Geosynthetics in Infrastructure

Every four years, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) evaluates U.S. infrastructure, grading it on a scale of A to F. For the first time in two decades, the overall grade for 2021 has improved to a C–, up from a D, indicating progress but highlighting that significant needs remain unmet. ASCE estimates that only about half of the $1.04 trillion needed to address critical water infrastructure by 2029 is currently allocated, making it crucial to seek cost-effective solutions, and this is an opportunity for geosynthetics to help.

Infrastructure Report

In this report, Felon Wilson (*see reference) emphasizes five key infrastructure segments where geomembranes, known for their strength, UV/thermal stability, and environmental resilience, are emerging as a budget-friendly solution for extending infrastructure life and efficiency. Here’s a summary of the potential impacts:

1. Aviation (Grade: D+)
   With airports bracing for increased demand, geomembranes support expansion through secondary containment for fuel storage, stormwater and deicing management, and EPS geofoam protection, all essential for safe, resilient infrastructure growth.
2. Drinking Water (Grade: C–)
   Geomembranes enhance drinking water systems by lining storage and filtration impoundments, reducing the need for new capacity. Innovations like high-yield diversion baffles maximize current infrastructure, providing cost-effective ways to improve water management.
3. Energy (Grade: C–)
   To address reliability issues, geomembranes support petroleum containment and substation spill management, reducing downtime in case of incidents. Their use in exposed applications further ensures safe, long-term energy storage solutions.
4. Stormwater (Grade: D–)
   Stormwater runoff from urban areas contributes to significant pollution and flooding risks. Geomembranes help manage these issues by lining stormwater impoundments at airports and industrial sites, where durable liners help reduce pollution.
5. Wastewater (Grade: D+)
   Geomembranes can reclaim capacity in wastewater treatment by lining impoundments, alleviating strain on treatment plants and sewer systems. This approach is particularly helpful in addressing sanitary sewer overflows, common in aging infrastructure.

While the ASCE report card underscores a need for continued investment, it also highlights how civil engineering solutions, like geomembranes, offer powerful, scalable ways to enhance infrastructure. Geomembranes’ durability and adaptability make them valuable assets in addressing the U.S.’s growing infrastructure challenges.

This article showcases Felon Wilson’s insights and underscores how smart engineering solutions can stretch budgets further in the critical infrastructure sectors that need it most.

*REFERENCE: https://geosyntheticsmagazine.com/2021/06/25/asce-2021-infrastructure-report-card-five-segments-where-geomembranes-offer-cost-effective-solutions/