TENSAR INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

Laying the Groundwork for Tomorrow

 The Engineered Advantage TM
With clear advantages in performance, design and installation,
Tensar products and systems offer a proven technology for
addressing the most challenging projects. Our entire worldwide
distribution team is dedicated to providing the highest quality
products and services. For more information, visit [Link]
or call 800-TENSAR-1.

Tensar International Corporation

Tensar delivers engineered systems that combine technology, SITE SUPPORT
engineering, design and products. By utilizing Tensar’s approach Tensar regional sales managers and our distribution partners
to construction, you can experience the convenience of having a can advise your designers, contractors and construction crews
supplier, design services and site support all through one team to ensure the proper installation of our products and prevent
of qualified sales consultants and engineers. By working with unnecessary scheduling delays.
Tensar you not only get our high quality products but also:
EXPERIENCE YOU CAN RELY ON
SITE ASSESSMENT
Tensar is the industry leader in soil reinforcement. We have
We can partner with any member of your team at the beginning developed products and technologies that have been at the
of your project to recommend a Tensar Solution that optimizes forefront of the geotechnical industry for the past three
your budget, financing and construction scheduling. decades. As a result, you know you can rely on our systems and
design expertise. Our products are backed by the most thorough
DESIGN ASSISTANCE/SERVICES quality assurance practices in the industry. And, we provide
Experienced Tensar design engineers, regional sales managers, comprehensive design assistance for every Tensar system.
and distributors will develop budget estimates and proposals to
For more information about Tensar products and systems,
help you evaluate your best construction options and determine
visit [Link], e-mail info@[Link], or call
the most cost-effective approach.
800-TENSAR-1. We are happy to supply you with additional
system information, complete installation and design
SPECIFICATION
guidelines, system specifications, design details, conceptual
Our value-engineered solutions feature stamped drawings with designs, preliminary cost estimates, sealed construction
precise construction details. Changing site conditions can be drawings, summaries of completed projects, software and
quickly addressed in the field or in our Engineering Department. much more.

Hawks Prairie Park and Ride – Lacey, Washington California Gulch – Leadville, Colorado

Tensar was able to make effective use out of public land by developing a new The flexibility of Triton® Marine Mattresses allowed the contractors to install
park and ride facility on top of a retired landfill. TriAx® Geogrid was used to them without modification – even on tight curves.
stabilize the soils in order to offset the effects of differential settlement.

2
For more than 30 years, Tensar
has provided economical solutions
to common infrastructure and
site development needs.

Proven Solutions and Technologies

Tensar International Corporation (Tensar) is the leading developer Our expertise focuses primarily on the following fields
and manufacturer of high-performance products and engineered of practice:
solutions for site development and infrastructure. We exceed our
˴˴ Roadway improvement
customer needs by providing a wide range of geosynthetic
solutions for common earthwork challenges. ˴˴ Railway improvement
˴˴ Retaining walls/reinforced slopes
By providing innovative application technologies and specialized
technical services, we supplement our products with value- ˴˴ Foundation improvement
enhancing alternatives to conventional earthwork and site ˴˴ Coastal/waterway protection
development solutions. Together, these products, technologies ˴˴ Asphalt reinforcement
and services constitute engineered systems that serve a
˴˴ Mining
variety of transportation, commercial and industrial markets.
˴˴ Environmental systems
We are a full service provider of specialty solutions and
˴˴ Settlement control for heavy structures
engineering services that bring economical solutions to
common infrastructure and site development needs. Our ˴˴ Floor slabs
commitment to serving our clients’ interests, on a global basis, ˴˴ Seismic design
provides innovative solutions based on our more than thirty ˴˴ Slope reinforcement
years of research and development and site work experience.

Inverness Heights Market – Hoover, Alabama Interstate H3 – Oahu, Hawaii Port of Los Angeles – Los Angeles, California

A solution was needed at this retail development When the Hawaii DOT needed a cost-effective By incorporating TriAx Geogrid, pavement sections
to create more usable land. The Mesa® Systems solution to the boulder strategy specified in the that allowed a high level of operational flexibility
were chosen because of their superior aesthetic original plan for slope retention, they chose the were achieved for this 230-acre terminal.
and economical capabilities, which ultimately Sierra®Slope Retention System. The Hawaii DOT
saved the owner $500,000 in overall project costs. saved millions of dollars and the project received 3
an Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement
award.
 Roadway Improvement System

Conventional construction practices are presenting new TriAx, the ground breaking triangular stabilization geogrid, is
challenges to pavement engineers, contractors and owners one of the industry’s leading solutions for creating mechanically
due to the volatility of material costs and their availability. stabilized pavement structures.
Construction budgets are under constant scrutiny to deliver
the highest quality end product for the least amount of money. A BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGY
Indeed, the practice of implementing a “typical pavement In combination with Tensar’s engineering and design services,
section” is costing many owners both time and money due cost-analysis tools and site assistance, TriAx Geogrid provides a
to a number of factors: simple, reliable and affordable solution for constructing flexible
˴˴ Asphalt and crushed aggregate pricing volatility pavements that deliver both reduced construction cost and
long-term value.
˴˴ Reduced construction and maintenance budgets
˴˴ Pavement life span being compromised due to TriAx offers a proven performance benefit for paved roads by:
increased trafficking or insufficient pavement ˴˴ Reducing pavement component thickness –
structure asphalt, aggregate base and granular subbase
These factors have decision makers questioning performance ˴˴ Simplifying construction
estimates and the conventional strategies they once relied upon
˴˴ Lowering long-term maintenance costs
to evaluate projects and set priorities.
TriAx Geogrid enables you to create durable and cost efficient
A growing number of transportation professionals are consider- engineered structures through the product’s unique structure
ing designs that incorporate Tensar TriAx® Geogrid. and performance properties.

ADOT US Highway 89T – Northern Arizona ADOT US Highway 89T (continued)

A 27-mile bypass road was needed to route the main flow of traffic through TriAx® Geogrid was used to stabilize the pavement section, reducing the
northern Arizona. The construction area was located in a very remote part of required aggregate base course by 33% and extending the pavement life by
the state with very few sources of aggregate available and involved long haul 300%. By reducing the aggregate section, more than $2.2 million were saved
distances. in material costs.
4
 Non-stabilized ALT 1: Low Savings ALT 2: Medium Savings ALT 3: High Savings ALT 3: High Savings1 ALT 4: Risk Reduction2
( 1 layer of geogrid) (2 layers of geogrid)

Asphalt
concrete TriAx® TX5
Geogrids
TriAx® TX7 TriAx® TX5
TriAx® TX5 Geogrid Geogrid
TriAx® TX130S Geogrid
Aggregate Geogrid
base

Prepared
subgrade
1
 LT 3: High Savings (2 layers of geogrid): The top layer of geogrid is typically placed at the
A
mid point of the AB layer (but no more than 8-inches from the bottom of the AC layer).

2
 LT 4: Risk Reduction: When AB layer ≤ 8-inches, place geogrid below AB layer. When AB
A
layer > 8-inches, place geogrid near the midpoint of the AB layer (but no more than 8-inches
from the bottom of the AC layer).

1st Avenue – Chula Vista, California Pleasant Valley Drive – Owensboro, Kentucky Imperial County Airport – El Centro, California

The city of Chula Vista wished to improve 1st The contractor selected TriAx Geogrid to reduce TriAx Geogrid created an affordable option for
Avenue; however, traditional construction methods the amount of ACC, resulting in a constructible rehabilitating the taxiway while providing a superior
required deep excavation work. TriAx Geogrid pavement section over existing soils that met the projected design life. This option also allowed for
allowed the city to maintain a shallow base and required design loading. As a result, it did not force a thinner base layer without the complications
asphalt pavement section without having to the contractor to increase costs by undercutting associated with chemical stabilization. 5
relocate existing utility lines, saving the city and replacing subgrade soils.
time and money on the project.
 Railway Improvement System

­ he performance of any rail track is directly affected by the

T comparable to those of tracks constructed over solid
ballast and sub-ballast, which together form the roadbed bedrock. This reduces the overall maintenance
structure. When tracks are built over soft subgrades, regular requirements in terms of maintenance cycles.
maintenance of the foundation layers becomes critical. ˴˴ Stiffen the ballast layer as aggregate and geogrid
Even routine maintenance requires some disruption to mechanically interlock. Shear forces from passing trains
normal operations, resulting in additional expense related are transferred from the aggregate to the geogrid,
to maintenance costs and lost productivity. ultimately reducing wear and tear on the track and its
Developed to stabilize the ballast and sub-ballast layers, the associated mechanical components (ties, insulated
Spectra®Rail Railway Improvement System is a proven and joints, etc.).
cost-effective solution that utilizes Tensar® TriAx® Geogrids, ˴˴ Reduce the buildup of aggregate fines, thereby helping
the system’s key component. The American Railway to maintain good quality drainage within the roadbed
Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) structure.
recognizes the use of geogrids in rail designs through inclusion Quick and easy to install, Tensar Geogrids have significantly
in a chapter of its 2010 Manual for Engineering. reduced material and labor costs in hundreds of trackbed
Tensar Geogrids provide a number of benefits when installed stabilization projects around the world. When performance and
over a trackbed’s soft subgrades. economy are top priorities, railway maintenance engineers,
railway owners and transportation authorities rely on the
˴˴ Minimize ballast settlement and lateral spread, reducing SpectraRail System.
the rate of trackbed deterioration. Rates of settlement are

Ballast
TriAx®
Geogrid
Sub-ballast

Tensar Geogrid

Sub-ballast Reduced by 50% – Pierre, South Dakota A benefit of using TriAx Geogrid is the confinement of aggregate,
which reduces lateral spread, a major cause of ballast and sub-ballast
A six-mile long section of track near Pierre, South Dakota with a long history settlement.
of settlement issues was subjected to 5 mph speeds. By incorporating TriAx
6 Geogrid into the design, the required sub-ballast was reduced from 12 in.
to 6 in. along with a reduction in excavation and construction time.
Increased Maintenance Intervals Achieved – Captina, Ohio Pier A Intermodal Facility – Port of Long Beach,
California
Reconstruction took place on a 100 year old track constructed over uncompacted clay fill. Track foremen
indicated that prior to TriAx Geogrid installation, it was necessary to place ballast in this section on The Port of Long Beach (PoLB) used the Spectra®Rail
a weekly to biweekly basis for the last 30 years. System to improve an intermodal facility. After many 7
successful annual inspections, PoLB staff considers
Tensar Geogrid a standard strategy for alleviating
settlement issues.
 Asphalt Reinforcement System

Reflective cracking in pavements is typically caused by traffic Installed between an asphalt leveling course and the surface
loading, age hardening or temperature cycling of asphalt. course, the GlasGrid System becomes the hidden strength
Traditional responses have included the application of thicker in a road, redirecting reflective crack stresses horizontally to
asphalt overlays – a solution that addresses the problem only effectively dissipate them.
at the surface.
The GlasGrid System is effective in every geographical area
The GlasGrid® Asphalt Reinforcement System provides and climate extreme. Installation is easy, and can be provided
additional support to resist the migration of reflective cracks by Tensar authorized distributors. In addition, since it’s made
in roadway applications, reducing maintenance costs and primarily from fiberglass, the GlasGrid product is easily millable
extending pavement life up to 200%. Manufactured by and recyclable.
Saint-Gobain ADFORS and distributed in the Americas
exclusively by Tensar, the GlasGrid System has been used on
thousands of highways, roadways, parking lots, and airport
runways and aprons throughout the world. It has helped
address reflective cracking caused by:
GlasGrid® Layer
˴˴ Longitudinal and transverse concrete pavement joints
˴˴ Thermal loads
˴˴ Lane widening With the GlasGrid System,
˴˴ Cement-treated or stabilized layer shrinkage cracks cracks propagating toward the
surface are redirected horizontally,
˴˴ Block cracks thereby significantly extending the life
of the road.
˴˴ Asphalt construction joints

Washington Boulevard - El Cajon, California U.S. Interstate 40 – New Mexico

City engineers relied on the GlasGrid System to resurface Washington Installation of the GlasGrid System saved the New Mexico DOT $500,000
Boulevard in a way that would improve the asphalt overlay’s performance in repair costs by avoiding full-depth reconstruction. In addition, the
8
while reducing life cycle costs. maintenance schedule has been extended from four to eight years on
the GlasGrid-treated segments.
 GlasPave® Paving Mats come in roll
lengths ranging from 250 to 1,000
yds and three different roll widths to
maximize layout efficiency.

The GlasPave® Asphalt Reinforcement System is among the ˴˴ Easily Milled – Fibers are easily disbursed in asphalt
strongest paving mats available. GlasPave Mats combine millings and will not negatively impact the recycling of
fiberglass mesh with high performance polyester mats that asphalt for future projects.
deliver the highest tensile strength on the market.
Easy installation is another benefit of GlasPave Mats. The
Manufactured by St. Gobain ADFORS and distributed in the
additional stiffness of GlasPave Mats makes them more
Americas by Tensar, GlasPave Mats create a longer lasting,
durable and less prone to on-site installation damage. And
better performing pavement while offering a cost-effective
because GlasPave Mats come in roll lengths that range from
solution to tight paving budgets.
250 yds to 1,000 yds, installation time is optimized since fewer
The advantages of GlasPave Paving Mats include: roll changes are required. Once in place, their distinctive design
allows for a strong bond with a variety of tack coats. Due to
˴˴ Higher Stiffness – Their fiberglass mesh offers a high
their thermal stability, hot mix asphalt will not cause GlasPave
tensile strength compared to other paving fabrics to
Mats to shrink, change dimension or lose their bond prematurely.
delay reflective cracking common in asphalt overlays.
By delaying the onset of reflective cracking, the design Complementing the GlasGrid Asphalt Reinforcement System,
life is also extended, further reducing repair costs. GlasPave Paving Mats offer less maintenance and easy
˴˴ Moisture Barrier – Due to GlasPave Paving Mats’ non- installation to become an affordable pavement rehabilitation
woven matrix, binder fills voids within the fabric to prevent option. As with all Tensar products and systems, design and
moisture infiltration into the pavement structure. With installation assistance are available.
minimal water infiltration, the structural integrity of
the pavement is maintained and the effects of freeze-
thaw cycles are minimized.

Due to its high temperature fiberglass matrix, the GlasPave Paving Mat will The additional stiffness of the GlasPave Paving Mat makes it more robust
not shrink or change dimension when it comes into contact with hot mix than paving fabrics and other paving mats, and less prone to on-site
asphalt. This feature eliminates the risk of premature slippage or loss installation damage.
of bond.
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 Foundation Improvement System
for Embankments Over Soft Ground

The Prism® Foundation Improvement System meets the These projects are expensive and time-consuming when built
needs of site and infrastructure developers by creating using traditional means. However, with its composite soil and
reliable embankments over poor soils. geogrid structure, the Prism System provides a reliable and
cost-effective embankment foundation, either independently
By allowing steeper side slopes and distributing loads more
or in conjunction with other methods.
efficiently over weak underlying soils, the Prism System
often eliminates the need for undercutting and backfilling. In By creating an internally reinforced core, the Prism System can
addition, this system can be used alone or in combination with minimize the embankment footprint, differential settlement
ground improvement techniques such as Geopier Rammed and fill requirements. The result is improved structural integrity
Aggregate Pier® (RAP) or rigid inclusion systems and even with reduced construction schedules and lower project costs.
traditional systems like deep foundations, surcharging and
chemical stabilization.
>3
When confronted with soft soils or wetlands,
1
the Prism System is optimal for the construction of:
˴˴ Bridge approach fills
Conventional design
˴˴ Causeways
~1.5
˴˴ Levees 1
˴˴ Dikes

Reinforced design with Tensar® Geogrid

The Prism System minimizes the footprint of the embankment,

as well as its fill requirement and settlement potential.

Westminster Levee – Jefferson Parish, Louisiana Bridge Approach – State Road 15/US 17, Florida

By using the Prism System, the Louisiana DOTD and the U.S. Army Corps of When soft soils were discovered under the proposed site of a new bridge,
Engineers were able to build a 10 ft (3 m) high hurricane protection levee over the Prism System was used on the bridge approach to reinforce a high-
10 weak, marshy soils. level embankment and to reduce the bridge length by 361 ft (110 m).
Total costs were reduced by $970,000 on this bridge project.
Foundation Improvement System
for Shallow Spread Footings

Weak and variable soils pose a major threat to the performance The Dimension System consists of aggregate fill and Tensar®
of any structure’s foundation. The costs associated with Geogrids that interact to form a stiffened structural composite
conventional foundation improvement solutions can also be mat over weaker, compressible soils. The system works by
detrimental to a project. In response, Tensar developed the distributing the loads more widely and uniformly over
Dimension® Foundation Improvement System to create underlying compressible soils.
a firm foundation for engineered structures such as buildings
The system can even be combined with other ground
and retaining walls. This lower cost solution provides an
modification techniques such as Geopier Rammed Aggregate
improvement over conventional foundation improvement
Pier® systems and/or wick drains to lower overall foundation
methods such as over excavation/replacement, chemical
costs.
stabilization and even deep foundations.
The Dimension System:
= TriAx® Geogrids
˴˴ Increases the allowable bearing capacity beneath shallow
spread footings
˴˴ Reduces differential settlement
˴˴ Minimizes undercutting and backfilling

The Dimension System is tailored to individual site conditions,

so exceptional foundation performance can be achieved with
Structural fill
maximum savings relative to conventional foundation
improvement techniques.

Cerritos Mall – Cerritos, California Broadway Plaza – Chula Vista, California

The Dimension System was used as a value engineered (VE) solution to create Using the Dimension System saved an estimated $1,000,000 versus the
a stable foundation over weak clay on a site prone to differential settlement. original design, which specified a deep foundation system for this shopping
center development. 11
 Retaining Wall Systems

Departments of Transportation (DOTs), contractors and NO METAL – NO CORROSION

engineers have long appreciated the many advantages of
With soil reinforcement that is 100% polymeric, ARES Walls
Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) panel walls. Their wide
eliminate corrosion concerns related to either the reinforcing
range of designs and finishes, combined with their simplicity
element, or to the connection of that element to the panel.
and speed of construction, make them more appealing when
Tensar Retaining Wall Systems offer the cost advantages of an
compared to other types of wall systems.
MSE retaining wall without the long-term consequences of
Although panel-faced MSE Walls are commonly tied back with exposure to chlorides, sulfates, low-resistivity soils or stray
steel reinforcing elements, the questionable durability of these electrical current potential. Such properties illustrate that
elements and their connection to the concrete panels threatens ARES Walls are the logical choice for aggressive backfill soils,
to restrict their use in the future. As an alternative, ARES® transformer platform areas and electrified rail projects.
Retaining Wall Systems utilize highly durable, non-corrosive
geosynthetic reinforcing elements, therefore providing a THE ARES SYSTEMS ADVANTAGE
cost-effective, functional and aesthetically versatile option. ARES Retaining Wall Systems are inert to chemical and
ARES Walls are proven MSE retaining wall solutions. They electrical corrosion. These properties permit the use of a wide
have been assessed by the Highway Innovative Technology range of backfills, including recycled concrete, allowing greater
Evaluation Center (HITEC), and millions of square feet have economy and a sustainable design.
been installed on a variety of transportation and site
development projects.

Tanque Verde Interchange – Tucson, Arizona Route 7 – Colonie, New York King Kamehameha – Oahu, Hawaii

Constructed in 1984-85, this was one of the first Bridge abutment wing walls were required to The smooth, uniform face of the ARES Full-Height
Tensar Walls ever built. This demonstrates the long- support proposed entrance and exit ramps. The Panel permits the use of a wide range of architectural
term performance of the ARES Full-Height Panel ARES System was chosen because it incorporates finishes.
Retaining Wall System. the use of HDPE geogrids, which are inert to
chemical and electrical corrosion, allowing the
system to be used in a wide range of backfills.
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Memorial Causeway – Clearwater, Florida Stoney Trail – Alberta, Canada County Road 124 Overpass – Delaware County, Ohio

The non-corrosive properties of Tensar Geogrids allow ARES® Full-Height Panels were chosen for these The Ohio DOT specified MSE walls to allow County
the ARES System to be used in salt water applications. bridge abutment walls due to their structural Road 124 to bridge over the existing CSX Railway. The
reliability and unique aesthetics. ARES System was chosen in part because of the ability
to use locally available aggressive soils with Tensar’s
non-corrosive HDPE Geogrids.
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 Retaining Wall Systems

Since 1999, the Mesa® Retaining Wall Systems have been the Geogrids combine to form an MSE system that meets or
retaining wall solution of choice for many architects, engineers exceeds industry standards. With Mesa Systems’ high
and DOTs. The first segmental retaining wall (SRW) system connection strength and reliability, core fill* is rarely needed.
to incorporate a positive mechanical connection between the Using less core fill reduces imported stone and labor
geogrid and the wall face, Mesa Systems offer superior and requirements, resulting in greater project savings.
cost-effective solutions for both structural and landscape
For long-term durability, increased structural integrity
retaining wall needs in the transportation, industrial,
and simplified construction, all at costs lower than most
commercial and residential markets.
conventional alternatives, specify Mesa Retaining Wall
With a network of licensed independent block manufacturers Systems for your next project.
throughout the United States, Canada and Latin America, Mesa
Systems have become the standard in SRW technology. A truly
*Core fill is the aggregate fill within the open void space of a SRW block.
integrated solution, they are the only SRW system where block, Core fill is recommended for wall segments that form convex curves with a
geogrid and connector have been developed by one company; radius less than 25 ft (7.6 m) and 90° outside corner units.
unlike other SRWs, the components of the Mesa Systems have
been specifically designed to work together for optimum
efficiency and performance. High-strength, low-absorption
concrete units, high-shear strength connectors and Tensar®

I-25 Founders Meadow – Castle Rock, Colorado St. Anthony’s Hospital – Denver, Colorado Pearl Street – Braintree, Massachusetts

CDOT I-25 was the first major bridge in the United The Mesa® Ashford™ System was specified at the No other segmental retaining wall system can
States to be built on footings supported by geogrid- St. Anthony’s Hospital campus for both its aesthetic match Mesa Systems’ structural integrity, which
reinforced abutments. This technology eliminates and its structural merits. The retaining walls created is why Mesa is the first SRW system to achieve
the need for “traditional” deep foundations (piles) handicap access ramps, detention ponds and sup- approval for heavy rail loading.
altogether. The result – major cost savings. ported the Flight for Life helipad. The customized
color, dubbed the “St. Anthony Blend,” matched
stonework already in place.

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Retaining Wall Systems

Temporary walls are a necessity for many types of staged Tensar Temporary Walls can simplify planning and expedite
construction, but the conventional means for installing them construction for bridge abutments, road widening, surcharge
are expensive, requiring heavy lifting and pile-driving loading, phased or staged projects and more. And Tensar
equipment. Structures such as soldier piles and lagging walls or Temporary Walls are both durable and flexible; they may be
sheet piling typically require toe penetration equal to or greater left in place or easily removed as needed.
than the wall height, and they may also need secondary bracing
or deadmen to safely retain the fill. These walls demand the use
of expensive equipment and labor, resulting in significantly
increased project costs.

Fortunately, there is a proven technology that allows you to

build temporary walls without the challenges and expense of
traditional techniques. The Tensar® Temporary Retaining Wall
System uses an inexpensive wire-form facing system along
with Tensar® Geogrids to reinforce the fill. As a result,

State Route 76 – San Diego County, California I-25 – Denver, Colorado Ringling Causeway Project – Sarasota, Florida

A CAT 777 weighing approximately 360,000 lbs This temporary wall in Denver did not require The system enabled the walls to be left in place,
is supported by Tensar Temporary Wall bridge excavation, was easy to install and offered whereas the sheet pile alternative may have
abutments. the lowest cost alternative. It also allowed required removal.
the contractor to use milled and recycled
asphalt for fill.

15
 Retaining Wall Systems

Engineers and architects are under constant pressure to find EASE OF INSTALLATION KEEPS COSTS DOWN
cost-effective alternatives to traditional wall systems. For a Integrating SierraScape components create durable, yet
range of applications, the SierraScape® Wire-Formed Retaining simple-to-build structures. With a small number of components,
Wall System is the ideal solution for appearance, performance project assembly moves quickly and without specialized
and overall value. Backed by decades of engineering experience equipment or labor. Welded-wire forms stack easily to create a
and with millions of square feet installed worldwide, the uniform wall face, and unlike geotextile wrap walls, stiff Tensar
SierraScape System is a complete retaining wall solution, which Geogrids and the unique SierraScape Locking Tail Strut help
includes materials, design, specifications and technical maintain facing alignment. The system can be backfilled with
assistance. general embankment fills or on-site soils, reducing both fill
materials and disposal costs.
THE POSITIVE CONNECTION™
The SierraScape System combines Tensar® Geogrids with a INSIDE AND OUT – NO OTHER WALL SYSTEM COMPARES
positive mechanical connection between the geogrid and the When it comes to structural stability, no other wire-formed
wire-form for a dependable, cost-effective solution to the most retaining wall compares. The SierraScape System adapts to a
challenging grade change projects. This connection better variety of conditions, design requirements and aesthetic options.
withstands differential settlement, offers exceptional
performance in areas where seismic activity or heavy external Compared to concrete, the system is a more cost-effective
loads are a concern and eliminates surficial stability problems solution. Its unique wire forms ease installation and minimize
often associated with other structures. It also provides a visual construction time. The SierraScape System’s low maintenance,
construction quality control check during installation. design versatility and resistance to environmental degradation
make it the right choice for numerous retaining wall applications.

The Outlook – Vancouver, Canada TXI Facility – Oro Grande, California Brentwood Towne Square – Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania
This residential community was looking for a green Concerns about the chemical properties of the
alternative to traditional concrete retaining walls. on-site fill led the cement manufacturing facility to To eliminate lateral soil loads, a SierraScape Pressure
SierraScape vegetated walls were the ideal solution, choose the SierraScape stone-filled walls because of Relief Wall was selected as a cost-effective alternative
providing both aesthetics and structural stability. the non-corrosive properties of Tensar Geogrid. to traditional below-grade construction.

16
Vulcan Materials Plant – Columbia, Blackstone Valley – Millbury, Massachusetts Webb Gin – Gwinnett County, Georgia
South Carolina
The SierraScape® System was chosen because it A multi-system design combined a Mesa Wall with
The SierraScape® Wall and superspan structure met the aesthetic demands of the owner as well as both vegetated and stone faced SierraScape Walls,
allow heavy trucks filled with aggregate easy the engineer’s space limitations, all while saving providing a unique and aesthetic solution.
and stable passage to and from the quarry. time and money with the use of on-site soils.

17
 Slope Retention System

The Sierra® Slope Retention System is a complete and fully The Sierra System significantly reduces material and
integrated MSE solution. Each component has been designed installation costs by eliminating many limitations imposed by
to work together for optimum efficiency in a variety of soil conditions, minimizing fill requirements and allowing the
challenging site and loading conditions. The Sierra System’s use of on-site fills. The primary cost benefit introduced by the
cost effectiveness, coupled with its natural aesthetic appeal, Sierra Slope System is the elimination of more costly concrete
provides a reliable solution routinely specified by government facing elements, in favor of less costly, more aesthetically
agencies, developers, engineers and architects for a variety of pleasing green elements. The economic benefits of Sierra
applications, including: Slopes have led cost-conscious transportation agencies around
the world to specify them for landslide repairs, overpasses and
˴˴ Transportation infrastructure
roadway widenings. These same cost advantages have
˴˴ Commercial encouraged site developers to specify the Sierra System to
˴˴ Industrial enhance property values and preserve the natural beauty of
˴˴ Retail their sites. Sierra Slopes can be graded so that the appearance
of these reinforced earth retention structures blend well with
˴˴ Recreation facilities
native topography and vegetation.
˴˴ Municipal water and storm water management
˴˴ Single- and multi-family residential housing

Spanish Hills – Camarillo, California (Before) Spanish Hills – Camarillo, California (After) Bridge Street – Irwin, Pennsylvania

The two pictures above depict slope construction and the final result at a residential development. This project demonstrates how DOTs can use the Sierra
The Sierra System was used in place of retaining walls to create 29 slopes that were variably System to stay within a restricted right-of-way while
graded and landscaped to be indistinguishable from the naturally hilly terrain. maximizing land use and curb appeal.

18
Environmental Systems

ADD3® Capacity Improvement Systems are performance-based Tensar Environmental Systems have also been used to
designs customized to meet owners’ economic needs by build containment facilities for ash and tailing ponds and
reconfiguring waste containment facilities based on site as foundation reinforcement for heap leaching projects.
specific conditions. The ADD 3 Systems’ integrated approach to Additionally, they have been utilized to construct berm
waste containment structure construction maximizes the expansions that increase the capacity and extend the life
economy, life span and security of both municipal and industrial of ash or environmental containment ponds.
facilities by reducing unit airspace costs and providing a higher
ADD3 Systems not only lengthen the life of a landfill, but
level of environmental security.
can also simplify the closure of waste impoundments. Even
Even within tight boundary constraints, ADD3 Systems allow when all other conventional technologies have failed, Tensar
efficient expansion of waste containment facilities, thereby ADD3 Capacity Improvement Systems have been able to
increasing the waste capacity and extending service life. ADD3 successfully and securely close sites while reducing costs.
Systems can be used to:
˴˴ Build safer, structurally stable, steeper slopes to reduce
land requirements and increase capacity
˴˴ Construct landfills over marginal foundations
˴˴ Structurally support new landfills built on top of existing
landfill cells
˴˴ Reinforce the lining system to create new, usable airspace
via vertical or horizontal expansion of an existing cell

ADD3®
Structure
Additional waste capacity

Existing waste

Conventional unreinforced berms

LG&E Trimble County Power Plant – Bedford, Kentucky Perimeter Berm

Ash Pond Expansion: The ADD3® System provided significant cost savings A Tensar® Perimeter Berm with steepened slopes adds capacity, resulting
over the standard solution and blended with the natural landscape. in additional revenue and extended service life.

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 Coastal and Waterway Systems

Triton® Coastal and Waterway Systems are a family of marine Triton Systems were specifically developed to counter some of
structures used for a broad range of construction and the common difficulties associated with construction in coastal
protection applications in and around the water. They provide areas. By employing some unique deployment techniques,
durable, cost-effective solutions and are typically used for: Triton Systems can be significantly less expensive than
conventional solutions. A high degree of flexibility allows Triton
˴˴ Foundations for coastal structures and underwater
Systems to conform to land contours and irregular subgrade
utilities
conditions far better than conventional solutions. SInce Tensar®
˴˴ Scour protection for bridge abutments, piers, culverts, Geogrids enable Triton Systems to resist virtually all forms of
utilities, and other structures chemical and environmental degradation, the system is often
˴˴ Erosion protection for stream banks and channels, specified for aggressive conditions where other types of
shorelines and dunes materials would deteriorate rapidly.
˴˴ Protective cover for subaqueous utilities/pipelines
˴˴ Grid composite material used as an underlayer for
riprap in submerged and soft soil conditions

Triton® Systems various marine structures are also used

together with conventional solutions to enhance overall
performance.

Living Shoreline – Hilton Head, South Carolina Triton Marine Mattress Foundation – Triton Grid Composite
Palm Beach, Florida
The Triton Marine Mattress System provides On this project, armor stone was placed directly on
foundation support, filtration and scour protection Handling and installation time was approximately Triton Grid Composite, eliminating the standard
for breakwaters, groins, jetties, and living shoreline five minutes per Triton Mattress, which allowed the layer of bedding stone.
structures. contractor to finish construction 37 days early.

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Mining Systems

Tensar Mining Systems offer a wide range of cost-saving thousands of dollars working in the most brutal of conditions.
solutions to meet the needs and objectives of mining Flame-retardant Minex Rock Mesh maintains similar weight
operations. Among the proven applications are roof and characteristics to Tensar Mining Grid, yet is over eight times
rib control, long-wall shield recovery screens as well stronger with increased flexibility.
as soft bottom and haul road stabilization.
RESISTIVE UNROLLING TENSAR® TRIAX® GEOGRID
ROOF AND RIB CONTROL Resistive unrolling allows Tensar TriAx® Mining Grid to be
Tensar Geogrid, teamed with Minex™ Rock Mesh, provides installed from miner/bolters and bolting machines without the
effective roof and rib control for soft minerals as well as the need for brackets that cause downtime and needless
most demanding hard rock and tunneling applications. Tensar maintenance.
Mining Grid meshes are impervious to acidic environments and TriAx Mining Grid rolls are injected with expandable foam or
have very similar strength characteristics to steel, but at a secured with cable ties that allow the roll to be suspended from
fraction of steel’s weight. These properties add up to a drastic a bolter or miner/bolter and installed with a predetermined
reduction in back, hand and facial installation injuries, due to amount of resistance. The resistance prevents the roll from
product weight and flexibility. Lightweight, easy-to-handle undoing itself during installation as well as keeping TriAx
Tensar Mining Systems easily reduce installation and material Mining Grid tight against the roof. The benefits include:
handling time by up to 75%.
˴˴ Reduction of entry development time
LONG-WALL SCREENING ˴˴ Increased driveage
Moves that traditionally took weeks several years ago ˴˴ Reduction of worker injuries and material handling
have been reduced to days, enabling customers to save ˴˴ Elimination of the need for screen rehabilitation

Tensar BX and UX Mining Geogrids provide effective roof and rib Tensar TriAx® Geogrid can be installed without brackets, thus eliminating
control for soft minerals as well as the most demanding hard rock unnecessary downtime.
and tunneling applications.

21
 Software for Road Design,
Retaining Walls, and Shallow Foundations

Design Technology
SPECTRAPAVE™ SOFTWARE DIMENSION® SOLUTION SOFTWARE
Tensar provides unique design capabilities to our customers Dimension® Solution Software is a foundation design tool that
with our industry leading SpectraPaveTM Software. The can be used to improve performance and reduce cost of a wide
software helps design engineers accurately predict the range of shallow foundations. The use of Dimension software
performance of both conventional and geogrid-stabilized roads. can result in substantial building foundation cost savings by
SpectraPave Software includes three design modules for facilitating economical design of geogrid-reinforced
Tensar TriAx Geogrids: composite raft foundations. Unlike some design programs,
Dimension Software is empirically based, using extensive field
˴˴ Flexible Pavement Optimization using AASHTO design
and laboratory research conducted with Tensar® Geogrids.
methodology
˴˴ Subgrade Stabilization using the Giroud-Han
design method
˴˴ Pavement Foundation Improvement using a modulus-
based design approach

SpectraPave also allows the user to conduct Subgrade

Stabilization and Flexible Pavement analyses for punched and
drawn biaxial geogrids and includes comprehensive cost
analysis capabilities for all design modules.

The SpectraPave Paved Application module can compare the thickness of a Dimension Solution Software is used to calculate the bearing capacity
conventional pavement section to one that is optimized with Tensar TriAx and projected settlement beneath shallow foundations, which helps
Geogrid and show cost saving results. reduce costs and improve foundation performance.
22
TENSARSOIL-PRO™ AND TENSARSLOPE™ SOFTWARE ˴˴ National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) 1997
TensarSoil-PRO™ and TensarSlope™ Software are unique tools ˴˴ Federal Highway Administration – Demonstration
that make the design of Tensar grade separation systems Project 82 (1997)
simpler, faster, as well as more cost-efficient. TensarSoil-PRO ˴˴ Federal Highway Administration – National Highway
Software has been expanded to evaluate the feasibility, Institute (FHWA NHI 043) 2001 (AASHTO ASD 2002)
potential performance and cost benefits of each of our ˴˴ American Association of State Highway and
geogrid-reinforced systems, including:
Transportation Officials – Load and Resistance Factor
˴˴ ARES® Retaining Wall Systems Design (AASHTO LRFD) 2010
˴˴ Mesa® Retaining Wall Systems TensarSoil-PRO Software is programmed with data from all of
˴˴ SierraScape® Retaining Wall Systems the Tensar wall and slope systems. Fully interactive, the
software allows the user to input and easily alter wall/slope
˴˴ Sierra® Slope Retention System
geometry, geogrid grade or layout, surcharge load and/or soil
˴˴ Tensar® Temporary Retaining Walls characteristics – all on a single screen image – to determine
In addition, it may be used with large precast block systems stability data and material costs instantaneously. Once internal
that incorporate Tensar Uniaxial Geogrid into their design. It is and external stability parameters have been determined,
also compatible with all major design methodologies to enable design data can be exported to TensarSlope Software, our slope
you to design projects using various Tensar Systems and meet stability application, for comprehensive, compound and global
all major industry-standard protocols including: stability analyses.

TensarSoil-PRO Software allows the user to design prototypes and TensarSlope Software is an effective tool for analyzing slope stability
compare costs of different grade separation solutions. using different types of global soil conditions.

23
 Geopier® Foundations and
Floor Slabs

Geopier Foundation Company®, a subsidiary of Tensar Corporation, provides ground Improvement technologies for the support of structures.
Our Rammed Aggregate Pier® and rigid inclusion systems replace traditional deep foundations, such as auger-cast piles and drilled shafts, and
eliminates the need for massive over-excavation of poor soils.
Geopier Rammed Aggregate Pier® (RAP) elements are used in nearly all soil types to economically increase the strength and stiffness of the soil
prior to the construction of shallow foundations, retaining walls, and floor slabs. Geopier’s RAP systems include GP3®, Impact®, Rampact®, and
X1® systems. RAPs are constructed by drilling out or displacing soft/loose bearing soils and replacing them with very stiff columns of aggregate.
The piers are constructed with a high energy tamper that not only creates a very dense pier element, but also densifies the surrounding bearing
soils, creating a composite soil mass with a greatly increased stiffness.
Geopier’s rigid inclusions are used in very soft cohesive and organic soils that require additional strength and stiffness prior to the construction
of shallow foundations, retaining walls, and floor slabs. Geopier’s rigid inclusion systems include Armorpact®, Grouted Impact® and GeoConcrete®
Columns, each tailored for specific soil types and loading conditions. There is virtually no soil profile that Geopier cannot improve.
FOUNDATIONS FLOOR SLABS
For more than 25 years, structural designers have been using Geopier systems provide economical solutions for the support of
Geopier ground improvement systems to provide Intermediate conventional light to heavily loaded floor slabs in industrial,
Foundation® support for their projects. Thousands of projects bear commercial, and residential applications.
on Geopier-reinforced soils, supporting loads as high as 3,000 kips,
Geopier ground improvement solutions allow for conventional
bearing pressures up to 10,000 psf, and at settlements that conform
slab-on-grade design and construction. This eliminates the need for
to the building’s structural requirements.
costly grade beams and structural slabs which are typically required
Geopier systems provide foundation support for a wide range of for deep foundation supported slabs.
structures, including:
Geopier systems are commonly used floor slab support
˴˴ Hospitals ˴˴ Schools and universities structures, including:
˴˴ Office buildings ˴˴ Storage tanks ˴˴ Retail warehouses ˴˴ Distribution centers
˴˴ Parking garages ˴˴ Grain bins ˴˴ Data centers ˴˴ Manufacturing facilities
˴˴ Multi-family housing

Office Building and Garage - Connecticut Facebook Data Center - Omaha Madison Farmers Grain Bin - South Dakota

Geopier Rammed Aggregate Pier® (RAP) and Geopier GP3® and X1® systems were used to The Geopier GP3® system was used to support a
GeoConcrete® Columns (GCCs) allowed for support two Facebook data centers. The fast grain bin with a 135 feet diameter and an eave
traditional shallow footings and slab-on-grade installation accommodated an accelerated height of 91 feet in stiff lean clay and alluvium
construction of this 12-story structure built on construction schedule and proved to be soils. This provided significant cost savings and
24 soft organic soils. The combined Geopier solution significantly less expensive than deep foundations schedule advantages while keeping existing grain
resulted in substantial cost savings compared to and structural slabs. bins operational.
deep foundations.
Geopier® Global Stability for
Retaining Wall Systems

Constructing MSE walls and embankments on weak or soft foundation soils can result in excessive settlement or inadequate factors
of safety for global stability or bearing capacity. Using Geopier ground improvement solutions increase the composite stiffness of
the soft foundation soils and provide additional shear reinforcement that increases the factor of safety for bearing capacity and
global stability and significantly reduces embankment and retaining wall settlement.

EXTERNAL GLOBAL STABILITY SETTLEMENT CONTROL

Geopier soil reinforcement effectively increases the factor of The increase in lateral stress achieved during ramming
safety against global instability of retaining walls and improves the surrounding soil stiffness. The improved stiffness
embankments. The high angle of internal friction exhibited by is coupled with the high stiffness of the Geopier foundation
the Geopier RAPs provides significant increases in the shear elements to significantly reduce embankment and retaining
resistance, thus improving the factor of safety for global/slope wall settlement. The piers may be constructed with
stability. open-graded stone to facilitate radial drainage thereby reducing
the time for settlement to occur. The reduction in settlement
INCREASED BEARING CAPACITY magnitude and duration eliminates the need for staged
Tall cast-in-place retaining walls and MSE walls exert high embankment construction and reduces overall construction
bearing pressures near the toe of the wall which often exceed schedules while delivering superior performance.
the soil bearing capacity. Geopier ground improvement systems
are installed beneath MSE and retaining walls to cost- GEOPIER® EXPERIENCE
effectively increase the bearing capacity of weak or soft Geopier offers the only ground improvement technology
foundation soil and fill. The high friction angle of the Geopier evaluated by an independent HITEC committee for
systems provides significant increases of 2 to 3 times in the transportation projects. Our ground improvement systems
allowable bearing pressure, offering reliable support of tall have supported hundreds of retaining walls and embankment
walls. projects providing an unmatched value and performance by
supporting transportation projects in most states in the U.S.

Retaining Wall and Railroad Line – Rhode Island MSE Walls And Embankments - Wisconsin Sam Houston Tollway Widening - Texas

The Geopier Impact® system was used to penetrate Geopier’s GP3® system provided shear The Geopier GP3® system was used to support
the fill and organic soils to meet the project reinforcement for global stability and bearing embankment design pressures of 3,000 psf in very
performance requirement for global stability, capacity and settlement control in mixed sand and stiff clay and dense silty sand. The rapid installation
bearing capacity and settlement, without clay fills. The Geopier system was much cheaper of piers allowed the project team to expedite the
disrupting normal train operations. than lightweight fill and enabled the contractor to construction schedule with minimal impact to 25
expedite the erection schedule for 10 locations. existing traffic.
 Geopier® Seismic and Wind Solutions

Projects constructed in regions with high transient forces associated with wind or seismic activity face unique design challenges, including
increased uplift and lateral loading demands, as well as potentially liquefiable subgrade conditions. Geopier ground improvement solutions, can
be provided to meet seismic design challenges at considerable cost savings compared to traditional deep foundation approaches or other ground
improvement techniques.

LIQUEFACTION UPLIFT AND LATERAL LOAD RESISTANCE

Geopier® ground improvement systems provide economical Buildings subjected to wind and seismic loading often require
liquefaction mitigation solutions. The installation of Geopier solutions to resist large uplift and lateral forces on foundations.
elements within liquefiable soils replaces loose soil with dense Geopier® ground improvement systems provide cost-effective,
(dilatent) Geopier elements and increases the density of granular reliable solutions for these dynamic loading conditions.
soils. Geopier ground improvement solutions reduce the potential for
˴˴ Uplift anchors can be used with Geopier Rammed Aggregate
liquefaction by:
Pier® (RAP) elements to provide allowable uplift resistance up
˴˴ Providing a stiff, non-liquefiable inclusion in the liquefiable to 75 kips per anchor. These uplift anchors often eliminate the
soils need for deep foundations or over-sizing of shallow
˴˴ Improving the matrix soil between the piers by increased foundations.
lateral stress and soil densification ˴˴ Lateral load resistance is developed through similar
˴˴ Providing drainage elements for rapid drainage of excess mechanisms as conventional shallow foundations. The
pore water pressures that develop during seismic shaking unique combination of high normal stress, through stress
concentration and the high friction angle of the piers,
Geopier ground improvement reinforces soils with higher fines results in substantial increases in lateral load resistance.
content to reduce liquefaction potential. Our solutions are
tailored for site specific conditions to provide acceptable levels
of static and dynamic settlement through a combination of
densification and reinforcement.

Sanmar Shipyard - Talova, Turkey Casino Queen - Illinois C-17 Hangars 164th Airlift Wing - Tennessee

The Geopier Impact® system was used to form Geopier Impact® elements were used in lieu of The Geopier GP3® system was chosen to support
a densified crust against liquefaction, thereby traditional ground improvement technologies for the high compression and uplift forces of the
reducing the amount of total and differential foundation support and liquefaction mitigation for 10-story hangars to accommodate the C-17 Galaxy,
settlement under both static and seismic loads. this new casino featuring a parking garage, theater, instead of the more costly and time-consuming
retail, restaurant and entertainment area. auger-cast piles.
26
Geopier® Specialty Applications

Through continued research and development, Geopier has expanded its system offerings to include turn key solutions for specialty ground
improvement applications.

SLOPE REINFORCEMENT RAILWAY SUBGRADE STABILIZATION

The Geopier SRT® system is an efficient and cost-effective The Geopier GeoSpike system is a low-cost method for
SM

solution for the stabilization of new slopes and active slides up treating weak railroad track subgrades. This turn key system
to 12 feet deep. With fast and easy installation, our Plate Piles™ can be installed without removing railroad tracks or ties. The
allow for emergency response and immediate stabilization GeoSpike shell is driven in-place by inserting a driving mandrel
without the need for massive earthwork, traffic disruption, or within the shell and advancing the mandrel to design depths.
the use of anchors or retaining walls. After driving to design depths, aggregate is placed within the
confining GeoSpike shell and compacted. The dynamic loads
˴˴ Turn-key solutions for shallow slides or constrained sites
from the passing rail cars arch through the ballast and are
˴˴ Method has been used to repair landslides within roadway effectively transferred through the sell and densely compacted
slopes, commercial and residential developments, and aggregate down to a suitable bearing layer.
pipeline alignments
˴˴ Rapid installation process without track tie or ballast
˴˴ Increases global stability FS for steeper constructed removal
slopes, resulting in more developable property ˴˴ Reduces the need to re-build and repair track sections.
The Geopier SRT® system is designed to stabilize slopes where
the soil conditions consist of an upper zone of weathered, loose,
soft or disturbed soil over a stable zone of soil or soft rock. The
closely spaced Plate Pile elements form a series of horizontal
barriers where the soil arches between the plates, forming a
continuous line of resistance against downslope movement.

Geopier SRT® system utilizes Plate Piles™ to rapidly and economically The Geopier GeoSpikeSM system increases the railroad track subgrade
stabilize shallow landslides that occur on site with difficult access or modulus response and decreases permanent track deflections due to
that require minimized environmental disturbance. dynamic loads.

27
 Tensar International Corporation Geopier Foundation Company
2500 Northwinds Parkway, Suite 500 130 Harbour Place Drive, Suite 280
Alpharetta, GA 30009 Davidson, NC 28036

[Link] [Link]
800-TENSAR-1 800-371-7470

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©2019, Tensar International Corporation. Certain products and/or applications described or illustrated herein are protected under one or
more U.S. patents. Other U.S. patents are pending, and certain foreign patents and patent applications may also exist. Trademark
rights also apply as indicated herein. Final determination of the suitability of any information or material for the use contemplated, and
its manner of use, is the sole responsibility of the user. GEN_BRO_ALLSYS_3.19