Updates on testing and standards development for geosynthetics

Geogrid reinforcement for a modular block MSE wall

Tony Allen of Washington State DOT may be one of the most influential people in the country in the field of geosynthetics standards, testing and specifications. His involvement in the field of geosynthetics over the past 25 plus years includes setting up the T925 testing protocol for determining long term durability and reliability, chairing the National Transportation Product Evaluation Program’s (NTPEP) Geosynthetic Reinforcement Committee and more.

A number of changes are on the way to the way geotechnical engineers design and specify with geogrids, geotextiles and geomembranes thanks to the work of Tony and others. AASHTO has a provisional standard in the works involving geosynthetics, and the ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics is likely to have some new and revised standards on the topic after their summer meeting that ended today in St. Louis. I will keep you posted if I hear anything. [Source: CE News. Image: Tensar by way of CE News]