Atlanta, GA – September 28, 2009 – Homeowners and commercial developers will undoubtedly face
many challenges in their recovery efforts following last week’s devastating flood in Metro Atlanta. A
major concern for Atlanta area residents and businesses has centered on the failure of retaining walls and
slopes, or, if a failure has not yet occurred, the integrity of their walls and slopes in the wake of the flood.
According to Jon Ridgway, Director of Grade Separation Systems for Tensar International, saturated soils
found behind retaining walls, beneath roads and parking lots and surrounding detention ponds can affect
the stability of the overall structure. “Soils that are held back by retaining walls, such as wood timber or
concrete walls, are especially sensitive to failure after they have become saturated,” states Ridgway. “The
failure results from the increased weight of the soil as the small voids within the soil are filled with water,
along with a buoyancy effect weakening the strength of the soil, creating an unstable condition. The
heavy, weakened soil can then lead to a retaining wall collapse, mudslide or slope failure.”
Since flooding is considered an “Act of God”, this type of condition is not usually accounted for during
the design process. It is important that the design of the structure and the products used to build the
structure are integrated in order to produce a structurally sound wall or slope that is more likely to
withstand hostile conditions. This is why Tensar International offers a systems approach to building
retaining walls and slopes that includes design services, site assistance, and the wall components
themselves, to ensure structural integrity. The strength behind Tensar Grade Separation Systems lies in
patented Tensar Uniaxial (UX) Geogrids that internally reinforce structure and fill materials. Trusted by
government agencies, developers, and engineers, Tensar offers several systems, including the Sierra��
Slope Retention System and the Mesa�� Retaining Wall System, to meet both soil stability challenges and
your aesthetic needs while staying within budget.
If you have questions about wall or slope failures in your area or would like additional information on
Tensar Grade Separation Solutions, please visit the Tensar website at www.tensarcorp.com or call
888-828-5014 to speak with a representative.
About Tensar International Corporation – Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Tensar International
Corporation (TIC) is a full-service provider of specialty products and engineering services that
offer innovative and cost-effective alternatives to traditional construction methods. TIC solutions
are based on advanced soil reinforcement technologies and incorporate proprietary, engineered
applications for commercial, industrial, municipal, residential and transportation infrastructure site
development. The company specializes in solutions for common site development challenges
including grade changes requiring retaining walls and poor soil conditions affecting the cost of
roadways, parking lots and building structures. Tensar® Geogrids are the primary component of
the company’s systems, offering reliable strength and durability. Contracted services include site
evaluation, conceptual engineering, design, value engineering and installation advice. For more
information, visit www.tensarcorp.com.
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