GEOWEB®
PRESTO EARTH RETENTION SYSTEM
Monday, January 30, 2023
Project Name: HOSANNA SRW RETAINING WALL - DESIGN CHECK
Project Location: PANAMA CITY, PANAMA
PRODUCT SPECIFICATION (CSI FORMAT)
SECTION 32 32 00
RETAINING WALLS
PART 1 GENERAL
1.1 SUMMARY
A. Work Included: This Section includes providing all material, labor, tools and equipment for installation
of Cellular Confinement System as shown in the Contract Documents and as specified in this Section.
B. The Cellular Confinement System shall be used for earth retention system.
1.2 RELATED SECTIONS AND DIVISIONS
A. The applicable provisions of the General Conditions shall govern the work in this Section.
B. Section 0130000 - Administrative Requirements
C. Section 0220000 - Site Preparation
D. Section 312000 - Earth Moving
E. Section 312500 - Erosion and Sedimentation Control
1.3 REFERENCES
A. American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM)
1. ASTM D1505 - Density of Plastics by the Density-Gradient Technique.
2. ASTM D1603 - Standard Test for Carbon Black in Olefin Plastics
3. ASTM D1693 - Environmental Stress-Cracking of Ethylene Plastics.
4. ASTM D5199 - Measuring Nominal Thickness of Geotextiles and Geomembranes.
5. ASTM E41 - Terminology Relating to Conditioning.
1.4 SUBMITTALS
A. Submit Manufacturer's shop drawings in accordance with Section 0130000 including Manufacturer’s
product data, samples and section layout.
B. Manufacturer's Certificate of Analysis: Manufacturer shall supply certificate of analysis containing the
following test results for the cellular confinement material used for project: Base Resin Lot Number(s),
Resin Density per ASTM-1505, Production Lot Number(s), Material Thickness, Short Term Seam
Peel Strength, and percentage of Carbon Black.
1. Manufacturer’s certification of hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS).
C. Submit qualifications certifying the installer is experienced in the installation of the specified products.
D. Submit qualifications of Manufacturer's field representative certifying the field representative is
experienced in the installation of the specified products.
E. No material will be considered as an equivalent to the Geoweb material specified herein unless it
meets all requirements of this specification, without exception. Manufacturers seeking to supply what
they represent as equivalent material must submit records, data, independent test results, samples,
certifications, and documentation deemed necessary by the Engineer to prove equivalency. The
GWC-CSI 1 MAY 2018 PAGE 1
GEOWEB®
PRESTO EARTH RETENTION SYSTEM
Engineer shall approve or disapprove other Manufacturers materials in accordance with the General
Conditions after all information is submitted and reviewed. Any substitute materials submitted shall
be subject to independent lab testing at the Contractor’s expense.
1.5 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND CONTROL
A. The cellular confinement system material shall be provided from a single Manufacturer for the entire
project.
B. The Manufacturer's Quality management system shall be certified and in accordance with ISO
9001:2015 and CE certification. Any substitute materials submitted shall provide a certification that
their cellular confinement manufacturing process is part of an ISO program and a certification will be
required specifically stating that their testing facility is certified and in accordance with ISO. An ISO
certification for the substitute material will not be acceptable unless it is proven it pertains specifically
to the geocell manufacturing operations.
C. The Manufacturer shall provide certification of compliance to all applicable testing procedures and
related specifications upon the customer's written request. Request for certification shall be
submitted no later than the date of order placement. The Manufacturer shall have a minimum of 20
years experience producing cellular confinement systems.
D. Manufacturer’s Field Representative Qualifications
1. Manufacturer shall provide a qualified field representative on site at the start of construction to
ensure the Geoweb system is installed in accordance with the Contract Documents.
2. Manufacturer’s field representative shall have a minimum 5 years installation experience with the
specified products in the specified application.
3. Manufacturer of any substitute materials to be used shall certify that a representative can meet
the above criteria and will be on site for initial construction start up. Manufacturers other than
Presto shall be required to provide proof the representative meets these qualifications.
1.6 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING
A. Deliver materials to site in Manufacturer's original, unopened containers and packaging, with labels
clearly identifying product name and Manufacturer.
B. The materials shall be stored in accordance with Manufacturer's instructions. The materials shall be
protected from damage and out of direct sunlight.
C. The materials shall be delivered, unloaded and installed in a manner to prevent damage.
1.7 WARRANTY
A. The Manufacturer shall warrant each Geoweb section that it ships to be free from defects in materials
and workmanship at the time of manufacture. The Manufacturer’s exclusive liability under this
warranty or otherwise will be to furnish without charge to the original f.o.b. point a replacement for any
section which proves to be defective under normal use and service during the 10-year period which
begins on the date of shipment. The Manufacturer reserves the right to inspect any allegedly
defective section in order to verify the defect and ascertain its cause.
B. This warranty shall not cover defects attributable to causes or occurrences beyond the
Manufacturer’s control and unrelated to the manufacturing process, including, but not limited to,
abuse, misuse, mishandling, neglect, improper storage, improper installation, improper alteration or
improper application.
C. In no event shall the Manufacturer be liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential
damages for the breach of any express or implied warranty or for any other reason, including
negligence, in connection with the cellular confinement system.
PART 2 PRODUCTS
GWC-CSI 1 MAY 2018 PAGE 2
GEOWEB®
PRESTO EARTH RETENTION SYSTEM
2.1 ACCEPTABLE MANUFACTURER
A. Presto Geosystems, PO Box 2399, Appleton, Wisconsin 54912 2399
Toll Free: (800) 548 3424. Phone: (920) 738 1328. Fax: (920) 738 1222.
E Mail:
[email protected]. Website: www.prestogeo.com.
2.2 GEOWEB CELLULAR CONFINEMENT SYSTEM
A. Manufacturing Certification
1. The Manufacturer shall have earned a certificate of registration, which demonstrates that its
quality-management system for its Geoweb cellular confinement system is currently registered to
the ISO 9001:2015 and CE quality standards.
B. Base Materials
1. Polyethylene Stabilized with Carbon Black
a) Density shall be 58.4 to 60.2 pound/ft³ (0.935 - 0.965 g/cm³) in accordance with ASTM
D1505.
b) ESCR shall be 5000 hours in accordance with ASTM D1693.
c) Ultra-Violet light stabilization with carbon black.
d) Carbon Black content shall be 1.5 to 2 percent by weight, through addition of a carrier with
certified carbon black content.
e) Carbon black shall be homogeneously distributed throughout material.
f) The manufacturer must have an in-place quality control to prevent irregularities in strip
material.
2. Polyethylene Colored and Stabilized with HALS (Front Wall Fascia)
a) Density shall be 58.4 to 60.2 pound/ft³ (0.935 to 0.965 g/cm³) in accordance with ASTM
D1505.
b) ESCR shall be 5000 hours in accordance with ASTM D 1693.
c) Color shall be Green.
d) Colorants shall be non-heavy metal types homogeneously distributed throughout the
material.
e) Ultra-Violet Light Stabilization with HALS.
f) HALS Content shall be 2.0 percent by weight, through addition of a carrier with a certified
HALS concentrate.
g) HALS shall be homogeneously distributed throughout material.
C. Cell Properties-GW30V
1. Individual cells shall be uniform in shape and size when expanded.
2. Individual cell dimension (nominal) shall be plus or minus 10 percent.
a) Length shall be 10.5 inches (267 mm).
b) Width shall be 13.0 inches (330 mm).
c) Nominal area shall be 68.3 in² (440 cm²) plus or minus 1 percent.
d) Nominal depth shall be 6 inches (150 mm).
D. Strip Properties and Assembly
1. Perforated Textured Strip/Cell
GWC-CSI 1 MAY 2018 PAGE 3
GEOWEB®
PRESTO EARTH RETENTION SYSTEM
a) Strip sheet thickness shall be 50 mils (1.27 mm), minus 5 percent, plus 10 percent in
accordance with ASTM D5199. Determine thickness flat, before surface disruption.
b) Polyethylene strips shall be textured surface with a multitude of rhomboidal (diamond shape)
indentations.
c) Textured sheet thickness shall be 60 mils ± 6 mils (1.52 mm ± 0.15 mm).
d) Indentation surface density shall be 140 to 200 per in² (22 to 31 per cm²).
e) Perforated with horizontal rows of 0.4 inch (10 mm) diameter holes.
f) Perforations within each row shall be 0.75 inches (19 mm) on-center.
g) Horizontal rows shall be staggered and separated 0.50 inches (12 mm) relative to hole
centers.
h) Edge of strip to nearest edge of perforation shall be a minimum of 0.3 inches (8 mm).
i) Centerline of spot weld to nearest edge of perforation shall be a minimum of 0.7 inches (18
mm).
j) A slot with a dimension of 3/8 inch x 1-3/8 inch (10 mm x 35 mm) is standard in the center of
the non-perforated areas and at the center of each weld.
2. Non-Perforated Textured Strip/Cell
a) Non-perforated textured strip/cells shall only be used on the front face of earth retention
systems.
b) Strip sheet thickness shall be 50 mils (1.27 mm), minus 5 percent, plus 10 percent in
accordance with ASTM D5199. Determine thickness flat, before surface disruption.
c) Textured sheet thickness shall be 60 mils ± 6 mils (1.52 mm ± 0.15 mm).
d) Polyethylene strips shall be textured surface with a multitude of rhomboidal (diamond shape)
indentations.
e) Indentation surface density shall be140 to 200 per in² (22 to 31 per cm²).
f) The thickness of the textured sheet shall be 60 mil ±6 mil (1.52 mm ±0.15 mm) determined in
accordance with ASTM D5199.
3. Assembly of Cell Sections
a) Fabricate using strips of sheet polyethylene each with a length of 142 inches (3.61 m) and a
width equal to cell depth.
b) Connect strips using full depth ultrasonic spot-welds align perpendicular to longitudinal axis of
strip.
c) Ultrasonic weld melt-pool width shall be 1.0 inch (25 mm) maximum.
d) Weld spacing for GW30V-cell sections shall be 17.5 inches ± 0.10 inch (445 mm ± 2.5 mm).
E. GW30V Section Types and Sizes:
1. Section Width for all lengths: 8.67 feet (2.64 meters)
2. Face Area for all sections: 4.33 square feet (0.40 square meters)
F. Cell Seam Strength Tests
1. Minimum seam strengths are required by design and shall be reported in test results. Materials
submitted with average or typical values will not be accepted. Written certification of minimum
strengths must be supplied to the Engineer at the time of submittals.
2. Short-Term Seam Peel-Strength Test
a) Cell seam strength shall be uniform over full depth of cell.
GWC-CSI 1 MAY 2018 PAGE 4
GEOWEB®
PRESTO EARTH RETENTION SYSTEM
b) Minimum seam peel strength shall be 480 lbf (2,130 N) for 6 inch (150 mm) depth.
3. Long-Term Seam Peel-Strength Test
a) Conditions: Minimum of 7 days in a temperature-controlled environment that undergoes
change on a 1 hour cycle from room temperature to 130°F (54°C).
b) Room temperature shall be in accordance with ASTM E41.
c) Test samples shall consist of two, 4 inch (100 mm) wide strips welded together.
d) Test sample consisting of 2 carbon black stabilized strips shall support a 160 pound (72.5 kg)
load for test period.
e) Test sample consisting of a carbon black stabilized strip and HALS stabilized strip shall
support a 140 pound (63.5 kg) load for test period.
4. 10,000 Hour Seam Peel-Strength Test
a) Manufacturer shall provide data showing that the high-density polyethylene resin used to
produce the Geoweb sections has been tested using an appropriate number of seam
samples and varying loads to generate data indicating that the seam peel strength shall
survive a loading of at least 160 lbf (73 kg) for a minimum of 10,000 hours.
2.3 INTEGRAL COMPONENTS
A. ATRA® Key
1. ATRA keys shall be constructed of polyethylene and provide a high strength connection with
minimum pull-through of 275 lbs (125 kg).
2. ATRA keys shall be used to connect Geoweb panels together at each interleaf and end to end
connection for all applications, except for the front face of walls.
B. Staples
1. Staples may also be used for connections.
2. The staples shall be ½ inch, Stanley Bostitch, SL5035.
2.4 CELL INFILL MATERIALS
A. Front fascia infill material shall be CRUSHED ROCK as specified in the Contract Documents.
B. Geoweb infill material shall be CRUSHED ROCKC as specified in the Contract Documents.
C. Infill material behind the Geoweb shall be CRUSHED ROCK as specified in the Contract Documents.
D. Infill material shall be free of any foreign material.
E. Clays, silts, and organic soils are not acceptable infill material.
F. Infill material shall be free-flowing and not frozen when placed in the Geoweb sections.
2.5 SURFACE TREATMENTS
A. Surface treatment includes one or a combination of the following:
1. Vegetation.
2.6 ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS
A. Drainage System
1. Drainage system shall be as specified in the Contract Documents.
B. Geotextile Separation Layer
1. The geotextile separation layer shall be as specified in the Contract Documents.
GWC-CSI 1 MAY 2018 PAGE 5
GEOWEB®
PRESTO EARTH RETENTION SYSTEM
C. Geogrid Reinforcement
1. The geogrid reinforcement shall be as specified in the Contract Documents.
PART 3 EXECUTION
3.1 EXAMINATION
A. Verify site conditions are as indicated on the drawings. Notify the Engineer if site conditions are not
acceptable. Do not begin preparation or installation until unacceptable conditions have been
corrected.
B. Verify layout of structure is as indicated on the drawings. Notify the Engineer if layout of structure is
not acceptable. Do not begin preparation or installation until unacceptable conditions have been
corrected.
3.2 INSTALLATION OF EARTH RETENTION SYSTEM
A. Prepare subgrade as specified and install earth retention system in accordance with Manufacturer's
instructions.
B. On-site time for installation assistance by the Manufacturer’s field representative shall be 3 day(s)
with one trip. All travel and expense costs for Manufacturer’s field representative installation
assistance shall be included in the base bid price.
C. Subgrade Preparation
1. Excavate, shape or fill foundation soils to elevations indicated on the drawings.
2. Ensure foundation soil meets minimum strength requirements through proof rolling or other
conventional method and is approved by the Engineer. If unacceptable foundation soils are
encountered, excavate affected areas and replace with suitable quality material as directed by the
Engineer.
3. Install geotextile separation layer as shown in the Contract Documents. Ensure outer edges of
geotextile are buried a minimum of 6 inches (150 mm) and install in accordance with the
Manufacturer’s instructions.
D. Base and Spread Footing Installation
1. Place and shape granular base materials. If a free draining granular base is utilized, encapsulate
in a non-woven geotextile. Compact to a minimum 95 percent Standard Proctor.
2. Expand Geoweb sections into place and temporarily anchor at corners with ATRA anchors.
3. Overfill Geoweb cells with specified granular infill. Maximum particle size shall be 2 inches (50
mm). Level surface approximately 2 inches (50 mm) above cell walls.
4. Compact fill in Geoweb cells to a minimum 95 percent Standard Proctor.
5. Place and compact fill to a minimum 95 percent Standard Proctor along each side of footing.
6. Screed off excess infill to be level with top of cells.
E. Drainage System Installation
1. Install perforated subdrain and outlet pipes in accordance with the drawings. The subdrain pipe
shall be wrapped with non-woven geotextile or backfilled with clear stone to prevent plugging.
2. Provide a minimum slope of 1 percent for all drainage piping.
3. Wrap outlet pipes which pass through wall fascia with non-woven geotextile to prevent loss of cell
infill materials.
4. Ensure outlets for all discharge piping will not cause localized erosion that could undermine the
wall.
GWC-CSI 1 MAY 2018 PAGE 6
GEOWEB®
PRESTO EARTH RETENTION SYSTEM
F. Installation of Reinforced Geoweb Retaining Wall System
1. Expand Geoweb sections into place. Hold individual sections in their expanded position with
stretcher frames, stretcher bars or ATRA anchors positioned inside selected outer cells.
2. Confirm each Geoweb section is expanded uniformly to required dimensions and outer cells of
each layer are correctly aligned and upper surfaces are flush.
3. Interleaf edges of adjacent sections and connect with ATRA keys. Staples may also be used.
ATRA keys are the most expedient connection method.
4. Place precut sections of reinforcement at specified elevations as indicated on the drawings and
temporarily hold in-place with pins or fill. The reinforcement shall be placed horizontally, with
high-strength axis perpendicular to wall face.
5. Extend outer edges of reinforcement to within 6 inches (150 mm) of the front face of in-place
Geoweb sections and extend horizontally into the backfill zone.
6. Overfill cells with granular material and level surface approximately 2 inches (50 mm) above cell
walls.
7. Compact cell infill material to a minimum 95 percent Standard Proctor with a walk-behind-
compactor. Avoid using heavy compaction equipment within 3 feet (1 meter) of the front face of
the wall.
8. Manually tension reinforcement layer by pulling it away from back of Geoweb sections so it is
taut. If necessary, pin reinforcement to eliminate loose folds during placement of backfill over
reinforcement. Lay reinforcement layer flat when pulled back perpendicular to back of Geoweb
section.
9. Do not operate tracked equipment directly on top of reinforcement layer until a minimum
thickness of 6 inches (150 mm) of backfill has been placed over reinforcement layer. Rubber-
tired equipment may drive on top of reinforcement at slow speeds. Exercise care and avoid
sudden stops and sharp turns.
10. Place backfill within reinforced zone in maximum lifts of 8 inches (200 mm) and compact to a
minimum 95 percent Standard Proctor. Ensure excessive displacement of reinforcement does
not occur during fill placement. Place backfill near Geoweb section and spread toward back of
reinforced soil zone. Shape and compact backfill level with Geoweb section before placing
subsequent layers of reinforcement.
11. Place and compact retained soils, for fill situations, behind reinforced soil zone in approximate
lifts of 8 inches (200 mm) and compact to a minimum 95 percent Standard Proctor.
12. When topsoil or special infill materials are specified for exposed face cells of Geoweb sections,
confirm filling procedures with the Engineer prior to construction. These may include, but are not
limited to:
13. Temporarily cover outer cells with a moveable board to prevent unwanted spillage during
placement of internal fill materials as each layer is installed. Place topsoil or special infill in empty
outer cells as each layer is completed.
14. Partial spillage of internal infill material into outer cells may be permitted depending on tolerance
of special outer cell infill material. Dressing of outer cells can be a separate procedure following
installation of several Geoweb section layers.
15. When positioning subsequent layers, ensure specified set back of each layer and the vertical
alignment of the outer cells are maintained to prevent the loss of infill materials.
G. Surface Treatment
1. Vegetation shall be as specified in the Contract Documents and installed immediately after the
Geoweb cell infill is placed and protected with mulch.
GWC-CSI 1 MAY 2018 PAGE 7
GEOWEB®
PRESTO EARTH RETENTION SYSTEM
Appendix A Definition of Pass / Failure
Short-Term Seam Strength Test Procedure Two methods shall be used to determine
acceptability of the manufactured geocell sections.
Frequency of The successful passing of the short-term seam peel
test shall not be used to determine acceptable of the
Test polyethylene for use in manufacturing of the geocell
The short-term seam sections. Acceptability of the polyethylene shall be
peel strength test determined through tests conducted in Appendix B.
(referred to as the test in Seam to be tested
this section) shall be The Tested Value
performed on a geocell
If more than one of the tested seam samples fails to
section randomly taken
meet the minimum peel strength, all sections
directly from the
manufactured after the previously successful test
production line each two
shall be rejected.
hours.
Figure A1 If all tested seam samples meet the minimum peel
Test Sample strength, all geocell sections manufactured since the
Preparation last successful test shall be considered to have
Randomly choose 10 welds within the selected passed the test.
section and cut those welds from the section such
that 10 cm (4 in) of material exist on each side of the When one of the tested seam samples fails to meet
weld. The test sample shall have a general the minimum peel strength, another 10 samples
appearance as illustrated in Figure A1. Prior to shall be randomly selected and cut from the
testing, the test samples shall have air cool for a previously selected section. If more than one of
minimum of 30 minutes from the time the selected these samples fails, all sections manufactured after
geocell section was manufactured. the previously successful test shall be rejected.
Otherwise, all geocell sections manufactured since
the last successful test shall be considered to have
Short-term Seam Peel Strength Test passed the test.
The apparatus used for testing the short-term seam
peel strength shall be of such configuration that the Visual Failure Mode
jaws of the clamp shall not over stress the sample
during the test period. Load shall be applied at a rate After each sample is tested, the seam shall be
of 12 in (300 mm) per minute and be applied for examined to determine the failure mode. Two failure
adequate time to determine the maximum load. The modes are possible.
date, time and load shall be recorded. • Material failure within and adjacent to the
weld indicated by material strain and
Short-term seam peel strength shall be defined as • Weld failure resulting in complete separation
the maximum load applied to the test sample. of the seam and shows little or no material
Minimum required short-term seam peel strength strain.
shall be: Upon examination, when the failure mode results in
• 640 lbf (2840 N) for the 8 in (200 mm) depth complete separation of the seam and indicates little
cell or no material strain, product manufactured shall be
• 480 lbf (2130 N) for the 6 in (150 mm) depth rejected.
cell
• 320 lbf (1420 N) for the 4 in (100 mm) depth
cell
• 240 lbf (1060 N) for the 3 in (75 mm) depth
cell.
GWC-CSI 1 MAY 2018 PAGE 8
GEOWEB®
PRESTO EARTH RETENTION SYSTEM
a width of 4 in (10 cm). Properly identify each weld
Appendix B using the sample letter and weld seam number.
Long-Term Seam-Strength Test Procedure
These samples are now ready to be tested.
Frequency of Test
The long-term seam peel Long-term Seam Peel Strength Test
strength test (referred to The long-term seam peel strength test shall take
as the test in this section) place within an environmentally controlled chamber
Seam to be tested
shall be performed: that undergoes temperature change on a 1-hour
1. on each new resin cycle from room temperature to 130°F (54°C). Room
lot number if the temperature shall be defined per ASTM E41.
geocell
manufacturer Within the environmentally controlled chamber, one
extrudes the sheet of the ends of the samples (10 samples in total) shall
or strip used to be secured to a stationary upper clamp. The jaws of
produce the geocell the clamp shall be of such configuration that the grip
material. Figure B1
does not over stress the sample during the test
2. on each new order period. The sample shall be secured so that its axis
of sheet and/or strip if the geocell manufacturer is vertical and the welds being tested are horizontal
does not extrude the sheet and/or strip used to as the sample hangs within the environmentally
produce the geocell material. controlled chamber.
Test Sample Preparation A weight of 160 lb (72.5 kg) shall be lifted via a hoist
A test sample shall be made using two sets of two or lift platform and attached to the free lower end, of
strips meeting all aspects of the material portion of the sample. The weight shall be lowered in a way so
this specification. Testing shall be done on non- that no impact load occurs on the sample being
perforated samples to obtain the true seam strength tested. The weight shall be sufficient distance from
of the bond. One set of two strips are to be welded the floor of the chamber so that the weight will not
in welder position "A" and the other set of two strips touch the floor of the chamber as the sample
are to be welded in welder position "B" undergoes creep during the test period. The date
producing two 1-cell long sections of geocell and hour the weight is applied shall be recorded.
product. Welding should be done using a warm
welder. The welded samples shall be labeled "A" The temperature cycle shall commence immediately
and "B" and the weld seams of each sample shall be within the environmentally controlled chamber. The
numbered consecutively from left to right starting test period for the applied load shall be 168 hours.
with the number 1 (one) and corresponding to the
welding head number. Definition of Pass / Failure
If any of the 10 seams fail prior to the end of the
The samples shall air cool for a minimum of 30 168-hour (7-day) period, the date and hour of the
minutes. Randomly choose 10 welds from samples failure shall be recorded and the polyethylene resin
"A" and "B" and cut those welds from the geocell and strip material shall be considered unsuitable for
samples such that 4 in (10 cm) of material exist on geocell manufacturing.
each side of the weld. These samples shall be cut to
END OF SECTION
GWC-CSI 1 MAY 2018 PAGE 9
