GAO to study geosynthetics lifecycle

Two members of the U.S. House of Representatives, John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-TN) and Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), have requested the independent, nonpartisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study lifecycle costs and benefits of incorporating geosynthetics into pavement projects. “The use of innovative materials in pavements has the potential to help address issues within the pavement system that affect the long-term performance of infrastructure,” the congressmen write. With transportation infrastructure repair as a bipartisan priority for creating jobs, restoring infrastructure and benefitting the public, the congressmen want data on whether geotextiles and geogrids offer greater efficiency in construction, increased longevity and reduced maintenance needs for U.S. roads and bridges. The solid waste management sector adopted use of barrier geosynthetics for environmental protection long ago, and the sector’s infrastructure is graded the best by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Read the request letter from the congressmen at the Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) website.