Frequently Asked Questions

Ground Stabilisation What is the recommended overlap between adjacent rolls of Tensar SS geogrid? 300mm - 600mm dependant upon the ground conditions. 300mm for a firm subgrade and 600mm for a very soft subgrade. Keywords: Subbase, Ground, Road base, Interlock, Road What type of fill should be used over Tensar SS geogrid? Usually a well graded fill of maximum 75mm particle size (e.g. UK Department of Transport Type 1). If available fill has a particle size greater than 75mm, use a Tensar SSLA grids. These have larger apertures and will maintain the essential interlock between fill and geogrid. Keywords: Subbase, Ground, Road base, Interlock, Road, Aggregate aperture Basal Reinforcement What type of fill material can be used with Basal reinforcement? A wide range of fill materials are possible. Cohesive soils may be used provided they can be compacted. Where Basetex is to be used the pH of the fill should be below 10. This restriction does not apply to Tensar geogrids. Keywords: Fill, Cohesive, Embankment, Foundation, Basal Steep Slopes What is the maximum slope face angle? Steep slopes can be constructed with any face angle up to the vertical. For vegetated slopes the angle should be chosen to suit the type of vegetation and the local climate. Grass faced slopes in temperate climates perform better with slope angles below 70°, whereas certain forms of creeping vegetation will thrive on a near vertical slope. Keywords: Slope, Steep, Embankment, Bund, Berm Erosion What is the maximum slope angle for Tensar Mat erosion protection? A slope angle of 45° is considered to be the maximum for filling with topsoil. Keywords: Erosion, Topsoil, Slope What depth of topsoil should be placed under the Tensar Mat? This will depend upon the slope angle, the type of vegetation to be established and the local climate. A guide 80mm is considered to be the minimum practical depth to support vegetation on slopes up to 45°. Keywords: Erosion, Topsoil, Slope, Vegetation What will happen to Tensar Mat if there is a grass fire? Once filled with soil and with grass cover established, there will be negligible damage caused to Tensar Mat by a grass fire. In areas where Tensar Mat is exposed it would be burned away. Keywords: Erosion, Topsoil, Slope, Vegetation, Fire Durability Reinforced soil is quite new, how can we be sure that structures such as walls and abutments will be stable for a design life up to 120 years? The concept of reinforced soil is not new and has been around for over 3000 years. Tensar reinforcement has been used for critical structures for over 20 years. The design life has been determined and certified by independent bodies to be greater than 120 years based on long term load testing extrapolation and the use of partial load factors. Keywords: Durability, Design Life, Wall, Abutment Retaining Walls What information does Tensar International require from a client to complete a design in the form of an Application Suggestion? In most instances the following is required. Geometry of the structure, foundation details from the site investigation, including consolidation if applicable, properties of available fill materials, applied loading (including seismic where appropriate), aesthetic requirements, local design codes (if applicable). Keywords: Walls, Design, Foundation Tensar Technology I have got a cheaper quote for a similar product from one of Tensar’s competitors. Why is this? Alternative products may be available at a slightly cheaper price but not all geogrid products perform in the same way or to as high a standard as Tensar geogrids. You also need to ask if the technical support provided by an alternative supplier is backed up by full Professional Indemnity Insurance or just a meaningless ‘product guarantee’. Keywords: Competitor, insurance, professional indemnity What design services does Tensar offer? Working with our distributors Tensar can assist you with conceptual designs for initial budgeting purposes, we can provide free checking of your reinforced soil designs or a complete design and supply package for reinforced soil structures including Working Drawings and Professional Indemnity. Keywords: Professional Indemnity, insurance, design services Can I have a product specification? Yes, specifications are available from your Tensar distributor, from our Customer Services or from our website. Tensar offers Model Specifications and Performance Specifications to ensure the correct product is specified and installed. Keywords: specifications, distributor, services. Does Tensar provide a design and build service? No Tensar will supply and design but not build. Some of our distributor around the world do offer installation as well We can also provide you with a list of specialist contractors that are highly familiar with our products and who have a wealth of installation experience. Keywords: Design, Installation, build. Does Tensar charge a design fee? No, design advice and application suggestions are provided free of charge. When Tensar provides a quotation for a design and supply package, our design fee is included in the price. So if our proposals are not adopted, there is no charge. Keywords: design, supply.. Can Tensar satisfy a 120 year design life? Yes, Tensar geogrid reinforced soil structures are designed, manufactured and BBA certified to meet this standard. Keywords: BBA, certified, manufactured. Does Tensar provide on site installation assistance? Yes, In the UK, Germany and Sweden, Tensar Civil Engineers carry out site visits to advise contractors on installation Our distributors around the world also offer this service. Keywords: installation, assistance. Can you produce a range of Tensar Technology solutions? Yes. Tensar is expert in providing superior ground engineering solutions including ground stabilisation and reinforced soil structures so you can be sure that you get the right solution for your project. Keywords: ground stabilisation, soil structures.