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The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Local Aid Support, in a collaborative effort with the Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA), launched the Geosynthetics Installation Notes Tracker mobile app in January 2023 and by early November the app had garnered close to 12,000 downloads. Trinette Ballard, FHWA Local Aid Support program manager and mobile app developer, tells me the app has exceeded expectations within its first year. “We have received nothing but positive feedback and are already looking forward to updating the app to include even more information,” she says.
If you are not yet familiar with the app, it is designed for use by local agencies’ road maintenance and public works departments, contractors and consultants. It provides immediate access to information on using geosynthetics in transportation construction projects and features important information such as specification requirements and site inspection guidance for walls, slopes, pavement, erosion control and drainage. It also features quick searches, key terms, notes tracker, bookmarks, and share documents, and is a welcome tool for anyone utilizing geosynthetics. It is handy to use out in the field on road and maintenance construction projects because it covers several geosynthetic material subjects, including erosion protection and roadway reinforcement. You’ll also find a checklist that practitioners can use during on-site inspections and additional features such as step-by-step guides, real-time note logging and informational videos that demonstrate how the app can be used.
It is available at no cost and can be downloaded from either the Apple Store or Google Play Store. Fred Chuck, GMA executive director, tells me that engineers, agencies, contractors and others involved in transportation projects will greatly benefit from the ease of access to geosynthetic products and applications. “As this is now a digital app, it is also a live working document that can be revised and updated as geosynthetic applications and products expand,” Chuck said.
The FHWA is continuing to welcome feedback on the app and is looking for users who are willing to share their story so if you are using the app and would like to share your experience, email the FHWA at fhwageosyntheticsappsupport@dot.gov. For more information, visit the website: fhwa.dot.gov/clas/geosynthetics/ or YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=sVQ2UhX-WnA or for questions, contact CLAS@dot.gov.