Materials

Aerial view of the High Line over Little West 12th Street. Photo courtesy of Friends of the High Line © Iwan Baan 2009

Aerial view of the High Line over Little West 12th Street. Photo courtesy of Friends of the High Line © Iwan Baan 2009

  • Geosynthetics overview

    Sponsored by Geosynthetic Materials Association

    Geosynthetics are a family of civil engineering materials. Their use has expanded rapidly into nearly all areas of civil, geotechnical, environmental, coastal and hydraulic construction. Many durable polymers (plastics) common to everyday life are found in geosynthetics. The most common are polyolefins and polyester, although rubber, fiberglass and natural materials are sometimes used. However, more that 90% of geosynthetics are made of polypropylene.

    Since their introduction in the late 1960s, geosynthetics have proven to be versatile and cost-effective ground modification materials. Geosynthetics also have become essential elements as barriers in environmental and hydraulic applications.

    There are more that 40 manufacturers of geosynthetics that provide products for the North American marketplace. More than half of the manufacturers are located in the southeastern U.S. or Texas. The industry provides more than 12,000 jobs in the U.S. in manufacturing, fabrication, distribution and installation.

    GMA has conducted a market survey since 1996. Survey participation has been open to manufacturing members of the association who report product shipped. The majority of geosynthetic manufacturers participate in the survey.

    In 2008, a panel knowledgeable of the market analyzed the GMA data collected. This panel developed the GMA Geosynthetics Market Report by adding to it an estimation of product produced by manufacturers that had not reported in the GMA market survey. The result is the GMA Geosynthetics Market Report-the most comprehensive and accurate measure of the geosynthetic market in the U.S. and Canada.

    Learn more and purchase this report at GMA Geosynthetics Market Report.