June 1, 2017
Resisting animal and insect attacks on geomembranes is an interesting problem. Geomembrane installers and manufacturers have had numerous geomembranes damaged by bears, deer, coyotes, birds, beavers, and ground squirrels (Figures 1 and 2). In most cases, the damage is incidental to something else the animal is seeking. Deer damage the liner with their hooves trying …
Introduction The design of many geotechnical structures is based on limit-state conditions. For example, in designing gravity walls, the load exerted by the retained soil on the wall is based on an assumed active state of stresses. That is, the wall moves sufficiently outward, enabling the retained soil to mobilize its shear strength along a …
October 1, 2016
Introduction A U.S.-based polyethylene and polyester resin/polymer producer recently closed a manufacturing facility in Wilmington, N.C. (Photo 1). The company hired an engineering firm to manage the demolition and removal of the expansive structures and infrastructure. Part of the environmental responsibilities was to also find a viable solution for closing a 12-acre sludge basin. But …
June 1, 2016
Green roofs 101–From bottom to top Introduction Most green roofs use a variety of geosynthetic materials to support healthy and sustainable installations. Geosynthetics contribute in many ways to the operational success and long-term sustainability of green roof systems. Because they are lightweight, they reduce green roofs’ structural loading on buildings and also reduce the energy …
Geo + Pipeline 101 Geosynthetics often play an important role on the environmental side of pipeline installations. During construction, actions must be taken to protect water quality, stabilize soil, and prevent soil erosion. Pipeline right-of-ways traverse many different types of landscapes, passing through sensitive resource areas such as streams and wetlands. Geosynthetics are used in …
Last year, Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly unveiled plans to convert an ageing shopping center in California’s Silicon Valley into a vast development featuring the world’s largest green roof. Viñoly, the architect behind London’s controversial Walkie Talkie building and the skinny 432 Park Avenue skyscraper in New York, will work with OLIN Landscape Architects to redevelop …
April 1, 2016
Abstract The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway, located about 30 miles (48km) west of Dillon, Mont., seasonally experiences frost heave problems over a 20-mile (30-km) stretch of road. The road is closed to winter traffic and typically re-opens in May. Longitudinal full-section depth cracks form during the spring thaw. One location, in the high alpine meadows …
The challenge In 2013, the small town of North Haven on North Haven Island off the coast of Maine, began construction on a unique bridge project. The goal was to rebuild Beach Bridge, a deteriorating structure that provided access to a handful of seasonal homes and an important wharf for local lobstering as well as …
February 1, 2016
Award of Excellence Ace Geosynthetics Introduction The object of this renovation project is the Zhongsha Bridge located on the Zhuoshui River in west-central Taiwan. The 2,345m-long bridge spans the Zhuoshui on the border between Changhua and Yunlin counties. The bridge was built in 1978 with prestressed hollow core piles and prestressed beams. It is part …
Outstanding Achievement Award TenCate Geosynthetics Introduction More than 27km of geotextile tubes were installed to reclaim the 4.1km × 26m work platforms to construct the 600,000m³ dredged sediment containment facility for construction of Lach Huyen Bridge in Vietnam. The in-progress 5.44km (almost 3.5 miles) bridge, which accommodates a four-lane highway, spans across the combined estuary …