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Front (L–R): Chelsea Smith, Professor David Elton; back (L–R): Aaron Sides, Wyatt Jenkins, Daniel Huaco.

Front (L–R): Chelsea Smith, Professor David Elton; back (L–R): Aaron Sides, Wyatt Jenkins, Daniel Huaco.

  • Geosynthetics and the construction market

    Sponsored by IFAI Market Research

    The use of geosynthetics-geotextiles, geomembranes, geosynthetics drainage composites, and geogrids-in construction for applications such as erosion control, road construction, soil stabilization, bridges, and liquid containment is growing.

    There are approximately 50 companies in the U.S. and Canada making these types of products. In 2008, the use of geosynthetics grew at 5% in the U.S. and Canada to about 850 million square yards.

    There is great optimism in the U.S. regarding the market for geosynthetics even during these times of economic turmoil. The recently passed economic stimulus plan includes the single largest new investment ever for repairing the U.S. infrastructure since the creation of the federal highway systems (”interstates”) in the 1950s and ’60s.

    Normally, construction projects take years of planning before they are actually implemented but there is a popular term now used called “shovel ready.” Shovel ready means the actual construction projects are ready to start as soon as funding is allocated. So, the effects of the stimulus plan funding will be immediate for our industry.

    This information is taken from the 2009 IFAI State of the Industry Report.