Saint-Gobain name change
June 16th, 2011
Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics is now Saint-Gobain Adfors. In a June 15 press release, the Grand Island, N.Y.-based company announced that it created the Adfors brand with the aid of an agency that specializes in developing global brand names. The name is based on two roots: “ad” (to add, to join, to combine) and “fors” (force, […]
New geomembrane for cracked reservoir
June 15th, 2011
Replacing a geomembrane layer is part of a $163 million repair and expansion job for Tampa Bay Water’s (TBW) cracked reservoir. The Kiewit Infrastructure Group’s proposal aims to repair and expand the utility’s six-year-old, 15.5-billion-gallon facility. Kiewit estimates repairs at about $121 million. The contractor’s plan will remove and reclaim the reservoir’s existing flat-plate soil […]
Geosynthetic Reinforcement: A Short Course
June 14th, 2011
A short course on geosynthetic reinforcement is offered by the Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) and the North American Geosynthetics Society Aug. 11–12 in Valley Forge, Pa. Course description This 1.5-day course provides training on the appropriate, cost-effective utilization of geosynthetics in transportation applications. The course examines the use of geotextiles and geogrids for soil reinforcement. […]
Geotextile–drainage grid combo earns praise
June 10th, 2011
A new research report cites geotextiles in conjunction with a drainage grid surpass traditional gravel drainage for irrigation, water use, turf health Research was recently completed at Texas A&M University to analyze the widely accepted United States Golf Association (USGA) recommendations for physical properties of root zone mixtures when designing a putting green using a […]
Sustainability series launched by Geosynthetics magazine
June 6th, 2011
Starting with its June/July 2011 issue, Geosynthetics takes an in-depth look at how geosynthetic materials enhance sustainability in myriad applications. The magazine will feature one or two sustainability feature articles in each bimonthly issue. The inaugural article is introductory in nature and is written from a European viewpoint—“Sustainable development using geosynthetics: European perspectives.” The authors […]
TRI selected for Geosynthetic Institute’s accreditation program
June 2nd, 2011
Texas-based testing firm TRI Environmental has been selected as the official support laboratory for the Geosynthetic Accreditation Institute–Laboratory Accreditation Program (GAI–LAP), according to a June 1 press release from the company. George Koerner, director designate of the Geosynthetic Institute (GSI), confirmed that GSI’s board of directors had approved TRI as the official support laboratory for […]
Grid zone backfill
June 1st, 2011
From the GMA Techline RE: Backfill I know you indicated sand was the ideal grid zone backfill. I suppose crushed limestone has a high installation damage reduction factor due to its angular nature. But what about a rounded river gravel? We’re running out of ash as we near completion of an MSE wall, and a […]
Puncture resistance
June 1st, 2011
From the GMA Techline RE: Puncture resistance We are proposing four consecutive layers of 16oz./yd2 geotextile overlying the geomembrane in the leachate pipe V-notch collection trench. Would you equate the puncture resistance of the four geotextile layers to one 64oz./yd2 geotextile? What are your thoughts? Thank you again! (Pamela | Florida) Reply: Yes, I would […]
Case histories of exposed geomembrane performance
June 1st, 2011
Geomembrane performance: Lessons learned—Part 1 By Abigail Beck Introduction While intact, geomembrane lining systems provide excellent liquid containment. With good quality control, it is possible to install a geomembrane with few or no holes. However, geomembranes are exposed to a variety of adverse conditions that can reduce, or even destroy, the integrity of the geomembrane […]
‘Old-timer’ recalls the history of geomembrane interface strength tests (Part 3)
June 1st, 2011
By Allan J. Breitenbach, P.E. Editor’s note: Part 1 of Allan Breitenbach’s treatise recalling geomembrane testing in days of yore appeared in the February/March issue of Geosynthetics and continued with Part 2 in the April/May issue. This concluding section continues with descriptions of factors that influence liner interface test strengths. -rb- Cohesion vs. no cohesion […]