One of the fathers of geosynthetics technology development, Gary Bach, is retiring from the business after 37 years with Presto Geosystems (www.prestogeo.com). Gary is the original developer of geocells, a technology he co-invented with the US Army Corps of Engineers nearly 35 years ago.
Gary fused the Corp’s concept of three-dimensional grid confinement with his polymer expertise, subsequently devising a strong cellular confinement system made by welding strips of high strength polymer blend materials to form geocell sections. The very first honeycomb-like sections were born from a welder designed and crafted by Gary.
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The early geocell applications were focused primarily on meeting the military’s need for military vehicle access across beach sand and artillery bunkers. Shortly after, Presto Geosystems expanded into other areas and introduced cellular confinement to the world’s commercial market for soil stabilization applications including slope, channel and shoreline protection and vegetated retaining walls.
Over the years, Gary has been at the forefront of advancements in the geocell technology, including textured and perforated cells for better infill lock-up and drainage, and numerous accessory inventions to improve design strength and to speed installation. Over the years, travel to support projects has taken him to some of the world’s most interesting and remote places.
Today geocells are accepted as a standard category of geosynthetics. Wherever soil stability challenges exist, the geocell finds its place as an economical, fast-to-deploy solution.
Gary has led the Presto Geosystems business with exemplary business ethics, integrity, honesty and long-lasting relationships. As he leaves geosynthetics to enjoy retirement, we owe Gary a sincere debt of gratitude for his role in inventing and advancing geocells in the global marketplace.
Learn more about Presto Geosystems’ work in geosynthetics at www.prestogeo.com.
Congratulations to Gary on his accomplishments. I remember the early days when we were introducing those “honeycombs” for a variety of new applications. Although the geocells had great potential, it took the perseverance of Gary and others to create textured, earth colored and more porous product offerings. So much progress over the years.