Advanced Search Glossary   ADD³ Technology Tensar-engineered solutions for waste disposal facilities to 1.   Maximize waste storage potential for new facilities during planning 2.   Increase waste storage potential on already permitted areas 3.   Cap filled disposal facilities to move from operating to post-closure status ADD³ was derived from “Add cubic yards of capacity.” Aggregate Sand, gravel, cobble and boulder size particles in well-defined mixtures used in paving, concrete, and other applications where specified properties are needed. Aggregates are typically inorganic, natural (e.g., gravel), processed (crushed rock), or man-made ( e.g., air-cooled blast furnace slag). Aggregate Base Course Compacted layer of aggregate beneath a pavement. Aperture An opening, such as a hole, gap, or slit. Example: A geogrid aperture is the opening formed during manufacturing. (See geogrid ) Ballast In railroads, gravel size material (normally an “aggregate”) in which the railroad ties are held and supported. Biaxial 1.   Having two axes; having strength in two directions 2.   The two direction orientation of perforated cast sheet or cast net, usually at a 90 degree angle to the first orientation direction Example: Biaxial Geogrid (Polymeric grid material that carries loads applied in two directions in the plane of the geogrid; generally used below paved surfaces where traffic causes radial stresses). Biodegradable Capable of being decomposed by biological organisms or processes Calendaring Smoothing or polishing a sheet of polymer between revolving rollers Chemical Stabilization Making something stronger or less affected by outside conditions with the addition of chemicals Example: Lime and cement are used for Chemical Stabilization of soils. Composite Turf Reinforcement Mat A rolled erosion control product composed of non-degradable synthetic fibers, filaments, nets, wire mesh and/or other elements, processed into a permanent, three-dimensional matrix of sufficient thickness. Composite Turf Reinforcment Mats (C-TRM),which may be supplemented with degradable components, are designed to impart immediate erosion protection, enhance vegetation establishment and provide long-term functionality by permanently reinforcing vegetation during and after maturation. Note: C-TRMs are typically used in hydraulic applications, such as high flow ditches and channels, steep slopes, stream banks, and shorelines, where erosive forces may exceed the limits of natural, unreinforced vegetation or in areas where limited vegetation establishment is anticipated. Drilled Shaft Foundation A deep foundation system constructed by placing concrete in holes drilled into the earth by specialized equipment. Hole diameters commonly range from 2.5 to 10 ft and lengths from 10 to 150 ft or more. Deep foundations are used when soil at shallow depth cannot support structure loads. Erosion Control Blanket A temporary degradable Rolled Erosion Control Product composed of processed natural or polymer fibers mechanically, structurally or chemically bound together to form a continuous matrix to provide erosion control and facilitate vegetation establishment. Full Height Concrete Panel Concrete facing extending the full height of the wall without horizontal joint or breaks, but for a limited distance along the wall. Such panels are several inches to a foot thick and are one type of facing for a Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) wall. Geogrid A sheet-like geosynthetic having a regular network of quarter-inch or larger openings (apertures) that functions as a reinforcement by allowing interlocking of soils, rock, or similar material. Intermediate Depth Foundation Intermediate depth foundations provide a cost-effective approach to supporting foundations and achieving settlement control without the need to extend the foundation to a deep strong soil or layer. “Landform Contour Grading” A technique of earthwork construction to shape the ground to achieve a more natural appearance than the unnatural-looking geometric shapes more commonly used in typical construction. Load Transfer Platform Platform built on top of a system of foundation columns to transfer embankment or other loads to the foundation columns (rammed aggregate piers, piles, etc.). Composite load transfer platform consists of one or more layers of geosynthetic reinforcement and select fill resulting in a relatively stiff structure usually 2-4 feet thick. Marine Mattress A compartmental structure filled tightly with aggregate for protection of waterfront structures against wave action and erosion. Example: Triton Marine Mattress (Marine mattress units comprised of Tensar structural geogrid, braid, and mechanical connection elements fabricated to allow placement and provide containment of aggregate fill). Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) A retaining wall normally comprised of soil or aggregates stabilized by horizontal layers of reinforcement such as geogrids. The facing for such walls generally consist of precast concrete panels, concrete blocks or welded-wire. By industry convention, MSE walls have face inclinations of 90 degrees (vertical) to 70 degrees. MSE slopes have inclinations of 70 degrees or less. For comparison, highway fill slopes typically have face inclinations of 34 degrees or less. Orientation/Orienting The process in which the punched or formed holes in the calendered sheet or cast net is stretched to the desired aperture sizes via the use of an orienting machine at controlled temperatures, tensions and stretch ratios. Packaged Solution A solution consisting of a variety of specialty products and engineering services, including engineering, technical assistance, and specifications. Packaged solutions provide greater value to a customer because they remove the need to independently source each of the component materials. “Piggyback”/”Piggybacking” Placing additional waste capacity on a previously closed waste facility to avoid lateral expansion of a waste disposal facility, thereby avoiding the need to procure additional land and obtain new permits. This activity may also require a perimeter berm (dike) and support for new liners placed over the existing waste facilities. Geogrids are commonly installed to limit the strain in the new liner system Photodegradable Capable of decaying or molecularly breaking down when exposed to ultra-violet light. Polymer A substance or compound that features high molecular weight derived by the addition of many smaller molecules of the same kind. Polyethylene A polymeric substance formed by the addition of long chain molecules made up of repeat carbon and hydrogen atoms, belonging to the polyolefin family of thermoplastics. Products formed with high-density polyethylene include automobile battery casings, gasoline containers, polymeric liners for hazardous waste landfills, and Tensar Uniaxial Geogrids Polypropylene A polymeric substance formed by the addition of long chain molecules made up of repeat carbon, hydrogen, and methyl atoms, belonging to the polyolefin family of thermoplastics. Tensar Biaxial geogrids are polypropylene. Positive Mechanical Connection Structural connection specifically designed to mechanically connect facing elements to geogrid reinforcement with a low-strain, end-bearing connection device that is not dependent on friction for connection strength. Precast Concrete Retaining Wall Gravity or semi-gravity retaining walls composed of prefabricated concrete modules with or without fill material placed within these elements. Pressure Relief Wall A retaining wall built to prevent the application of lateral earth pressure loads to a below-grade concrete structure. By preventing lateral earth pressure loads, the concrete structure may be designed and constructed at a much thinner cross section, thereby greatly reducing the cost. Generally, the pressure relief wall is separated from the concrete wall by 12-24”. Punching Punching is the Tensar process in which a cooled extruded sheet is perforated in a specified pattern and shape of holes prior to stretching of this perforated sheet to form a geogrid. “Rammed Aggregate Pier” An intermediate depth foundation system constructed by densely compacting successive “lifts” of high quality crushed rock in a 2 to 3 foot diameter drilled hole with patented equipment. The ramming action also improves the soils surround the drilled hole. Reciprocating Die The equipment in which the holes are formed in cast net during extrusion via the alternately up and down movement of the mated piston with a slotted die. Regrading Earthwork construction to level or smooth the existing ground surface to a desired or horizontal grade. Reinforced Slope Man-made Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) slopes consisting of soil stabilized by planar reinforcing elements, such as Tensar Geogrids. Facing treatments ranging from natural vegetation to welded-wire are applied to prevent erosion. MSE slopes can be built much steeper than ordinary slopes due to the inclusion of the reinforcing elements and are therefore also called “steepened slopes.” Rib & Roof Support The sidewalls and top of underground mine openings and tunnels are generally called the rib(s) and roof (or “crown”), respectively. The support elements, such as Tensar Geogrid, are used to compensate for weaknesses in the ground that could result in a collapse or cave-in. Rutting A sunken track or groove along the roadway in pavements caused by the passage of vehicles. Segmental Retaining Wall A Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) retaining wall system consisting of soil stabilized by horizontal layers of reinforcement, such as Tensar geogrids, attached to a near-vertical facing of dry-stacked concrete blocks. Soil Reinforcement Tensile reinforcing elements, such as Tensar geogrids, usually placed in horizontal layers within soil so that the resulting composite soil is stronger than the original unreinforced soil. When used in conjunction with Geopier, the ability to improve the adjacent soil laterally due to high-frequency ramming of aggregates. Soil Stabilization The act of improving soil properties by inclusion of reinforcing elements, such as Tensar geogrid, adding chemical substances, compaction or other methods. Steepened Slope Man-made Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) slopes consisting of soil stabilized by planar reinforcing elements, such as Tensar Geogrids. Facing treatments ranging from natural vegetation to welded-wire are applied to prevent erosion. MSE slopes can be built much steeper than ordinary slopes due to the inclusion of the reinforcing elements and are therefore also called “reinforced slopes.” Subtitle D Shortened name for EPA regulations that establish minimum Federal criteria for landfills that receive non-hazardous municipal solid waste. Reference Document: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Subtitle D (40 CFR Part 258). Uniaxial 1.   Having one direction; or relating to, or affecting one axis; having tensile strength in one direction only. 2.   The single direction stretching of perforated cast sheet or cast net. Example: Uniaxial Geogrid (polymeric grid material that carries loads applied in one main direction in the plane of the geogrid). Uplift Elements Rammed Aggregate Piers incorporating a steel plate, placed at the bottom of the drill hole, which is then attached to steel rods that extend from the plate to the ground surface. The steel rods are subsequently attached to the bottom of the concrete footing. The plate and rods assembly is used to provide uplift resistance to the footing. Vertical Expansion Reconfiguration of a waste containment facility to increase disposal capacity by building the new capacity vertically rather than horizontally. Because the new capacity is built on the “footprint” of an existing facility, no new additional land and permitting is required. Usually this activity requires a perimeter berm, placing additional waste capacity on previously closed waste facilities, and support for new liners over the existing wastes. Wire-Formed Retaining Wall MSE retaining wall with facing elements manufactured from welded wire mesh.   About Tensar Corporation | Site Solution Technologies | Innovations | Product & Process Technologies Business Units | News | Careers | Glossary | Contact Us | Site Map