Abstract: A geosynthetic tufted drain barrier (GTDB) for preventing vertical migration of fluids. On a substantially impermeable woven or non-woven continuous layer is disposed a membrane. The tensile strength of the impermeable layer is at least 5 lbs/lineal ft (3.0 kg/lineal m). The permeability of the membrane is no greater than 10?4 cm/sec. Tufted tensile elements are attached to the membrane, each one being attached to the membrane at a density of at least 25 tufted tensile elements per square foot (30 square cm). The tufted tensile elements are formed in rows and are disposed at a density of at least four rows per square foot (30 square cm). Infill material can be introduced to the tufted tensile elements. The drain barrier may be constructed with integrated letters, logos, and signage and one or more colors.

Abstract: Void-maintaining laminates comprising fuzzy woven or fuzzy membrane layers are provided. Laminates of the present invention comprise at least one sheet-like core element, typically comprising void spaces or channels and, bonded thereto, at least one layer of fuzzy woven composite for use in geotechnical applications. The superior adhesion or bonding of the respective layers to one another, and its contribution to the structural integrity of void spaces or channels, enables the construction and positioning of drainage composites having the desirable characteristics of high permittivity and high transmissivity. Numerous embodiments of the invention are possible. Fuzzy geocomposites of the invention can be used, for example, underneath buildings, foundations, roadways and other paved structures, or in landfills or other types of geotechnical installations to replace or complement conventional drainage materials such as sand, stone and gravel. Methods for making the fuzzy geocomposites are also provided.

Abstract: A channeled synthetic drainable base course for use with natural or synthetic turf systems. The synthetic drainable base course provides for permeability and transmissivity of fluids, shock resistance when tested for fall impact safety and reduced installation effort and time. The synthetic drainage system may be installed as a separate component or as a composite layer of a turf system.

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.

Abstract: A myriad of permutations of void-maintaining membrane laminates are provided. Laminates of the invention are particularly useful for providing high performance drainage within layered paved structures such as highways, airport runways and parking lots. Void-maintaining laminates of the invention comprise compression elements that are shaped, adapted and arranged to cooperate with base and upper layers such that superior flow capacities are attained through their void spaces, channels and paths, even under pressures in excess of 5,000 lbs per square inch.

Abstract: The invention pertains to means and methods for enabling the further use of previously negative assets, and particularly from those facilities formed from gypsum waste, such as that suitable for forming gypsum stacks. Waste containment or landfill facilities are formed from the conversion of gypsum refuse waste materials derived from gypsum mining and processing, and particularly from such facilities as they are formed in place from such gypsum-based refuse. Such facilities can be utilized, rented or leased as waste containment facilities for the short-term, long-term or permanent storage of non-gypsum 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: The invention pertains to business methods for enabling the creation of positive revenue streams from previously negative assets, and particularly from those facilities formed from gypsum waste, such as gypsum stacks. Waste containment or landfill facilities are formed from the conversion of gypsum refuse waste materials derived from gypsum mining and processing, such as from existing gypsum stacks, or from facilities formed in place from gypsum-based refuse. Such facilities are utilized, rented or leased as waste containment facilities for the short-term, long-term or permanent storage of non-gypsum 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 wholly colored, partly colored and color-coded geocomposites, geotextiles and geofabrics are provided. Colored sheets, layers and laminates of the invention possess a high resistance to degradation by the effects of heat, UV and other wavelengths of light. Methods for employing the sheets, layers and laminates of the invention for shielding selected land surfaces, for providing indicators regarding the positions of one or more below-ground facilities such as utility pipes, for repelling birds, animals and insects, and for facilitating the installation of geocomposites, geotextiles and geofabrics are provided.

Abstract: Numerous embodiments of a synthetic drainable base course (“SDBC”), and paved structures that may advantageously include an SDBC, are provided. As a key advantage of SDBC's according to the invention, they are of sufficient capacities and structural strength to be used within layered paved structures such as highways, airport runways and parking lots, to provide drainage superior to that afforded by conventional means and methods involving the use of open graded base courses that are typically formed of natural soils and aggregate and are extremely expensive to install. The invention includes means and methods that use conventional heavy equipment for installing an SDBC during the construction of a roadway or other paved surface.

Abstract: A myriad of permutations of void-maintaining membrane laminates are provided. Laminates of the invention are particularly useful for providing high performance drainage within layered paved structures such as highways, airport runways and parking lots. Void-maintaining laminates of the invention comprise compression elements that are shaped, adapted and arranged to cooperate with base and upper layers such that superior flow capacities are attained through their void spaces, channels and paths, even under pressures in excess of 5,000 lbs per square inch.

Abstract: Aggregates and constructs made from pieces of recycled tires, and engineered for drainage and other construction purposes are provided. The present particle aggregates and constructs can be designed and manufactured with defined gradations and engineering properties to allow for the specifically desired engineering parameters such as permeability, compressibility, rigidity, compactability, density, and resistance to movement and other frictional characteristics. Embodiments of the invention can be created to have defined engineering properties that can be maintained for desired lengths of time, such as compressibility and permeability to the flow of gases or liquids. Thus, the present invention can have myriad embodiments, configurations and properties depending upon the exact engineering construction environment in which a particular embodiment will be used.

Abstract: Numerous embodiments of a synthetic drainable base course (“SDBC”), and paved structures that may advantageously include an SDBC, are provided. As a key advantage of SDBC's according to the invention, they are of sufficient capacities and structural strength to be used within layered paved structures such as highways, airport runways and parking lots, to provide drainage superior to that afforded by conventional means and methods involving the use of open graded base courses that are typically formed of natural soils and aggregate and are extremely expensive to install. The invention includes means and methods that use conventional heavy equipment for installing an SDBC during the construction of a roadway or other paved surface.

Abstract: Geostabilzing constructs made from synthetic materials such as recycled tires and plastic polymers are provided in forms engineered to stabilize large structures such as buildings, roadways, runways, parking lots, dams, levees and waste containment facilities. Methods and geostabilizers of the invention provide alternatives or complements to conventional uniform and non-uniform gradations of earthen materials thereby decreasing the amount of conventional materials needed to stabilize a large structure. Stabilizers of the invention impart superior resistance to compressive forces and can be designed and manufactured with to possess defined properties such as permeability to the flow of gases or liquids, compressibility, shear strength, rigidity, frictional coefficients, compactability, density, and resistance to movement. Embodiments of the present invention can be used in conjunction with various construction materials like pipe and culverts.

Abstract: Void-maintaining laminates comprising fuzzy woven or fuzzy membrane layers are provided. Laminates of the present invention comprise at least one sheet-like core element, typically comprising void spaces or channels and, bonded thereto, at least one layer of fuzzy woven composite for use in geotechnical applications. The superior adhesion or bonding of the respective layers to one another, and its contribution to the structural integrity of void spaces or channels, enables the construction and positioning of drainage composites having the desirable characteristics of high permittivity and high transmissivity. Numerous embodiments of the invention are possible. Fuzzy geocomposites of the invention can be used, for example, underneath buildings, foundations, roadways and other paved structures, or in landfills or other types of geotechnical installations to replace or complement conventional drainage materials such as sand, stone and gravel. Methods for making the fuzzy geocomposites are also provided.

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: 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: The present invention relates generally to scrims, geonets, void-maintaining geocomposite core elements and geocomposite structures comprising high-friction polymers, and methods for making and utilizing them. The high-friction characteristics of components of the invention provide increased resistance to the negative effects of shear forces in laminates which employ them. Scrims, geonets, void-maintaining geocomposite core elements and geocomposite structures according to the invention are particularly useful in slope installations where at least a portion of the geocomposite is at a slope angle of greater than 4 degrees.

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. Methods of the invention include the creation of waste containment facilities from existing gypsum stacks. 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. Containment facilities according to the invention can be lined or unlined, open or capped, depending upon the nature of the material to be resident in the containment facility and relevant governmental regulations. The invention also provides for drainage and recovery systems, monitoring, controlling and communication means, pumps and valving means, and any other means known in the waste containment facility field.

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: Unitary void-maintaining geocomposites, and drainage systems utilizing those geocomposites, are provided for location below a road surface or below a large structure such as a building, retaining wall or parking lot. In some embodiments, the geocomposites include at least one fluid-transmissible layer, preferably a geotextile, attached adjacent an upper or lower surface, or both surfaces, of a polymer-based core element. In other embodiments, the core element is constructed such that no geotextile layer is needed. Characteristic of the core element is high transmissivity, that is, a high rate of horizontal flow of gases or liquids through the core. Characteristic of the at least one fluid-transmissible layer is high permittivity, that is, a high rate of vertical transmission of liquids and gases through the geotextile layer and into the core element. Also characteristic of fluid-transmissible layers of the invention is high exclusivity with respect to solid materials.