems reports on the repair of an unstable slope in Fairfield, California. The roadside site involved more than 5,700 sq. ft. of 2:1 slope. Strata provided 26,000 sq. yds. of geogrid reinforcement, which was then covered with soil and natural vegetation. The solution provided a 30% cost savings over the other competitive geosynthetic solution being considered by the city and county. Read more.

Colbond has appointed Marc Krauth as Vice President Sales & Marketing. He will be responsible for global sales, marketing and product management organization. Krauth brings about 15 years of experience in strategy development and implementation at DSM, Owens Corning and Sonoco. His extensive market knowledge of several of Colbond's core segments should significantly ease the transition to the new role.

On his recent trip to Abu Dhabi, where he attended (and spoke at) the 4th Geosynthetics Middle East conference, Ian Peggs learned not only that a Canadian passport will not get you a visa to the UAE but that the constraints and barriers to geosynthetics continue to drop and understanding continues to grow. It's all part of an international dialogue. Read his latest contribution from the field.

The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City-sponsored Geosynthetics (environment-friendly materials) Middle East Conference 2011 got to a great start today in Abu Dhabi featuring participation of an elite panel of regional and global roads and infrastructure experts. The event, which runs for two days, is organized by German Plastics Centre SKZ in collaboration with the German Chamber of Commerce with the aim of promoting the commitment to a sustained and environment-friendly infrastructure. During the Conference, the Municipal Infrastructure and Assets Sector at the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City presented a working paper highlighting the key road and infrastructure projects undertaken by the Municipality in the past.

The 2011 International Achievement Awards from the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) have been announced. Thirty-three categories are included in the annual IAA competition. The winners are usually announced during the IFAI Expo Americas event (which is currently wrapping up in Baltimore). In the Geosynthetic Projects categories, TenCate Geosynthetics, Ace Geosynthetics and Agru America were recognized. Read more.