Innovations with additive packages and coatings have driven many of the new product additions to the geosynthetics field in recent years. This has been especially true with geomembranes and geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs). Over the past year, however, we’ve seen geogrid innovations join this cycle of product development. This includes high temperature-resistant geogrids.
Notably, Titan Environmental Containment launched its TE-FGP fiberglass and TE-FGC fiberglass composite geogrid systems for asphalt reinforcement applications. The NEW GENERATION series from the company features an engineered polymer coating that enables the geogrids to endure higher temperatures, including remaining stable up to 900° F. The shrinkage rate is reported to be very low, as is the ultimate elongation properties, which creates a rigid asphalt layer.
In Titan’s year-end Titan Times newsletter, Sam Bhat (Vice President, Global Business Development and CTO of Geosynthetics) reports that “TE-FGC incorporates a nonwoven geotextile layer providing additional waterproofing, while TE-FGP’s unique self-adhesive ensures stronger surface bonding and eliminates the need for a tack coat.”
Additional advantages include:
- Reduced asphalt thickness and milling depth
- Easier, faster installation for construction time and labor savings
- Enhanced pavement service lives and reduced maintenance costs
GEOGRID INNOVATIONS FOR MINING
Looking beyond asphalt reinforcement, Titan took geogrid innovations a step further. Through a partnership with research, development, and commercialization specialist Applied Research of Australia (AROA), the company has introduced two new polymer geogrids, TE-MXR PP and TE-MXR PET. Titan has developed the grids and AROA has developed fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) dowels.
The materials have been designed as non-steel solutions specifically for mining applications.
“TE-MXR20PP geogrid is currently being used for rib support along with a fiber-reinforced polymer rib dowel produced by AROA for soft rock mining,” Bhat said, “while high-strength TE-MXR PET geogrid features a fire-resistant and anti-static coating (FRAS) … for roof control and long-wall shield recovery in hard rock mining.”
The products are being used extensively in Australia’s coal mines.
In sharp contrast to steel and metal mesh, this geogrid offers decreased material weight, increased productivity, reduced operating costs, and more efficient mine development work.
The two companies are now working on additional development for the mining industry.
CONCRETE REINFORCEMENT WITH GEOGRIDS
Titan has announced another collaborative materials development project too. Working with Carleton University (Ottawa), the company is working on geogrid innovations for concrete reinforcement applications. The first material to emerge from this project is a unique structural concrete geogrid, SCR100, which is made of high-modulus fiberglass. The product utilizes a durability-improving polymeric coating.
Created as an alternative to steel reinforcement, the product designed for success in aggressive and non- aggressive environments. Applications include bridge beams, sea walls, buildings, sewer linings, and other concrete structures.
Titan has also developed a large aperture, polymeric geogrid for concrete surface reinforcement: CRMD200/300.
“The principal function of this type of polymer geogrid in concrete is to distribute stresses and control cracking in exposed concrete surfaces,” Bhat says.
Both products are in R&D and in-situ testing phases. Review is forthcoming.
Learn more in the latest Titan Times (PDF)
Get additional geosynthetics product information and application stories at www.titanenviro.ca. For direct engineering and material information, contact Sam Bhat at sam@titanenviro.ca.
