All Articles

Industry analysts offer plastics predictions for the Middle East

October 1, 2007 | News

With relatively inexpensive raw materials at hand, manufacturers in the Middle East could place themselves among the world’s leading plastics producers within a few years, according to industry analysts. By the end of the decade, suppliers based in the Middle East could control about 20% of th…

ASTM geosynthetics committees developing proposed new standards

October 1, 2007 | News

Three subcommittees of ASTM International Committee D35 on Geosynthetics are currently developing several proposed new standards. The topics covered in the following proposed standards are geosynthetic clay liners, geomembranes, and the development of a mechanistic-empirical design guide for pavemen…

Testing produces design guidance

October 1, 2007 | Features

Follow this new anti-scour mat product through the testing process. By Michael D. Robeson Abstract A new product with the application of culvert and stormwater outlet scour protection was tested at Colorado State University. The objective of the testing was to determine the hydraulic and sediment st…

Three challenges in using SRWs and other reinforced-soil structures: Part 1

October 1, 2007 | Case Studies

By Michael R. Simac, P. E., and Blaise J. Fitzpatrick, P. E. Introduction While segmental retaining walls (SRWs) have been routinely used for more than 15 years now, there are still three challenging issues facing owners considering their use. What is the best way to procure, design, and then build …

New PU composite expected to extend German North Sea defenses

October 1, 2007 | Case Studies

The next step in a 3,000m2 extension of a North Sea shoreline erosion-control effort on islands off the northwestern coast of Germany included the installation of more than 20 metric tons of a new polyurethane-mixture coating last summer. The Elastocoast resin system, developed by BASF subsidiary El…

Using geosynthetics for avalanche protection in northern Iceland

October 1, 2007 | Case Studies

By Ron Bygness One of the northernmost towns in Iceland, while picturesque, sits at the base of avalanche-prone mountainsides. Tiny Siglufjördur—population about 1,400—has sought to have this situation addressed for years. But a final answer—a reinforced-soil avalanche-barrier…

Here’s quite a pair: Geomembranes and butterflies

October 1, 2007 | Products

New liner system installed in the Smithsonian’s Butterfly House Introduction This immersive exhibit explores the processes and patterns of evolution, and provides visitors with a new kind of experience in the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH)—a walk-through living butterfly house…

Geogrid-reinforced roads aid wind farm’s installation of giant turbines

October 1, 2007 | Case Studies

Introduction Development of the Maple Ridge Wind Farm required stability improvement to the subgrade of 26 miles of access roads to the locations of the farm’s wind turbines. A successful road design solution resulted following the installation of 463,000yds2 of geogrid. Project site The Maple…

Now is the time

October 1, 2007 | News

By John Henderson, P. E. When I was asked to consider becoming Chairman of the GMA Executive Council in January, my immediate reaction was: “No way! I already have a full-time job. Why do I need more things to do?” However, as the next few days passed, a nagging feeling persisted. I bega…

Highways for LIFE: Changing the way today’s infrastructure is built

August 1, 2007 | Case Studies

Mission The purpose of Highways for LIFE is to advance Long-lasting highways using Innovative technologies and practices to accomplish Fast construction of Efficient and safe pavements and bridges, with the overall goal of improving the driving experience for America. HfL goals It’s a new way …