PART 2 Functions and applications of geosynthetics in roadways

April 1, 2017  |  Features

Introduction Part 1 of this article provided an overview of the various functions that geosynthetics can fulfill in roadway applications. These functions include separation, filtration, reinforcement, stiffening, drainage, hydraulic/gas barrier, and protection. Table 1 in that article identified a t…
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PART 1 ‘Geosynthetic reinforced soil 101’ leading to rational design of MSE walls and slopes

April 1, 2017  |  Features

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 …
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Flood impact reduction and streambank repair along Spy Run Creek

April 1, 2017  |  Features

Background Spy Run Creek in Fort Wayne, Ind., is a 10-mile watercourse that drains several square miles on the northwest side of Fort Wayne. Spy Run Creek empties into the St. Mary’s River in downtown Fort Wayne, just upstream from its confluence with the St. Joseph River. The St. Mary’s and the…
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Part 1: Functions and applications of geosynthetics in roadways

February 1, 2017  |  Features

Introduction The geosynthetic products most commonly used in roadway systems include geotextiles (woven and nonwoven) and geogrids (biaxial and multiaxial), although erosion-control products, geocells, geonets (or geocomposite drainage products), and geomembranes have also been incorporated in a num…
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Oh no! The GCL got wet! Now what?

February 1, 2017  |  Features

Authors’ note: The conditions This project started in central California in July 2014, and we watched the weather forecasts on the nightly news and we were calm. A few weeks later, the project is running longer than expected, and now we are watching the Weather Channel and reading Weather Undergro…
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Geomembrane waterproofing for a 10-mile wooden flume

October 1, 2016  |  Features

Introduction In 2015, a private hydroelectric company in Washington state was looking to install a geosynthetic liner as part of a 16-km (10-mi) elevated wood and metal structure for conveying water—a flume. The project was located near Mount Rainier (Photo 1) about 50 miles southeast of Seattle i…
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Devoted to geosynthetics for the long haul

October 1, 2016  |  Features

Bob Koerner has devoted more than 40 years of his life to the advancement of geosynthetics, and he’s still pushing the industry forward. Introduction When Dr. Robert M. Koerner talks about geosynthetics, the cadence of his speech quickens and the passion behind his words suggests that geotextiles,…
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Behind the [turbidity] curtain

October 1, 2016  |  Features

Geosynthetics and marine construction near Golden Gate Bridge Introduction Marine construction projects often materialize with different sets of construction obstacles. In addition to the challenge of building stable structures in and under water, the environmental impact of construction must be lim…
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Reviving the Palos Verdes Reservoir

October 1, 2016  |  Features

Introduction California is home to one of the most active water resource infrastructure sectors. Geosynthetics can play an enormous role with the creation and rehabilitation of these water resources. The 76-year-old Palos Verdes Reservoir in Los Angeles County provides an exemplary case (Photo A). T…
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Wetlands restoration at San Pablo Bay

August 1, 2016  |  Features

How geofoam, as lightweight structural fill, solved a variety of construction challenges on a roadway embankment project in support of wetlands restoration in Northern California Introduction As those in the design and construction community know well, every project is slightly different from the la…
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