Three very different uses of geosynthetics

In this April/May issue of Geosynthetics magazine, our feature authors tackle three very different uses of geosynthetics with in-depth examination, testing and even a new design method. 

In the introduction to their article, “Modular Geosynthetics Construction,” E. Silva, T. D. Stark and Duff Simbeck discuss the benefits of a specific manufacturing process for geomembranes. They write, “This article focuses on the use of modular construction for geosynthetics. The same benefits of using modular construction for buildings can be realized with geosynthetics. For example, installation of a factory-fabricated geomembrane can occur simultaneously with site work, allowing the project to be completed in as much as one-half of the time required for traditional field fabrication.” 

Pietro Rimoldi and Nicola Brusa break new ground with their article, “Development of a New Design Method for Rockfall Protection Embankments Reinforced with Geosynthetics.” They note, “The authors of this article . . . have developed a new analytic approach methodology. . . . The present article introduces the basics of the proposed method, while the method will be fully presented in future conferences and journals. The Rimoldi-Brusa method is derived from the Italian standard (UNI 11211-4:2018), so it is based on the resistance capacity of the embankment to impact, and it allows the designer to estimate uphill block penetration and downhill extrusion of the geosynthetic-reinforced RPE.”

After outlining in Part 1 of their article in the February/March issue of Geosynthetics, “Comparative Analysis of the Flow and Filtration Capabilities of Sediment Retention Devices,” James E. Sprague and C. Joel Sprague lay out Part 2, noting “the results of historical testing efforts will be presented, providing a robust and compelling data set, and an in-depth analysis of the results will be discussed. Products will be defined by product category, and categories will be compared for general performance. These objective, data-driven comparisons will help designers, specifiers and regulators make informed decisions on the appropriate SRD system to use on any given jobsite.”

Whether the geosynthetics are in a factory-controlled setting, on a mountainside or stemming erosion control, they rise to the occasion.