Abstract: A geoturf tube for stabilization of erodible ground surfaces said geoturf tube formed of a geotextile fabric in a tubular shape and configured to contain sands but allow water to pass through and a tufted tensile elements cover attached to at least a portion of the geotextile fabric. Alternatively, a geoturf cover of a geotextile and a plurality of tufted tensile elements installed as a separate layer above a geotube to serve as a protective barrier and extend the service life of the geotube. A method of stabilization of erodible surfaces with a geoturf tube or a geoturf cover is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the conversion of waste materials derived from gypsum mining and processing, such as existing gypsum stacks, into waste containment or landfill facilities. Advantageously, waste containment facilities and business methods according to the invention enable the creation of a positive revenue stream from previously negative assets such as gypsum stacks. Methods of the invention include the creation of waste containment facilities from existing gypsum stacks, or from the on-site formation of containment facilities from waste gypsum or other waste minerals as they are transported and positioned at a waste site. Waste containment facilities created according to the invention can be used for the short-term, long-term or permanent storage of waste materials such as solid waste, community refuse materials, biomass, industrial waste, phosphate waste, and for composting or otherwise processing materials such as biomass.

Abstract: Numerous embodiments of one or more layers of void-maintaining synthetic drainable base courses (“VMSDBC's”) are provided as incorporated into landfills and other waste containment facilities. Key advantages of landfills and methods according to the invention include a substantial decrease in the necessity for conventional gravel and sand layers, and an increase in the effective volume of a landfill or similar facility. Moreover, the invention decreases the cost attendant to locating, transporting, and forming conventional rock, sand and gravel materials into discreet layers.

Abstract: Numerous permutations of high-friction void-maintaining membrane laminates are provided. Laminates of the invention are particularly useful for providing high performance drainage within installations having a high slope component. Void-maintaining laminates of the invention comprise flow zones of void spaces which are typically interconnected, and constructed and arranged so that the flow zones provide desirable paths for the egress of drainage fluids. The laminates advantageously include also high-friction zones which are typically interspersed between the flow zones such that the laminates are useful to provide drainage in installations of high incline angles. Laminates of the present invention provide both desired resistance to movement, that is, increased shear resistance, and flow capacity increases of from 25-100% when compared with conventional laminates.