The Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) is pleased to announce that favorable legislative language has been submitted to House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to include geosynthetics in the Water Resources Development Act 2008. The language would authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) – Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory – Vicksburg, Mississippi to conduct studies, testing and demonstration of applications of geosynthetic materials.
“Decades ago, the Army Corps was the first federal agency to study, test and use geosynthetics in engineered projects,” said John Henderson, chairman of GMA. “It is our hope that the projects outlined in the language that was submitted will expand the knowledge of and use of geosynthetics by the Army Corps.”
Following is a description provided in the legislative language and a list of the projects.
Description:
Geosynthetic structures have proven to be both economical in construction and maintenance, as well as a means of conservation of natural resources. Realizing this success, it is prudent to further research and develop the use, and optimization of geosynthetics.
Current state-of-practice and design philosophies should be modeled, and further improved, by developing cost-effective standard test and protocol to achieve optimal performance and the inclusion of geosynthetics as a traditional material for these applications.
Project Request:
Listed below are studies, demonstration projects and requirements that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers identified as priorities for future testing.
Geotextile tubes
• Using them underwater
• Stacking
• Installing on a slope
Geotextile reinforcement on levees
• Longevity
• Measure settlement or spreading of the base
Geotextile reinforce walls (fold back walls)
• Develop design guidance
Testing the performance of geotextile tubes filled with dredged materials that are placed in the ocean.
Testing the effectiveness of geotextiles used as filters
Geosynthetics in erosion control
• Develop design guidance and protocol for use in levees, dikes, earthen dams and vegetated channel protection
Geosynthetic liners
• Require the lining of canals, pipelines, reservoirs and dams for water conveyance
For information on the innovative use of geosynthetics, contact Geosynthetics Materials Association managing director Andrew Aho, +1 651 225 6907, amaho@ifai.com, http://www.gmanow.com.
