ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Tensar International today announced its high-density polyethylene (HDPE) Uniaxial (UX) Geogrid product line successfully completed the National Transportation Product Evaluation Program (NTPEP) on-site audit.
As the on-site audit was added just last year to the program, Tensar’s UX Geogrids are the first HDPE Geogrids to pass the rigorous evaluation.
“We are committed to providing quality products to our clients,” said Willie Liew, Application Technology Manager at Tensar International. “We have been proactive in the process by starting the NTPEP audit a year before our current report expires in 2013, and are proud to have our manufacturing process and quality control system successfully complete the audit.”
The NTPEP audit assesses the long-term design strength of geosynthetic reinforcement products and provides performance test results as well as index test results. The evaluation includes a desktop review of the facility’s quality manual and an on-site review of the facility’s processes and quality management system documentation.
More state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) are utilizing the NTPEP for product qualification because the program is highly recommended in the current Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) wall/slope design guidelines.
“Having the geogrid evaluated through an independent party and through the high standards of the NTPEP provides credibility to our UX Geogrid product line and provides the reliability the state DOTs can count on,” Liew said.
The NTPEP audit is a program under the sponsorship of AASHTO and was developed by industry members and state DOT members to provide a uniform program, which allows for all manufacturers and private label suppliers to be held to a consistent standard internationally. The audit improves quality assurance and proves to the states which manufacturers have satisfactory quality control.
Tensar’s UX Geogrids are manufactured using select grades of HDPE resins that resist elongation (creep) when subjected to high loads for long periods of time. They carry large tensile loads applied in one direction (along the roll), and their open aperture structure interlocks with natural fill materials. UX Geogrids are used in Tensar’s retaining wall and slope stabilization applications.
With the on-site audit complete, Tensar is currently in the process of finishing the remainder of the evaluation program. The expected completion date of the evaluation is summer of 2013.
About Tensar International
Headquartered in Atlanta, Tensar International is a full-service provider of specialty products and engineering services that offer innovative and cost-effective alternatives to traditional construction methods. Tensar solutions are based on advanced soil reinforcement technologies and incorporate proprietary, engineered applications for commercial, industrial, municipal, residential and transportation infrastructure site development. The company specializes in solutions for common site development challenges, including grade changes requiring retaining walls and poor soil conditions affecting the cost of roadways, parking lots and building structures. Patented, polymeric Tensar® Geogrids are the primary component of the company’s systems, offering reliable strength and durability. Contracted services include site evaluation, conceptual engineering, design, value engineering and installation advice. For more information, visit http://www.tensarcorp.com.
