By: JP George, Business Manager, Presto Geosystems In the nonstop rush to complete the latest to-dos, leisure time often gets pushed aside. Yet those moments we spend doing what we love are essential. Whether it’s a quiet walk through the woods, a yoga class, cycling, painting, gaming, gardening, or a round of golf, these activities help us recharge and reconnect. Unfortunately, most of us have far too little time for the activities we enjoy, so when recreational spaces are disrupted by repairs, maintenance, or new construction, minimizing downtime matters. Fast project completion can make the difference between weeks of closure and getting people back to enjoying their favorite activities. Golf Course Construction Without the Lengthy Downtime A friend of mine, Patrick, is an avid golfer. Unlike me, where golf is equal parts relaxation and frustration, Patrick actually knows what he is doing and thoroughly enjoys it. Like many of us, Patrick balances work, family, and a packed schedule, so finding time for golf isn’t easy. One of his favorite courses, Kings Mill in Virginia, recently underwent “playable area” repairs following a major storm event. Restoring the damaged sections required heavy construction equipment to move across the course fairways and surrounding… Read more »
Posts Categorized: General
GEOWEB® Geocell Installation: Answers to Common Field Questions
Thank you to all who participated in our recent webinar, “Best Practices for Installing the GEOWEB® Geocell System,” and for submitting your technical questions regarding GEOWEB® Geocells. Based on the discussion and submitted inquiries, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked topics to help clarify how the GEOWEB system works and where it delivers the greatest value. If you didn’t catch the live webinar, view the on-demand webinar here and earn PDH credits. Q1. How difficult is it to address a poor or failed subgrade with GEOWEB Geocells? Addressing a poor subgrade with the GEOWEB systems is typically straightforward and highly effective when properly designed. Rather than relying on deep undercutting or chemical soil treatment, the GEOWEB system mechanically stabilizes weak soils by confining the infill and distributing loads laterally. This reduces vertical stress on the subgrade and minimizes rutting and shear deformation. From a construction standpoint, installation is simple and often completed with only minimal subgrade preparation. Even in very weak conditions (CBR < 3%), the GEOWEB system can significantly reduce required aggregate thickness while improving overall performance, making it a more reliable and more cost-effective solution than traditional stabilization methods. To eliminate uncertainty, we offer a… Read more »
Advancing Rail Resilience: How Geosynthetics Help Achieve CRISI Objectives for Robust and Stable Infrastructure
Discover the Latest CRISI Rail Infrastructure Funding Opportunities: Apply Before the June 2026 Deadline The U.S. Department of Transportation is bolstering rail infrastructure advancements through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program. With a recent allocation of more than $2 billion, the CRISI program is set to significantly impact rail safety, efficiency, sustainability, and reliability across the United States. This funding initiative is designed to support a variety of projects that are pivotal to enhancing the nation’s passenger and freight rail systems. It represents a call to action for rail industry professionals, including engineers, planners, and project managers, to leverage this opportunity to advance their rail infrastructure projects. The deadline for application submissions is 11:59 p.m. ET, June 22, 2026. Professionals in the rail sector are urged to prepare their proposals that align with CRISI’s mission to improve the rail infrastructure’s overall landscape. For a comprehensive overview of the application process and to assess project eligibility, stakeholders are encouraged to review the Fiscal Years 2025-2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) available through the CRISI program. This funding presents a pivotal chance for those involved in rail infrastructure to gain the support and resources needed to propel their… Read more »
Building Commercial Truck Parking Lots That Last
A smarter way to build and maintain heavy-duty parking lots When you plan or purchase a commercial truck parking lot, you need it to perform reliably year after year. Issues like potholes, rutting, and poor drainage are more than cosmetic. They disrupt operations, increase maintenance costs, and shorten the lifespan of the lot. Fully loaded trucks, frequent turning, and long parking times create constant stress on the surface. Traditional asphalt or aggregate designs often struggle under these conditions, which can lead to repairs much sooner than expected. The GEOWEB® Soil Stabilization System addresses these challenges from the start by reinforcing the base so the surface stays stable and your yard remains operational. The challenge for truck parking areas Commercial truck parking areas experience extreme loads, tight turning, and long dwell times. Traditional asphalt or aggregate surfaces often fail under these conditions, which leads to higher upkeep and disruption. Constant pressure from heavy trucks Turning movements that grind and displace materials Soft subgrades that shift and settle over time The need to manage stormwater without sacrificing performance Many lots appear to perform well after construction but begin developing costly problems within a few seasons. The GEOWEB System solution The GEOWEB system… Read more »
GEOWEB Geocells Meet the Demands of Remote Wind Farm Construction
Remote wind farm projects often face challenging site conditions, including soft soils, steep terrain, and limited access to construction materials. Building reliable infrastructure in these environments requires solutions that are both technically sound and environmentally sustainable. Soil Stabilization Solutions for Wind Farm Roads & Platforms with GEOWEB® Geocells The GEOWEB Soil Stabilization System offers a proven approach for creating stable access roads, crane pads, and work platforms in challenging environments. The three-dimensional geocell structure confines and distributes loads effectively, reducing stress on subgrades. This minimizes the need for over-excavation and decreases reliance on imported aggregate, making it a cost-effective and environmentally responsible choice. Building Access Roads, Crane Pads, and Work Platforms Over Soft Soils The GEOWEB Geocells are ideal for areas with soft or saturated soils where traditional methods may be costly or prone to failure. The system allows for the use of locally available fill, reduces hauling needs, and supports heavy loads without rutting or base failure. This makes it an ideal solution for stabilizing access routes and critical lift zones during turbine installation. Long-Term Performance in Cold Climates and Snowy Conditions In cold climates and snowy regions, GEOWEB Geocells maintain structural integrity and promote drainage. This helps prevent… Read more »
Dam Structure Safety Installation and Repair Using Advanced Geosynthetic Technology
Written By: Samantha Justice, P.E. Dams and Spillways Are a Critical Part of U.S. Infrastructure With over 92,000 structures nationwide, dams and spillways are essential for controlling flooding, water distribution, and providing hydroelectric power. However, these structures cannot last forever. The average age of dams and spillways in the U.S. is now 61 years, which is significantly over the typical 50-year lifespan of these structures. Aging infrastructure can lead to serious consequences if safety precautions are not taken or measures are not implemented to address identified problems promptly. Continual inspection and upkeep are crucial for any dam manager. The 2025 Infrastructure Report Card by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) upgraded the condition of U.S. dams from a “D” to a “D+”, reflecting modest improvements but still highlighting the critical need for ongoing repairs and maintenance. State and federal regulations provide a framework for assessing and maintaining dam and spillway structures, requiring at least yearly audit inspections to identify areas needing repair or replacement. Performing these repairs can help extend the lifetime of dams, maintaining essential services without excessive costs or increased failure potential. While the ASCE has issued state-level assessments in 2026, the national-level “Report Card for America’s Infrastructure”… Read more »
ASCE Reveals the 2025 Infrastructure Report Card
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) recently released their quadrennial Infrastructure Report Card. America’s infrastructure earned an overall grade of C, which is a minor improvement over 2021’s grade of C-minus and the highest grade received since the report card’s inception in 1998. While the report card is trending in the right direction, we are not quite ready to hang it on the fridge. There is still a lot of work and investment required to make up for decades of underinvestment and deferred maintenance, especially as climate change, population growth, and aging systems continue to place added stress on our infrastructure. Without sustained funding, strategic planning, and public-private collaboration, many critical systems — from levees and roads to drinking water and stormwater management — will remain vulnerable and inefficient. The report card assesses and assigns grades to 18 categories of American infrastructure, including Bridges, Energy, Ports, Rail, Roads, and Stormwater. Half of the categories received a grade in the “D” range. This means that the civil engineers who evaluated these categories determined that the infrastructure is “poor, at risk.” According to the report card, this is, “…a clear sign that more needs to be done to improve the health… Read more »
Building a Resilient U.S. Supply Chain for Critical Materials & Mining Infrastructure
Written by: JP George, Business Manager The U.S. Dept of Energy (DOE) classifies critical materials and minerals based on their importance to energy and supply risk. With the new U.S. administration taking office in January 2025, there has been a renewed effort to focus on strengthening the supply of these resources both domestically and abroad. Strengthening Domestic Supply Bipartisan efforts continue to bolster domestic mineral production through legislative actions, such as the proposed Critical Mineral Consistency Act of 2025 and revisions to the Energy Act of 2020. The National Mining Association (NMA) supports these measures, emphasizing the need for U.S. production over reliance on foreign sources. According to the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) 2025 Mineral Commodity Summaries, the U.S. remains import-reliant for many critical minerals, with China controlling production for over two-thirds of these resources. NMA President & CEO Rich Nolan states, “We could be producing most of these minerals here at home—under world-leading environmental, labor and safety standards”. Projects like Perpetua Resources’ Idaho gold project could supply up to 35% of the U.S. annual demand for antimony, demonstrating the potential for revitalized domestic mining. Innovations in Mining & Mineral Processing Technological advancements are driving sustainable mining operations: South32 Hermosa… Read more »
How Geocells Provide Sustainable Solutions for Soil Stabilization and Erosion Control
Innovative Site Solutions for Civil Engineering and Construction Projects When faced with challenging site conditions—whether it’s weak soils, steep slopes, or erosion-prone channels—finding an efficient, long-term solution that minimizes maintenance is essential. Geocells offer just that. These innovative cellular confinement systems (CCS) are a proven solution for load support, retaining walls, slope stabilization, and channel protection applications. Geocells not only improve soil stability but also contribute to eco-friendly, sustainable project designs. Geocells are three-dimensional, honeycomb-like structures typically made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). By confining and reinforcing infill materials like soil/vegetation, sand, gravel or concrete, geocells create a stable, load-bearing surface. This cellular system prevents soil movement and erosion, making geocells a versatile solution for stabilizing weak soils and supporting structures such as roads, retaining walls, slopes, and channels. How Geocells Work The core function of geocells is to create a grid of interconnected cells that confine and stabilize infill materials. This CCS strengthens the underlying soil and distributes loads more evenly, preventing the movement of infill under pressure. In load support applications—such as roads, parking areas, or driveways—geocells act like a semi-rigid slab. The geocell structure increases the load distribution angle and spreads vertical stresses over a larger area, which… Read more »
Understanding Hoop Stress and Wall Tension in Geocells
Written By: Samantha Justice, P.E., Bryan Wedin, P.E. Geocells provide one of the most powerful solutions available to engineers and contractors when designing and constructing roadways over soft and weak subgrades. With a successful track record of over 40 years, geocells have proven effective in load support applications over challenging conditions. If you’ve ever wondered how geocells work in load support applications – and the relationship between lateral confinement, hoop stress and wall tension – you’ve come to the right place. Geocells are used to alter vertical stresses beneath an applied cyclical load. When a vertical, cyclical load is applied over geocells, active earth pressures develop in the loaded cell. These pressures arise due to the friction between the infill material and the cell wall. This friction pushes back against the passive earth pressure in the adjacent cells, helping to support the load. Refer to Figure 1. The balance of active and passive earth pressures activates the hoop stress in the cell walls, which increases the stiffness and bearing capacity of infill material. The infill material is confined within the individual cells with no chance of displacement, or lateral or vertical spreading and the result is increased stiffness. In effect,… Read more »
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