Specialist software shows carbon savings of up to 50% can be achieved using ground stabilisation geogrids
TENSAR INTERNATIONAL has taken an industry initiative to invest in the development of specialist software that enables engineers and contractors to calculate CO2 savings arising from the use of TriAx™ geogrids on specific ground stabilisation projects.
Developed in conjunction with consultants Coffey Geotechnics Limited, Tensar’s newly launched Carbon Calculator is an interactive tool available to all at www.tensarsustain.co.uk that demonstrates the savings in carbon dioxide emissions that can be achieved by using Tensar TriAxTM geogrids in ground stabilisation applications.
“We believe we are the only geosynthetic manufacturer and supplier to have committed time and resource into exploring in detail the environmental impact of geogrid technologies used in ground stabilisation,” says Tensar’s David Cashman, Commercial Manager for Stabilisation Systems. “This will enable our customers to demonstrate to their stakeholders a real commitment to the environment. “
“The simple to use Carbon Calculator gives engineers an insight into the potential CO2 savings for their ground stabilisation application based on consideration of embodied energy in raw materials, manufacture of TriAx, deliveries of materials to site and construction effort required,” explains a project team member from Coffey.
The innovative software shows that savings of up to 50% of CO2 emissions can be achieved on a typical road foundation project by using Tensar TriAxTM geogrids over more traditional designs.
“We have always argued the environment benefits of our technology, and striven to improve our products and services with sustainability in mind,” says David Cashman.
“For example, our new TriAx™ geogrid can enable reductions in aggregate thickness of over 40% for the same load bearing performance. The CO2 reductions generated by reduced aggregate volume and associated transport, together with less excavation and disposal of spoil are then only partially offset by the carbon cost of the geogrid, offering a net saving of up to 50% of CO2 emissions. This clearly conforms to the Chartered Institute of Building’s Draft Strategy for Sustainable Construction.”
A typical CO2 calculation was recently undertaken for a new hotel project in Yorkshire. Site CBR values between 1% and 7% had been measured over parts of the site where, as well as the hotel car park and access routes, a temporary working platform for a 135 tonne crawler crane was required.
To improve bearing capacity and mitigate differential settlement, the consultant asked Tensar to design a mechanically stabilised layer which required less aggregate than a traditional solution. After installation was complete, Tensar revisited the site and calculated, with the contractor, that an overall CO2 saving of 27% had been achieved in this real-life project, compared to a traditional aggregate fill solution.
An ISO 14001:2004 certificated company, with independently certified environmental management systems in place, Tensar Manufacturing Ltd is committed to reducing its own CO2 emissions and has set out climate change agreement targets with DEFRA going forward to 2010 which culminate in a 13.9% savings in CO2 over the base year (2005).
For further information on Tensar’s new Carbon Calculator, visit www.tensarsustain.co.uk
|
