When extreme weather events occur, communities are often left to grapple with the devastating effects. An increase in extreme weather patterns, coupled with aging or inadequate infrastructure, amplifies the often dangerous and costly damage that ensues—especially for vulnerable communities living in low-lying areas.

According to a recent study, extreme weather events continue to trend upwards, leaving many more American homes and businesses at risk of severe flooding. For this reason, it is vital to build resilience into infrastructure projects to mitigate climate risk and ensure the long-term reliability of critical infrastructure.

Incorporating geosynthetics into infrastructure can improve the ability of communities to withstand and recover from extreme weather events. For example, in hurricane-prone parts of the country, designing robust access roads along power transmission lines allows repair crews to safely and quickly restore power to communities that might otherwise be without electricity for days or even weeks. Geosynthetic products, such as geocells, can be used to construct reliable access roads along transmission infrastructure, which often traverse very remote areas with difficult terrain and very soft ground conditions. Through an interconnected honeycomb-like network, geocells confine and stabilize soils that would otherwise be unstable under loading.

When used in load support, slope stabilization, channel protection, and retaining wall applications, geocells are a powerful weapon against the long-term effects of climate change. This article discusses several examples where GEOWEB geocells were successfully used to help communities adapt to, and recover from, extreme weather events.

GEOWEB Porous Pavements Used for Rebuilding Roads, Replacing Transmission Lines Damaged During Hurricane Michael in Florida’s Panhandle

Hurricane Michael caused extensive damage to Florida’s power grid network, leveling more than 100 transmission towers in a 34-mile right-of-way from Port St. Joe to Callaway. This right-of-way crosses swampy, remote, and hard-to-reach areas, making rebuilding the grid even more challenging. This extremely wet, muddy ground prevented repair vehicles from accessing the area. Helicopters were employed to transport the new steel towers installed on-site.

Accessing the lines for maintenance would require a stronger roadway to support heavy vehicles in the wettest areas. The GEOWEB Load Support System was used to make the roads operational and improve performance in saturated conditions.

The GEOWEB system was placed over an enhanced geotextile and filled with crushed aggregate to create access roads across critical wetlands and stabilize pole pads. The access roads and pads are permanent.

GEOWEB Geocells Repair Storm-Ravaged Trail & Maintenance Road

In the spring of 2018, several storms violently swept through areas along southern Maine’s coastline, devastating the beaches and trails of Fort Foster—a town-owned park in Maine. Known as “nor’easters,” these destructive storms form along the east coast, bringing strong winds, rain, and flooding to the New England states. As the storms rolled past, the damage was visible to Fort Foster and Kittery Point’s 2.1-mile-long shoreline walking trail and maintenance road, as well as on the slopes leading down to the beach.

The park’s goal was to repair the damage and protect the slopes, maintenance road, and recreational trail from future storm damage. The GEOWEB® Soil Stabilization System was chosen to restore and protect two sections of the park’s shorelines and trails.

By using the GEOWEB System, the park was able to armor the maintenance road, recreational trail, and slopes from future storm events. Since being installed in 2018, the GEOWEB Load Support and Shoreline Protection Systems continue to perform as designed, allowing the community to once again enjoy the trail system and local beaches.

GEOWEB Hard-Armored Shoreline Protection System Protects Vulnerable Riverbank from Erosive Forces

The extreme El Niño event caused the western Pacific to warm, developing atmospheric convection and increased rainfall. The storm events caused catastrophic flooding and severe erosion in the eastern equatorial region of Ecuador and Northern Peru. A portion of the Zarumilla River, located in the remote Tumbes region in Northwestern Peru, was experiencing severe erosion and required a shoreline protection solution to prevent further deterioration of the riverbank.

The GEOWEB® Shoreline Protection System was selected to protect the Zarumilla riverbank against future storm events. The GEOWEB system with concrete infill provides economical, hard-armored protection of slopes and channels exposed to high flow velocities and high shear stresses. The system has been proven to withstand sustained flow velocities over 36 ft/s (11 m/s) and shear stresses of 20.9 psf (1.0 kPa), outperforming rip-rap, gabions, and other conventional hard armor strategies.

The product was shipped to the site in September 2020, and installation was complete by December 2020. The project was completed on schedule and within budget. The GEOWEB® Shoreline Protection System is performing to expectations and will provide much-needed protection to the Zarumilla River and the communities that depend on it when the next major storm hits.

GEOWEB Geocells Used for Erosion Protection of Canal Floodwall

Erosion of the 17th Street Canal’s flood protection system was a major concern for the Southwest Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East. The Authority required a solution to protect the canal’s slope against erosive forces and prevent a floodwall breach in the event of a tropical storm event.

To mitigate channel slope erosion, engineers chose the GEOWEB Confinement System to stabilize the slopes along the Metairie side of the drainage channel. By confining the infill material, the GEOWEB system prevents flow from causing scour and erosion on slope surfaces.

The construction company installed approximately 380,000 square feet of GW40 (six-inch deep panels) over a woven geotextile along the canal’s slope and infilled the cells with crushed aggregate sized based on research and testing at Colorado State University hydraulics lab.

The GEOWEB System:

• Allows the use of smaller, less expensive rock—even waste rock which decreases installation and transportation costs.
• Creates a permeable, cover when drainage is desired but vegetation cannot be established.
• Resists high velocities and tractive forces.

Design Support & Resources for the GEOWEB System Applications

The engineering team at Presto Geosystems works closely with engineers and project planners, offering free project evaluation services and on-site support. Our recommendations will deliver a technically sound, cost-effective solution based on four decades of accredited research and testing data.

Please contact our knowledgeable staff and network of qualified distributors and representatives to discuss your project needs today.

💧 GEOWEB® Geocells for Erosion Control & Vegetation

Can exposed sidewalls on an erosion control wall be finished with rock or other materials?

Yes. It’s common to cover exposed sidewalls with rock or other finishes. In many cases, riprap is placed at the base to protect against scour, especially in areas with water flow.

What happens when vegetation goes dormant in winter? Does erosion increase?

Great question. Effective erosion control accounts for seasonal variability by incorporating erosion control blankets or turf reinforcement mats that are selected and sized based on site-specific hydraulic conditions and anticipated velocities. By working closely with erosion control manufacturers and relying on proven design methodologies, these systems maintain soil stability and erosion resistance year-round, ensuring performance even when vegetation is inactive.

🚧 GEOWEB Geocells: Construction & Maintenance

If used in road construction, how do you repair a geocell system?

Repairs are straightforward and similar to other planar geosynthetics (e.g., geogrids, geotextiles) systems:

• Excavate down to the GEOWEB geocell layer to expose the affected area.
• Cut the material using a concrete or pipe saw to allow access.
• Perform the repair (e.g., pipe replacement).
• Patch the system with the new GEOWEB geocell and geotextile material.

View All GEOWEB Geocell Installation Guides >>

How do you prevent differential settlement in trench restoration?

The key is combining GEOWEB geocells with enhanced woven geotextiles. The woven geotextile provides separation and tensile reinforcement, typically ranging from 2,800 lbs/ft to 7,200 lbs/ft. The GEOWEB system distributes the vertical loads laterally, reducing vertical stress on the subgrade.

When integrated, the GEOWEB system and enhanced woven geotextile create a stiffened, load distribution layer that minimizes settlement and significantly improves long-term performance of the restored trench, potholes, and long-term maintenance issues.

🌉 GEOWEB Geocells Applications & Use Cases

Have GEOWEB geocells been used in cofferdams or pipeline installations?

Yes. GEOWEB geocells are used for:

• Pipeline stabilization under cofferdams.
• Sanitary and storm sewer systems.
• Mitigating differential settlement under rigid pipes.

Can GEOWEB geocells be used in residential applications?

Absolutely. Even small projects (e.g., ~200 sq ft) can benefit.

Are GEOWEB geocells used in rail or high-speed rail projects?

Yes. The GEOWEB system is widely used in rail applications and represents one of the largest infrastructure markets where they improve ballast confinement, reduce subgrade deformation, and reduce maintenance cycles.

• Freight rail (Class I railroads in the U.S. and Canada).
• International projects (e.g., Australia, UK Network Rail, South America).
• Intermodal yards where high static and dynamic loads demand enhanced load distribution and long-term stability.

Our engineering team is actively involved in the rail industry committees and standards development (e.g., AREMA), helping ensure that geocell solutions align with evolving design practices and performance requirements for both conventional and high-speed rail systems.

Visit Railroad Website >>

Can geocells be used in airfield applications?

Yes. The GEOWEB system can be used throughout airports to improve ground stabilization, load support, and erosion control. Common uses include runway and taxiway shoulders, runway end safety areas (RESA), as well as beneath taxiways, apron areas to reduce base thickness over weak subgrades and deicing pads (e.g., Cleveland Hopkins Airport Project). They are also widely used for access roads, maintenance routes, drainage channels, and embankment slopes, where they provide confinement, improve durability, and control erosion.

Visit Airport Website >>

Can geocells be used over landfill liner systems?

Yes. The GEOWEB system is commonly used over landfill liners for protection, and we install millions of square feet annually. Textured geomembrane liners are recommended. The increased interface friction between the textured liner and the GEOWEB system helps improve stability and reduces sliding potential. This typically allows the system to rely on the existing liner anchor trench for restraint, minimizing or eliminating the need for additional anchorage measures.

Visit Landfills Website >>

🌊 GEOWEB Geocells for Water Management & Slope Reinforcement

Can GEOWEB geocells be used for pond spillways or channels?

Yes. The GEOWEB system is well suited for pond spillways and channel protection applications and can be engineered to perform under a wide range of hydraulic and site-specific conditions. Design approaches are supported by Colorado State University (CSU) hydraulic research and testing for vegetated, aggregate, and concrete-lined channel systems.

• CSU Research Results: Vegetated System >>
• CSU Research Results: Aggregate System >>
• CSU Research Results: Concrete System >>

What is the minimum or maximum channel depth for GEOWEB geocell use?

There is no strict minimum or maximum depth for a GEOWEB channel with the minimum depth based on the depth of the GEOWEB panel. The GEOWEB system has been used in channels less than a foot. There is no maximum depth since the GEOWEB system acts as the protective lining, with the appropriate cell depth selected based on velocity, shear stress, and site conditions.

Can GEOWEB geocells be used in coastal erosion or sand dunes?

Yes. In fact, dune restoration was one of the earliest commercial applications. GEOWEB Geocells can stabilize sand and help prevent erosion in coastal environments.

🧱 GEOWEB® Geocells for Walls & Slopes

What if we have a steep slope but want to avoid a tall retaining wall?

Tiered GEOWEB walls are an excellent solution when you want to avoid a single tall, steep wall within a limited footprint. Tiered walls break one large structure into multiple smaller, more efficient systems which reduce reinforcement lengths and improve constructability. Typically, slopes above walls are limited to 2:1 or 26 degrees for stability.

🛣️ GEOWEB® Geocells Design & Material Selection

When is a geotextile base unnecessary?

If the base material and the GEOWEB cell infill are the same, a geotextile may not be necessary. In some concrete applications, it is intentionally omitted to reduce costs particularly in dry installation conditions.

How do you choose between 4-inch and 6-inch GEOWEB geocells for roads?

It depends on the subgrade strength, vehicle weight, traffic frequency and required performance. A general rule is light vehicles (e.g. cars, delivery vehicles) can use a 4-inch-deep cell, with all others 6- or 8-inch. With that said, it all depends on the subgrade strength.

We highly recommend not using any standard tables or graphs since each project is different. Our engineering team offers free project evaluations based on your site-specific parameters.

Request a free project evaluation >>

🌱 GEOWEB® Geocells: Vegetation & Surface Finishes

Do you typically use hydroseeding or sod with GEOWEB geocells?

Both hydroseeding and sod can be used, but hydroseeding is the most common approach. It is also more cost-effective for large areas such as slopes, channels, and embankments, and provides uniform coverage even on steep or irregular surfaces. Sod is sometimes selected for high-visibility or urban applications where immediate aesthetics or instant erosion protection are required. (e.g., event spaces or temporary parking)

Conclusion

GEOWEB Geocells are a highly versatile solution that can be used across a wide range of applications including:

• Transportation (roads, rail, ports, bridges)
• Water management (channels, dams, spillways)
• Environmental projects (landfills, LID/GI, trails)
• Residential and small-scale applications

If you have a project in mind, our engineering team can provide site specific evaluations and design support at no cost.

Request a free project evaluation >>

Have more questions? Reach out, we’re always happy to help you find the right solution.

GEOWEB® Retaining Walls have enhanced transportation infrastructure, site development, and environmental and landscape projects for over 45 years, delivering flexibility, stability, and cost efficiency.

As engineers, contractors, and owners evaluate the GEOWEB Walls for real-world applications, common questions often arise around design considerations, installation practices, and long-term performance. The following Q&A addresses some of the most frequently asked questions about the GEOWEB Wall System, providing practical guidance and insight into best practices for successful design and construction.

Q: How do you install guardrails in GEOWEB Geocell Walls?

A: The preferred approach is to place posts behind the geocell wall face, rather than penetrating the system. Typically, posts are offset from the face and embedded into the reinforced zone. This approach avoids cutting the panels and preserves confinement. If project constraints require guardrail posts to penetrate the panels, additional care is needed.

Post locations should be coordinated in advance, so they align with cell seams or junctions, rather than cutting through the center of cells. Any required cuts to the cell walls should be clean and minimal, with the cut cells zip-tied to adjacent cells to prevent damage.

A sonotube should be installed around the post to isolate it from the panels. Backfill around the sonotube must be placed and compacted carefully in lifts to avoid deforming adjacent cells.

Q: Can surcharge loads be included above a GEOWEB Wall?

A: Yes. Surcharge loadings can be included but they must be explicitly accounted for in the design because they directly influence lateral earth pressures and global stability. Common surcharges include traffic or storage loads, but their proximity to the wall crest is important, as surcharge loads placed close to the edge produce the greatest impact. The GEOWEB MSE Wall Design Program allows modeling surcharge loadings above a wall, and the program is flexible to account for different scenarios.

Q: When should riprap be placed in front of the GEOWEB Wall?

A: Riprap should be placed in front of a GEOWEB Wall when there is potential for erosion or scour that could undermine the toe or face. This is particularly important in applications exposed to flowing water where concentrated flow velocities can remove unprotected soil at the base of the wall. Riprap serves as a protective armor layer that dissipates energy, prevents toe scour, and maintains the stability of the foundation supporting the system.

Q: How much does the GEOWEB MSE Wall Design Software cost?

A: The software is free, including yearly updates. Request License Here >>

Q: What format is the GEOWEB Design Software project report provided in?

A: The report is generated as a PDF, which can be downloaded and easily incorporated into other documentation.

Q: What is the cost of the GEOWEB Wall System?

A: Costs vary, but reinforced walls are generally more economical and stable than gravity walls, especially when gravity walls require multiple cells (4–7 cells deep). More cells mean more material, excavation, and backfill, which increases cost. Reinforced walls typically achieve stability with less material.

Q: How does the GEOWEB Wall System compare in cost to gabion walls?

A: It is typically much less expensive. The materials are lighter and easier to install, reducing both material and labor costs compared to heavy steel baskets and rock used in gabions.

Q: Can the geocell system handle loads from active roadways?

A: Yes. Like other MSE (Mechanically Stabilized Earth) walls, the GEOWEB Geocell System can be designed to account for roadway loads, including cyclic loading.

Q: Have geocells been used in any DOT or railroad projects?

A: Yes. The GEOWEB System is recognized in industry manuals and is commonly used in DOT and railroad applications, including abutments, embankments, and other infrastructure projects. View Case Studies >>

Q: Does a geotechnical report need to include global stability analysis?

A: A global stability analysis should be included when site conditions or wall geometry warrant it, rather than as an absolute requirement in every case. Global stability analysis is necessary when the wall is part of a slope system, when foundation soils are weak or variable, when significant surcharge loads are present, or when the wall height and reinforced zone create the potential for deep-seated failure. While it may add cost, global stability is a critical factor in wall performance and should be considered a best practice.

Q: Can trees or vegetation grow on or near the geocell wall?

A: Yes. The GEOWEB Geocell Wall can be designed to accommodate vegetation. Small plants and controlled vegetation are beneficial, as root systems can improve stability. However, very large trees should be avoided directly within the wall structure.

Q: Does vegetation negatively impact wall performance?

A: No. Once established, vegetation can enhance stability by reinforcing the soil with root systems.

Ready to see how the GEOWEB® Wall System can deliver performance and savings on your next project? Our engineering team is here to help you select, design, and implement the right solution with confidence.

Request the free GEOWEB MSE Wall Design Software, explore real-world case studies, or connect with our experts for personalized guidance.

Our engineering team offers one hour, on-demand webinars for your convenience as well. Watch them here:

• Designing Retaining Walls & Reinforced Slopes
• Introduction to the GEOWEB® MSE Retaining Wall Design Software

Get started today and build smarter, more stable, and more efficient retaining wall with GEOWEB Geocells.

By: JP George, Business Manager, Presto Geosystems

In the nonstop rush to complete the latest to-dos, leisure time often gets pushed aside. Yet those moments we spend doing what we love are essential. Whether it’s a quiet walk through the woods, a yoga class, cycling, painting, gaming, gardening, or a round of golf, these activities help us recharge and reconnect.

Unfortunately, most of us have far too little time for the activities we enjoy, so when recreational spaces are disrupted by repairs, maintenance, or new construction, minimizing downtime matters. Fast project completion can make the difference between weeks of closure and getting people back to enjoying their favorite activities.

Golf Course Construction Without the Lengthy Downtime

A friend of mine, Patrick, is an avid golfer. Unlike me, where golf is equal parts relaxation and frustration, Patrick actually knows what he is doing and thoroughly enjoys it.

Like many of us, Patrick balances work, family, and a packed schedule, so finding time for golf isn’t easy. One of his favorite courses, Kings Mill in Virginia, recently underwent “playable area” repairs following a major storm event. Restoring the damaged sections required heavy construction equipment to move across the course fairways and surrounding areas to complete the work.

Anyone familiar with golf courses knows how important turf conditions are to the playing experience. In the spring, even golf cart traffic can affect fairways and surrounding areas. Now factor in excavators, dump trucks, or utility equipment, and the need for a reliable solution to reduce turf disturbance during construction becomes clear.

Patrick recommended using the GEOTERRA® GTO Construction Mats to create a temporary construction access road that would protect the course while allowing crews to complete repairs quickly and efficiently, but most importantly, allowing Patrick and others get back to playing golf sooner.

Fast Deploying Access Mats for Soft Ground Conditions

The GEOTERRA GTO Construction Mats connected faster than you can yell “FORE!” and created an access road for heavy equipment to get in and get the job done.

Using the large HDPE bolts to connect the interlocking mats, crews quickly created a stable temporary access road capable of supporting heavy-duty construction equipment over soft ground conditions. The GEOTERRA GTO Mats distributed equipment loads evenly, helping prevent rutting, turf damage, and costly surface repairs.

Once the repairs were completed, the bolts were removed and the GEOTERRA GTO Mats were reclaimed and ready to use on the next project.

The golf course was able to reopen faster and get players back on the greens sooner. And Patrick? He’s happily back to chasing birdies and slicing shots.

Protect your leisure time, friends. Get in, get the job done quickly, and then get to what really makes you happy … like Patrick valuing his tee time!

Benefits of GEOTERRA GTO Turf Protection Mats for Golf Courses and Recreational Facilities

• Fast deploy and disassemble
• Protects turf and landscaped surfaces
• Supports heavy construction equipment
• Reduces site restoration costs
• Minimizes course and facility downtime
• Reusable for future projects
• Ideal for soft or wet ground conditions

Protect Leisure Time

Whether it’s a golf course, public park, trail system, sports complex, or outdoor event space, recreational facilities are valuable community assets. Using temporary access mats during construction helps contractor’s complete projects efficiently while protecting the spaces people enjoy most.

Need temporary access solutions for soft ground conditions?

GEOTERRA GTO Mats help contractors protect turf, reduce downtime, and keep recreational spaces operational during construction and repair projects.

Contact us today for project quote.

Thank you to all who participated in our recent webinar, “Best Practices for Installing the GEOWEB® Geocell System,” and for submitting your technical questions regarding GEOWEB® Geocells.

Based on the discussion and submitted inquiries, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked topics to help clarify how the GEOWEB system works and where it delivers the greatest value.

If you didn’t catch the live webinar, view the on-demand webinar here and earn PDH credits.

Q1. How difficult is it to address a poor or failed subgrade with GEOWEB Geocells?

Addressing a poor subgrade with the GEOWEB systems is typically straightforward and highly effective when properly designed. Rather than relying on deep undercutting or chemical soil treatment, the GEOWEB system mechanically stabilizes weak soils by confining the infill and distributing loads laterally. This reduces vertical stress on the subgrade and minimizes rutting and shear deformation. From a construction standpoint, installation is simple and often completed with only minimal subgrade preparation. Even in very weak conditions (CBR < 3%), the GEOWEB system can significantly reduce required aggregate thickness while improving overall performance, making it a more reliable and more cost-effective solution than traditional stabilization methods.

To eliminate uncertainty, we offer a free project evaluation service. By submitting basic project details including subgrade strength, vehicle type and number of passes, our engineering team can assess site conditions and recommend an appropriate, project-specific solution.

To receive a free project evaluation based on your site specific conditions, please submit your project details at: https://www.prestogeo.com/free-project-evaluation/

Q2. Why is geotextile fabric installed beneath the GEOWEB Geocells for load support applications?

A geotextile, either a non-woven or enhanced woven (high performance) is placed below the GEOWEB system to preserve long-term performance by providing separation, filtration, and controlled drainage. In low subgrade CBR conditions or where differential settlement may be a concern, enhanced woven geotextiles are typically used.

When enhanced woven geotextiles are used, they help prevent soil migration and clogging while also providing additional reinforcement and the ability to bridge localized weak or soft areas.

Please Note: Slit tape woven geotextiles are not recommended for the GEOWEB Load Support applications. Slit tape geotextiles do not provide adequate filtration and have limited drainage capability, with typical open areas of only 1 to 2%.

As part of our free evaluation, our engineering team will recommend the appropriate geotextile type and strength based on site specific conditions. To receive a free project evaluation, please submit your project details at: https://www.prestogeo.com/free-project-evaluation/

Q3. How much of a wear surface is required over the top of the GEOWEB system?

For load support applications, a wear surface is typically placed over the GEOWEB system. The required material type and thickness depends on the specific application, loading conditions, traffic type, and desired surface type (aggregate, asphalt, concrete).

All load support applications require some form of wear surface to protect the system and ensure proper load transfer. In other applications, such as slope protection and channel armoring, the infill is flush with the top of the GEOWEB geocell.

Overall, cover requirements are project-specific and should be determined based on design criteria and site-specific conditions, but a minimum of 2” is generally required.

Q4. Are the ATRA® Stakes driven through the geotextile underlayment?

For load support applications, ATRA Stakes are generally not required unless the roadway is on a slope. In slope protection or channels armoring applications, ATRA Stakes are typically driven through the geotextile to ensure the system remains securely positioned during infilling and to transfer loads into the subgrade, helping to prevent sliding and enhance overall system stability.

ATRA Stake spacing and installation pattern are determined through the free project evaluation based on your specific site conditions; therefore, the use of standard tables and graphs is not recommended, as each project has unique design requirements. To receive a free project evaluation, please submit your project details at: https://www.prestogeo.com/free-project-evaluation/

Q5. What is the typical design life of GEOWEB Geocells?

The design life of the GEOWEB System can be tailored to meet specific project requirements. Roadway projects commonly require a 20-year design life, while other civil or infrastructure projects may require 50 to 100 years. GEOWEB Geocells are manufactured from a proprietary blend of 100% virgin high-density polyethylene (HDPE) stabilized with 1 to 2% carbon black. Carbon black stabilizes the material by protecting against UV resistance exposure, oxidation, and environmental aging.

The GEOWEB Geocell material has been laboratory tested to withstand continuous, direct UV exposure for periods up to 149 years without experiencing material degradation. In most applications, the GEOWEB system is buried, which further extends its service life by protecting it from prolonged UV exposure and environmental extremes. As a result, the GEOWEB system is considered a long-term stabilization solution with overall durability governed more by project design criteria and site-specific conditions than by limitations of the material itself.

Q6. How tall can a GEOWEB MSE Wall be?

GEOWEB Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) Walls do not have a fixed height limitation, provided there is adequate space to accommodate the required soil reinforcement tiebacks. In accordance with FHWA and AASHTO design guidelines, reinforcement lengths typically extend 70% of the wall height.

For tall walls, the GEOWEB system is commonly used as a flexible fascia in combination with geogrid or geotextile soil reinforcement. The ultimate wall height is controlled by internal and external requirements including sliding, overturning, bearing capacity, and global stability. As with all MSE structures, proper drainage is critical to long-term performance.

When site constraints limit feasible tieback lengths, terracing is an effective solution. Rather than constructing a single tall vertical wall, the total elevation change is divided into multiple shorter, independently designed walls, reducing reinforcement lengths and improving constructability.

To receive a free project evaluation, please submit your project details at https://www.prestogeo.com/free-project-evaluation/.

The GEOWEB system has been successfully used on numerous high-wall projects over the years. Examples of these installations can be found in the Geosystems Project Gallery: https://www.prestogeo.com/gallery_presto/products/soil-stabilization/geoweb-retaining-walls/?type=casestudy

Q7. Do you perform overturning analysis and global stability checks for earth retention systems?

Yes, these analyses can be provided; however, the level of design support depends on the amount and quality of soils information available as well as the specific project needs. In all cases, it is recommended that an independent geotechnical engineer review and verify global stability analyses. Providing detailed information such as soil properties, groundwater conditions, seismic parameters, and overall site geometry allows for a more comprehensive and accurate evaluation.

For added flexibility, we offer a free MSE Wall Design Software for those who prefer to complete calculations internally. Alternatively, our experienced engineering team is available to assist with project reviews or through a project specific evaluation.

Request the free MSE Wall Design Software here: https://www.prestogeo.com/design/soil-stabilization/geoweb-mse-wall-software/

Q8. Do the GEOWEB Geocells come in different colors (e.g., green or blue) to blend with nature?

Standard GEOWEB geocell material is black, as 1 to 2% carbon black is added for UV stabilization to enhance durability and long-term performance.

For projects where aesthetics is a priority, particularly in earth retention applications, colored fascia options are available in a tan or green to better blend with the surrounding environment. To ensure long-term performance of the colored fascia panels, hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) are added to protect against UV radiation and environmental exposure, helping to maintain structural integrity and appearance over the design life.

If a specific color requirement is desired, custom options may be considered depending on project requirements and quantities.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

We received even more questions than we could address during our webinar allotted time, and we appreciate the strong participation and engagement. If your questions weren’t addressed or if you’d like help with a specific project, we’d be happy to help and hear from you.

You can reach us directly using the contact information provided during the session, or email [email protected] to get started with a free project evaluation.

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) recently released their quadrennial Infrastructure Report Card. America’s infrastructure earned an overall grade of C, which is a minor improvement over 2021’s grade of C-minus and the highest grade received since the report card’s inception in 1998. While the report card is trending in the right direction, we are not quite ready to hang it on the fridge.

There is still a lot of work and investment required to make up for decades of underinvestment and deferred maintenance, especially as climate change, population growth, and aging systems continue to place added stress on our infrastructure. Without sustained funding, strategic planning, and public-private collaboration, many critical systems — from levees and roads to drinking water and stormwater management — will remain vulnerable and inefficient.

The report card assesses and assigns grades to 18 categories of American infrastructure, including Bridges, Energy, Ports, Rail, Roads, and Stormwater. Half of the categories received a grade in the “D” range. This means that the civil engineers who evaluated these categories determined that the infrastructure is “poor, at risk.” According to the report card, this is, “…a clear sign that more needs to be done to improve the health of America’s built environment.”

Categories that received a grade in the “D” range include Dams, Energy, Levees, Roads, Schools, Stormwater, Transit, and Wastewater. These systems are critical to the overall health and wellbeing of our communities, and vital to commerce and economic stability at local, regional, and national levels.

Solutions to Improve America’s Infrastructure Grade

The 2025 Infrastructure Report Card underscores that while recent progress is promising, significant challenges remain. Federal investment through landmark legislation like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has helped reverse decades of stagnation, but the work is far from done. According to ASCE’s 2024 Bridging the Gap study, an additional $2.9 trillion is still needed across 11 infrastructure sectors to reach and maintain a state of good repair — a level that would earn a “B” on the Report Card.

Closing this investment gap won’t just result in higher grades, but it will also create tangible economic relief for American families. If Congress maintains recent funding levels, the average household could save $700 annually by avoiding the hidden costs of failing infrastructure, such as delays, emergency repairs, and increased utility and transportation expenses.

Meanwhile, climate-related threats continue to intensify. Infrastructure systems, particularly aging roads, levees, dams, and water networks, face mounting risks from flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, and extreme temperatures. Investing in resilience now means fewer rebuilds later, and more reliable infrastructure to support economic growth and public safety.

Building Resilient Infrastructure with Geosynthetics

The future success of many infrastructure projects depends on the strength of the underlying soil. Through an interconnected honeycomb-like network, 3D geocells confine and stabilize soils that would otherwise be unstable under loading. The GEOWEB® 3D Soil Stabilization System is the industry’s first and most complete geocell system, designed with fully engineered components to withstand the most challenging site conditions. These accessories are engineered for strength, fast installs, and reliable long-term performance.

Whether used for load support, channel protection, slope stabilization, stormwater management, or retaining wall systems, the GEOWEB system enables cost-effective, low-maintenance infrastructure that stands up to environmental stresses. Its flexible design and engineered accessories ensure fast installation and long-term performance, even under challenging conditions.

At Presto Geosystems, we support engineers and project owners with free project evaluation assistance and technical guidance from project start through construction.

• Request a Free Project Evaluation
• Create a 3-Part CSI Spec in Minutes
• Get a Quote from a Local Distributor

Learn more about how the GEOWEB geocells can be used to improve resilience in the lowest-graded categories.

Download the full 2025 Infrastructure Report Card >>