FAQ
Here are the most frequently asked questions. If you don’t find the answer to your question, do not hesitate to contact us.
Geotextiles
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What is the function of a geotextile?
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Can geotextiles withstand prolonged exposure to the sun?
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How to install geotextiles?
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Is it really useful to install a geotextile as a separator?
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What properties should be analyzed to choose the right geotextile geomembrane protection?
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Is it possible to use a geotextile to strengthen the soil?
The basic functions of geotextiles are: separation, filtration, drainage, reinforcement, protection and erosion control.
Polymer fibers contain inhibitors that protect them from the harmful effects of UV rays. However, the resistance is not complete. Innovex certifies that geotextiles will retain at least 70% of their mechanical properties after 500 hours of exposure.
Generally, a 300 mm longitudinal overlap is sufficient. 600 mm for transverse joints. You can also sew or glue the panels with a heat source, such as a propane torch or a hot air gun.
Absolutely. If the two soils have different particle sizes, a geotextile separator will prevent contamination and will greatly extend the life of the structure.
The important characteristics of a protective geotextile are the areal mass, the thickness and the resistance to puncturing.
Certainly. Woven geotextiles provide separation and strengthen granular structure at low cost. A composite geotextile will also allow fine particles to be filtered, which is very useful when in contact with fine soil.
Geogrids
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Can geogrids be deployed in any direction?
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At what elevation should the biaxial geogrid be placed?
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What particle size will provide optimal imbrication with geogrid?
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Are geogrids the only way to strengthen a granular foundation?
Biaxials typically have the same resistance in both directions (roll direction and cross direction). They can therefore be installed in both directions. Uniaxials, on the other hand, must be installed so that the tensile loads are applied along the roll length.
Ideally, at the base of the material to be reinforced in order to obtain maximum particle imbrication. It is therefore placed directly under the compacted layer.
The D90 must correspond to approximately 33% of the diameter of the opening of the geogrid mesh.
No, woven geotextiles and geocells are also very efficient.
Geomembranes
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What is the difference between a geomembrane and a geotextile?
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Is it possible to order custom-made panels?
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Is it possible to repair a geomembrane that was damaged during installation without the intervention of specialized welders?
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What type of geomembrane is recommended for use in contact with hydrocarbons?
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Can a geocomposite clay liners be used to waterproof a cofferdam?
A geomembrane is waterproof, while a geotextile is permeable. The primary purpose of a geomembrane is to waterproof, while the geotextile is used for the separation and filtration of soils.
Yes. Certain types of geomembrane are flexible enough to allow the welding at the factory and shipping folded/rolled on a pallet.
Yes. The Tapecoat tape is used to repair most geomembranes. For geocomposite clay liners, simply cut a panel that will sufficiently overlap the sides of the damaged area.
Some high-end geomembranes are specifically designed for this type of use. If there is a low risk application, the polyethylene is an economically attractive option. Regular PVC should be avoided.
It's not ideal, but it is possible. It is necessary to make sure to respect the maximum inclination of the geomembrane, the grain size of the subgrade and the embankment and especially to make sure to backfill the geomembrane before hydration.
Erosion Control
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Should I seed before or after the deployment of the stabilization mat?
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Do biodegradable stabilization mattresses contain seed?
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What is the life of biodegradable stabilization mattress?
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Is it possible to cut flexible concrete mats?
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What type of cable should be used in flexible concrete mats installed in salt water?
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Should the interstices between the blocks of the flexible concrete mats be filled?
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Is it possible to circulate with machinery on geocells?
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Do the lawn or alveolar cells disrupt the hydraulic network of the site where they are installed?
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Is it possible to deploy and fill geosynthetic formwork underwater?
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What is the difference between regular steel and high tensile strength steel used in Geobrugg® retaining wire mesh?
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How to join the Geobrugg wire mesh widths to each other?
It is preferable to seed before deploying the mat. In this way, the seed is confined between the soil and the mat, which protects it against erosion and promotes an optimum moisture content for germination.
No, biodegradable mattresses are only composed of natural fibers and nets.
Between 6 and 36 months, depending on the nature and amount of fiber.
Yes, the cables are incorporated into the blocks during casting. It is therefore possible to cut cables without impairing the integrity of the system.
A type 316 stainless steel or polyester.
Yes, this reduces the coefficient of friction between the water and the blocks in addition to adding weight, which promotes the stability of the system.
No, the geocells must be filled and backfilled with an excess of granular material in order not to be damaged.
Not at all, they are permeable and do not offer resistance to the movement of water in the soil.
Certainly, this is what is generally done for the protection of bridge piers or the protection of banks.
High tensile strength steel is about 3.5 times more mechanically resistant than regular steel. Additionally, Supracoating® corrosion protection provides approximately 4.5 times more corrosion resistance than 100% Zinc equivalent surface coverage.
With T3 fasteners specifically designed to allow the optimal load transfer from one section to the other, without overlapping!
Sediment Control
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Are floating sediment barriers reusable?
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How to choose the right type of floating barrier for a given site?
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Should the filter wattles be uninstalled when the site is closed?
Yes. They should be cleaned during dismantling and stored properly.
If the current is zero or very low, the regular floating silt curtain will do. In other cases, as each project has its own particularities, it is better to ask the Innovex specialists who will advise you.
No, they can be left in place and they will biodegrade naturally.
Walls and Slopes
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What is the maximum inclination of a vegetated retaining wall?
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What sound barrier systems are available at Innovex?
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What is the geogrid length required for mechanically stabilized earth walls such as Novamur?
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Does Innovex offer temporary retaining walls?
Approximately 60 °. It is also important to consider the orientation of the wall. A north-facing wall will be more difficult to turn green.
Novatalus and Novamur are very good acoustic attenuators because of their earth core. Gabion is also to be considered, the stone absorbing a good part of the sound energy.
About 75% of the height of the wall, depending on the type of façade and overload on the wall/slope.
Yes, we are adapting the components of our permanent walls to reduce the cost of the structure. For example, we substitute galvanized wire mesh covered with PVC with crude steel which has a much shorter lifespan.
Gabions
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Can gabions be used in shoreline protection?
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What kind of stone should be used to fill the gabions?
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What steel finishes are available?
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In what format are conventional gabions shipped?
Yes, gabions are very well suited for this purpose. They are also approved by the MDDELCC. Please refer to the municipal regulations.
Non-freezing, non-friable stone, 4-6 '' or 4-8 '' diameter.
Regular finishes are galvanized and PVC coated galvanized. It is also possible for welded mesh gabions to have a Galfan finish of Crapal Premium® and even completely in stainless steel cages.
The cages are preassembled, folded and attached in packets on pallets.
Water Management
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Can AquaDam® cofferdams be used in winter?
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Why use a geodrain rather than a traditional French drain?
Yes, however, as the water inside the AquaDam® will freeze, dismantling will cause irreversible damage to the product.
Geodrains can save a lot of clean stone and excavated material. So, there is much less granular material to carry and handle. The geodrains are also can be installed much faster.
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