TensartechEarthRetaining

SystemsBridge Abutments,

Retaining Walls and Steep Slopes

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Tensar International is a world leader in geogrid technology and theprovision of high performance reinforced soil solutions, with over 30years experience.

Tensar offers a broad variety of cost-effective and attractivealternatives for all types of construction projects requiring retainingwalls or slopes.

We offer the services of a team of professionals who can assist indeveloping concepts to support your design or undertake fullconstruction design. We also provide advice and initial training on-site toassist you to effectively install our products and systems in your project.

By combining our knowledge of materials, application technologiesand geotechnical design techniques, we are able to offer a TensartechSystem providing structural integrity and long-term reliability.

Tensartech Systems are versatileand meet the environmentaland economic demands of anyproject, as demonstrated onthis ten lane road that willnavigate through themountainous landscape ofFujairah to Dubai (UAE).

Tensar uniaxial geogrids have been given accreditation by a number of independent government and other certifyingagencies. No other soil reinforcement material has such a wide range of certification.

Tensar Technology - provenpractical solutions and theknow-how to get them builtBased on the characteristic properties of Tensargeogrids, Tensar Technology is widely adoptedfor ground stabilisation and soil reinforcementproblems, delivering real savings in cost andtime. We can help you apply Tensar Technologyto improve the bottom line on your project.

Reinforced Fill Product Certificate No

RF1/09 for Tensar RE500 Geogrids

Q 05288ISO 9001:2008

EMS 86463ISO 14001:2004

Unsurpassed experienceand reliability

PRODUCT SHEET 1TENSAR RE AND RE500

GEOGRIDS FOR REINFORCEDSOIL RETAINING WALL AND

BRIDGE ABUTMENT SYSTEMS

PRODUCT SHEET 2TENSAR TW1 WALL SYSTEM

FOR REINFORCED SOILRETAINING WALLS AND

BRIDGE ABUTMENTS

PRODUCT SHEET 1TENSAR RE AND RE500

GEOGRIDS FOR REINFORCEDSOIL EMBANKMENTS

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Design engineers need to make choices when faced withdifficult and variable site terrain where it is necessary tomaximise the area suitable for development. Whereretaining structures need to be constructed the optionsavailable are varied, including reinforced concrete, massconcrete, gabions, crib walls, sheet piling and structuralbrickwork, for example.

However, increasing numbers of engineers and architectslook first to Tensar for a tailored solution from a singlesource - Tensartech Earth Retaining Systems.

Our Tensartech Earth Retaining Systems for Walls andSlopes offer you a range of reinforced soil structures witha choice of faces to suit your design code, budget,environmental constraints and aesthetic requirements.They are designed as ‘true systems’ using carefullyintegrated components for superior structural integrity.

Economical

Tensartech Wall Systems can save up to 50% ontraditional reinforced concrete structures

Tensartech Slope Systems can save up to 75% ontraditional reinforced concrete structures

Rapid to construct Tensartech Systems can cutconstruction times by half

Use of site-won materials can reduce costly importedfill and outlay on both aggregate and landfill charges

Often no specialist skills are required for construction

Tensartech Earth Retaining SystemsFlexible and Attractive

Varying face angles possible from 20º to 90º

Numerous architectural finishes available to conformwith project specific requirements

Attractive longitudinal curves and terraces easilyachievable without special components

Reliable

Tensartech Systems are internationally certified forindependently assessed performance

Thousands of structures successfully completedthroughout the world

Tensartech Systems feature unique high strengthconnection to the geogrid reinforcement

Tensartech Systems require little or no maintenanceand may be designed for a 120 year design life

The systems can be designed to accommodateextreme dynamic loading and seismic conditions

Environmentally Sound

Delivers significant reductions in construction carbonemissions compared with traditional concrete structures

Potential to use site-won fill or reclaimed fill materials

Site-won material used as reinforced fill can avoid fillimportation and off-site tipping and reduces theinherent pollution associated with transportation

Vegetated slopes enhance aesthetic appeal and blendwith natural surroundings

4 Tensartech Systems -making the right choice foryour scheme

A guide to choosing a Tensartech Earth Retaining System

Tensartech TW1 Wall System usedwith spectacular effect on these

bridge wingwalls.

At Tensar we believe thatunderstanding yourrequirements at the planningstage will help us to deliverthe best option for anyproject. Here is a quick guideto show you how adaptableTensartech Systems can be.

Tensartech Greenslope

60º to 70ºThe face can bedetailed for vegetationNo external proppingrequiredExcellent durabilitywith 120 year designlife possible

Tensartech NaturalGreen

20º to 45ºNo face support neededNo limit on constructionplant weight workingnear faceUses conventionalearthwork techniques

Tensartech SlipRepair

20º to 70ºRegularly re-uses failedsoilsTypically no facesupport neededEconomical andenvironmentally friendly

Tensartech Slope Systems - vegetated faces

Tensartech TW

82º to 90ºWide choice oftextures, colours andface anglesEasily accommodatesoptional brick ormasonry façadeCan fit small radiuscurvesDry laid blocks, nomechanical lifting needed

Tensartech Marine

90ºConcrete facing unitscan be factoryproduced or caston-siteDesigned to resistwave attackMay accommodatetidal construction

Full Height

90ºNo horizontalconstruction jointsPanel structures allowrapid face erectionwith use of craneTight control oververtical alignmentExternal finishes easilycast-in duringproduction

Incremental

90ºPanels can be factoryproduced or caston-siteNo need for externalproppingRapid erection of faceExternal finish topanels easily cast-in

Tensartech Panel

Tensartech Wall Systems - non-vegetated faces

There are many variable parameters that need to beconsidered before reaching the decision on whichTensartech System meets your needs. Making the rightchoice for your scheme may depend on:

Aesthetics

Durability (design life)

Available space for construction (face angle)

Geotechnical considerations (soil types)

Budgetary constraints

Whatever your project characteristics, contact us as soonas you can as we are likely to have either a TensartechWall or Tensartech Slope System that will fit yourrequirements.

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for your project

Wall and Slope

Combines beauty withdurabilityPositions concreteadjacent to traffic fordurabilityPositions vegetatedslope above foraesthetic appeal

Terraced Wall

Terraces allow attractiveplantingAesthetically pleasingyet durableSimple to detail andconstructExcellent durability with 120year design life possible

Tensartech Systems - combination structures

Tensartech RockWall

80º to 90ºGalvanised steel meshand stone finish Permeable and flexiblefaceMinimises use ofexpensive gabion fillMay use site-won orreclaimed fill behindface

Tensartech TR2

70º to 90ºLow cost andfunctional fortemporary worksMinimal externalproppingMay be used forpermanent thrust reliefbehind existingstructures

Tensartech Systems -from concept to constructionwith confidenceTensar’s Professional Support Team are happy to provide guidance andimpartial advice on all projects requiring retaining structures. Whetherthe project is in the first stages of planning or solutions are needed aspart of the ongoing construction process, Tensar can help you realisethe project’s full potential and see it through to completion.

Early consultation with experienced civil engineers will provideinvaluable information on budget costing and feasibility and lead tobig savings in time and money. We can also provide you withalternative designs to existing schemes to help you get the most out ofyour projects.

A simplified version of our powerful in-house design software is nowavailable to designers and specifiers, together with user training withqualified engineers at one of our design workshops.

The earlier you include Tensar, the more we will be able to assist you insuccessfully completing your project.

TENSAR OFFERS A RANGE OF DESIGN SERVICEOPTIONS IN 3 CORE STREAMS

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An attached façade such as this sandstone finish may be easily achievedusing the Tensartech TW Wall System with stainless steel ties.

With savings of up to 50% on the cost of conventional reinforcedconcrete structures, Tensartech Wall Systems offer proven solutionsworldwide for the construction of retaining walls and bridge abutments.

Each system is based on reinforcing a soil mass with T ensar uniaxialgeogrids allowing rapid and economical construction, reducingconventional construction times, avoiding the need for specialist skillsand often enabling the utilisation of site-won fill materials.

The large number of facing options allows the designer to createstructures which consistently match the aesthetic and economicdemands of the project, whatever the location and application.

Tensartech TW Systems for proven construction of wallsand bridge abutments

Costs are kept to a minimum with Tensar’s uniquemodular block system which can be simply builtwithout cranes or propping.

Facing units and geogrids are simple to install and aswith all Tensartech Wall Systems connection to theface is easy yet secure.

You benefit from proven methods and theknowledge that you have saved up to 50% overconventional reinforced concrete structures.

How Tensar can help keep your project within budget

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Tensar geogrids are available whichhave been independently assessedand certified for use in structureswith a design life of up to 120 years.

More choice, right effect

A feature common to all Tensartech Wall Systems is the high efficiency ofthe connection between the geogrid and the chosen facing.

The high efficiency connection between facing unit andTensar geogrid is a marked feature of the system, creatingincredibly strong and durable maintenance free structures.

Factory made precast concrete facing blocks have beenspecially developed to produce an attractive, easilyconstructed face. They are manufactured from highquality concrete in a range of colours, styles and finishes,some versions also allowing a masonry or brick façade tobe simply connected for architectural effect.

Taking advantage ofmodular concrete units

A typical section through a Tensar load bearing bridge abutment detailedhere with a modular block facing.

Specifiers can benefit from a wide range of finishes which incorporateintricate detail for maximum effect.

Tensartech Systems have been independently certified for use as loadbearing bridge abutments in highway applications by the British Board ofAgrément.

Tensar geogrids

Systems for demandingsituations

Thanks to the combination of design expertise andpractical experience, built up over more than 30 years, thefacings available to specifiers make selection an importantpart of the creative process.

From motorways to walkways and in the most demandingenvironments such as docks, slipways and waterways,Tensartech Systems meet the challenge.

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A variety of relief and patterned finishes can be applied by choosing mould linersand treatments.

Tensartech Earth Retaining Systems - Making the right choice for

Whatever the nature of your project, the versatility and flexibility of Tensartech Systems has a solution to suit your project requirements and individual tastes.

A Tensartech Marine System is well suited to aggressive coastalconditions such as this harbour location.

Tensartech PanelFull height or incremental panel walls offer an attractive solution.Once propped in position, the Tensar geogrids are fixed to therear face by a 100% strength mechanical connection. Thisunsurpassed connection integrity greatly helps to ensure stab ilityand alignment. By choosing full height panels the designer is ableto provide a face clear of horizontal joints whilst maintainingclose control over vertical alignment. The designer is able tocreate a variety of finishes by choosing to use mould liners andtreatments for patterned or relief fin ishes to the structure.

Tensartech MarineThe substantial concrete facing units are well suitedto aggressive marine conditions. The geometry of theface units means no propping is required duringconstruction. As with concrete panel faces, starterlengths of grid can be connected or cast into the rearof the units, to ensure that the structure remainssecure under the most demanding conditions.

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Tensartech TR2For thrust relief

TensartechRockWall

Tensar can produce the appearance of a gabion gravity structure at afraction of the cost by using reinforced soil.

Tensartech Systems are often used to build low cost temporary bridge abutments.

A CAD illustrated crosssection through a typicalTensartech TR2 todemonstrate the relief oflateral thrust.

your individual building projects

Old or existing wall face

Face of TR2

Compressible fill

When the client wants the steelwire and stone appearance of atraditional gabion face why notconsider a Tensartech RockWallSystem? Rather than thetraditional mass gabionstructure, this reinforced soilapproach can provide cost andtime savings by using only asingle gabion thickness at theface whilst using lower cost fill(often site-won) in thereinforced soil block behind.Using Tensar’s high strengthconnection between the facingunit and the geogrid, ratherthan merely relying on friction,helps to ensure that thestructure remains stable.

Where an existing retainingwall is close to failure orwould be unable to cope withthe required additionalloading, constructing aTensartech TR2 System behindthe existing wall can relievethe lateral thrust to provide acost effective solution to atricky problem.

Tensartech TR2For temporaryworks structuresFor structures where thedesign life is short such as incontractors’ temporary worksor when aesthetics are not theimmediate concern, aTensartech TR2 System is theoption to consider. It iseconomical as well as beingquick and easy to erect.

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Building in confidence with the Tensartech GreenSlope System

The soil structure is effectively contained at the face by durable steelunits which are joined using Tensar’s highly efficient bodkinconnection to the reinforced geogrid soil mass. During installationthese are lined with anti-erosion mats, selected for their propertiesand effectiveness in establishing the vegetative cover whether they areclimbing plants, grasses or ground cover.

The Tensartech GreenSlope System offers many advantages overtraditional concrete structures and a more attractive solution thangabions or crib walling as well as providing a cost effective solutionto your earth retaining projects.

The Tensartech GreenSlope System permits theconstruction of steeper slopes with the additionalbenefits of speed, versatility and potential savingson your projects (of up to 75%) over alternativemethods.

With ever increasing land costs and environmentalconstraints, Tensar can provide a variety ofsolutions for vegetated slopes of up to 70˚ givingyou both flexibility on design and finish for yourproposed schemes.

The variety of systems we offer can be crucial ingaining early planning approval at the beginningof a scheme and can allow for great aestheticflexibility in choice of materials than normallyoffered in traditional earth retaining schemes.

Rapid and economical construction

Maximise the plateau area on a sloping site

Designed using BBA certified geogrids

Tolerant of differential settlement

Optimise the use of available space

May allow use of site-won materials(including cohesive or contaminated),or recycled fill materials

High resistance to earthquake loading

Low bearing pressure may avoid expensivefoundation treatment

A typical section through the Tensartech GreenSlope System shown with a stepped faceto aid irrigation of the vegetation.

By adopting a vegetated face to a retaining structure, significant savings of up to 75% can be achieved over more traditional f orms of construction.

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Construction using standard equipment and materials keeps cost and time to a minimum.

With construction successfully completed, the Tensartech GreenSlope is ready for the vegetation stage.

By selecting vegetation to suit local conditions Tensartech GreenSlope soon begins to establish its green face.

With the Tensartech GreenSlope System,designers are given alternative solutionsto conventional construction methodssuch as concrete or gabion faces.

The cost effectiveness and versatility ofTensartech GreenSlope, along withexpert advice and a design service,ensures that your scheme can becompleted without compromise to bothfinish and stability.

Typically structures such as these areconsidered to have a 60 year design life.However, designers may rest assuredthat there are Tensar geogrids available,providing the core stability, which havebeen independently assessed andcertified for use in structures with adesign life up to 120 years in the mostdemanding situations.

Long termsolutions andadvice for difficultschemes andprojects

The Tensartech GreenSlope System can provide practical solutions to challenging project demands.

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Tensartech NaturalGreenEarth Retaining Systemmakes light work of itThe Tensartech NaturalGreen System has provenperformance and advantages in the building ofslopes of up to 45°.

Long-term stability can be simply achieved throughthe use of horizontal layers of geogrid placed withinthe soil mass.

The surface matting can ensure that vegetation androot systems are given the optimum amount of supportand moisture retention necessary for productive andestablished growth on the slope surface.

Tensar are keen to give advice on construction andvegetation selection throughout the planning andbuilding stages giving your project the optimumdesign life and cost effectiveness.

Further advantages of the system can includeshorter construction times, an attractive appearanceand all the environmental and sustainability benefitsof using site-won or reclaimed fill materials whereappropriate.

Built using conventional embankmentconstruction techniques

No formal face leads to faster construction

Heavy plant may work right up to the face

Easy and accurate face trimming

Tensartech NaturalGreen System rapidly blends into the surroundings of your scheme.

The presence of the non-biodegradable Tensar Mat in the root system helps to protectthe slope from erosion.

The system allows shorter construction times and reduced traffic disruption.

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Avoid slip ups when repairing soil embankments and cuttingsTraditionally slip repair techniques are both timeconsuming and environmentally damaging, involving theexcavation and off-site transportation of failed fillmaterial. Replacing these materials often with importedgranular fill results in high carbon emissions and can incurlandfill and aggregate taxation and prove more costly dueto extended build times.

The Tensartech SlipRepair System involves excavating soilin the failure zone, replacing it and reinforcing withgeogrids. This significantly reduces the need for additionalimported fill.

The system can provide a cost effective and time savingalternative with reductions in traffic disruption and off -sitemovements.

Reduction in off-site tipping

Reduction in imported fill

Less transportation costs and pollution

Minimising traffic disruption and lane closures

More economic than traditional methods by upto 75%

Meeting sustainable construction objectives

Reduction in carbon emissions

The Tensartech SlipRepair System - not just a pretty face

Tensartech SlipRepair System minimises off-site disposal of soil and the import of fill. Appropriate face detailing allows vegetation to quickly establish.

The Tensartech SlipRepair System produces a structure that is not only stable but also naturally attractive.

A typical section through a Tensartech SlipRepair

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Tensartech Earth Retaining Wall and Slope Systems canprovide cost effective and attractive solutions to problemsin their own right. However, by combining walls withslopes or by terracing, the aesthetic potential for thefinished project grows.

Terracing provides space for larger planting such as treesand shrubs.

Contrasting the hard durable face of Tensartech WallSystems with the ‘green’ vegetated face of TensartechSlope Systems allows advantage to be taken of both. Theresilient face of a concrete faced wall may be utilisedadjacent to the live carriageway where pollutants and saltspray may be present and maintenance needs to be low;whereas two or three metres above this, the softervegetated face of the slope enables the overall structure toblend sympathetically into suburban or rural surroundings.

If you add into this the ability of the Tensartech Systems toform sweeping horizontal curves the options for attractive‘out of the ordinary’ structures become even greater.

You can combine layouts and face options with theconfidence that the structure relies on the provenperformance of Tensartech Earth Retaining Systems.

Our wide range of aesthetic and environmentalsolutions means we can help you to satisfy localplanning and approval issues.

Positioning the wall adjacent to traffic for durability with the vegetatedslope located for aesthetic effect.

Terracing wall structures to allow planting of trees and large shrubs.

Tensar geogrids

Bodkin

Tensar geogrids

Tensartech Systems - Combination structures

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Tensar’s experienced civil engineers are available to helptake your scheme on to the next stage. Our Design officeis on-hand to provide standard Application Suggestionsto prove viability and enable planning costings, rightthrough to fully indemnified Design and Supply. We canprovide all necessary design certification and workingcalculations in a form ready for checking, with drawingsissued for construction as well as all the crucialspecification and installation details.

Over the last 30 years Tensar has developed some of the most sophisticated reinforcedsoil design software in the world. This has been used in-house to provide clients witheconomically efficient, accurate and timely Application Suggestions, assisting inscheme design from feasibility right through to construction.

A version of this TensarSoilTM software is now available to designers and specifiers. Youcan receive your copy of TensarSoilTM design software by contacting your local TensarInternational representative.

TensarSoilTM design software

Design and supply service

Contact Tensar International or your local distributor to receive furtherliterature covering Tensar products and applications.

Also available on request are product specifications, installation guidesand specification notes.

The complete range of Tensar literature consists of:

• Tensar Geosynthetics in Civil Engineering A guide to products,systems and services

• Ground Stabilisation Reinforcing unbound layers in roads andtrafficked areas

• TriAx™ A Revolution in Geogrid Technology The properties andperformance advantages of Tensar TriAx™ geogrids

• Asphalt Pavements Reinforcing asphalt layers in roads andtrafficked areas

• Tensartech Earth Retaining Systems Bridge abutments, retainingwalls and steep slopes

• Railways Mechanical stabilisation of track ballast and sub-ballast

• Foundations over Piles Constructing over weak ground withoutsettlement

• Basal Reinforcement Using Basetex high strength geotextiles

• Tensartech Geocell Mattress System

• Erosion Controlling erosion on soil and rock slopes

Your local distributor is:

Tel: +44 (0)1254 262431

Fax: +44 (0)1254 266867

E-mail: info@tensar.co.uk

www.tensar-international.com

Tensar International Limited

Cunningham Court

Shadsworth Business Park

Blackburn BB1 2QX

United Kingdom

©Copyright Tensar International LimitedPrinted January 2011, Issue 8, 485/01-2011

The information in this brochure is supplied by Tensar International free of charge. Tensar Internationaldo not assume any duty of care to you or any third party. No liability for negligence (other than fordeath and personal injury) can arise from any use of or reliance on the information in this brochure oruse of any Tensar International product mentioned. Tensar International will not be liable if this brochurecontains any misrepresentation or misstatement. Determination of the suitability for any project of theinformation and any Tensar International product mentioned in it must be made by your engineer orother professional advisor who has full knowledge of the project. You, together with any such engineeror advisor, must assume all risk of loss and damage of any kind arising from use of the information orany product of Tensar International other than the risk of death and personal injury. If you or any thirdparty subsequently purchases a product referred to in this brochure or any other Tensar Internationalproduct the entire terms of the contract of purchase and the entire obligation of Tensar Internationalrelating to the product or arising from its use shall be as set out in Tensar International’s StandardConditions in force at the time of purchase, a copy of which may be requested from Tensar International.Tensar and Tensartech are trade marks of Tensar International Limited.

Q 05288ISO 9001:2008

EMS 86463ISO 14001:2004