28 January 2010 – According to Jon Ridgway, Director of Grade Separation Systems for Tensar International, saturated soils found behind retaining walls, beneath roads and parking lots and surrounding detention ponds can affect the stability of the overall structure.
“Soils that are held back by retaining walls, such as wood timber or concrete walls, are especially sensitive to failure after they have become saturated,” states Ridgway. “The failure results from the increased weight of the soil as the small voids within the soil are filled with water, along with a buoyancy effect weakening the strength of the soil, creating an unstable condition. The heavy, weakened soil can then lead to a retaining wall collapse, mudslide or slope failure.”
Since flooding is considered an “Act of God,” this type of condition is not usually accounted for during the design process. It is important that the design of the structure and the products used to build the structure are integrated in order to produce a structurally sound wall or slope that is more likely to withstand hostile conditions. This is why Tensar International offers a systems approach to building retaining walls and slopes that includes design services, site assistance, and the wall components themselves, to ensure structural integrity. The strength behind Tensar Grade Separation Systems lies in patented Tensar Uniaxial (UX) Geogrids that internally reinforce structure and fill materials. Trusted by government agencies, developers, and engineers, Tensar offers several systems, including the Sierra Slope Retention System and the Mesa Retaining Wall System, to meet both soil stability challenges and your aesthetic needs while staying within budget.
If you have questions about wall or slope failures in your area or would like additional information on Tensar Grade Separation Solutions, please visit the Tensar website at www.tensarcorp.com or call +1 888 828 5014 to speak with a representative.
About Tensar International Corporation
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Tensar International Corporation (TIC) is a full-service provider of specialty products and engineering services that offer innovative and cost-effective alternatives to traditional construction methods. TIC 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. 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 www.tensarcorp.com.
CONTACT
Tim Oliver
Director of Global Marketing
Tensar International Corporation
5883 Glenridge Drive, Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30328
Tel: +1 404 250 1290
Fax: +1 404 250 9185
E-Mail: toliver@tensarcorp.com
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