Revolutionary geogrid
Tensar International Corporation introduces Tensar TriAx Geogrid to North and South America. Introduced successfully in Europe in 2007, Tensar TriAx Geogrid harnesses the multi-directional properties of triangular geometry to provide a new level of in-plane, radial stiffness. With its square-edged rib shape and deeper rib profile, TriAx Geogrid confines aggregate to form a stabilized composite layer that outperforms Tensar Biaxial Geogrid reinforcement. Research indicates that Tensar International’s Spectra Roadway Improvement System featuring TriAx Geogrid can reduce asphalt quantities by 15 percent to 30 percent and aggregate base/subbase requirements by 25 percent to 50 percent. In addition, it can extend maintenance and rehabilitation intervals, increasing the service life of flexible pavements up to five times. The result: initial and life cycle cost savings that can far surpass conventional alternatives.

Tensar International Corporation — www.tensarcorp.com

Next-generation fiber blend for reinforcing asphalt
FORTA Corporation says its newly introduced FORTA-FI, a fiber blend for reinforcing asphalt, offers cost savings by significantly reducing rutting and cracking. When FORTA-FI’s unique blend of reinforcing fibers is added to an asphalt mixture, up to 35 percent less asphalt is used. Because of its enhanced strength and performance properties, asphalt reinforced with FORTA-FI significantly reduces rutting and cracking and lasts more than 50 percent longer than unmodified asphalt. Arizona State University’s Civil and Environmental Engineering Department determined the fiber reinforcement thickness and extended-life benefits after scientific, state-of-the-art testing correlated with numerous field applications. The study, released in December 2008, is available upon request.

FORTA Corporation — www.FORTA-FI.com.

MORE PRODUCT NEWS

• CENTRIA Sound Barrier is a sound barrier wall using Baytherm polyisocyanurate foam. The CENTRIA Sound Barrier offers a number of advantages: it is safer, lighter, faster to install and requires less maintenance than precast concrete barriers. Furthermore, the CENTRIA Sound Barrier, which the company says is less than one-third of the cost of traditional barrier materials, is also an eco-friendly product, made of up to 25 percent recycled content, and is 100 percent recyclable at the end of its useful life. www.centria.com.
• EarthTec’s mechanically stabilized earth retaining wall systems have been approved for use in Delaware, New Jersey, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia, as well as by the Federal Highway Administration, for highway infrastructure projects. EarthTec’s signature product, EarthTrac HA, has recently been improved. www.earthteccorp.com.
• Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems announces the new EDOT Epoxy-Tie adhesive, an economical epoxy adhesive that has been formulated to provide a high-strength bond required for highway and bridge construction. www.simpsonanchors.com.