Introducing Presto Geo P3: Expanding the Universe of Value Engineering Solutions

Sponsored by Presto Geosystems

Project planning and design requires a blend of professional judgment, cost estimating and schedule management skills, and an understanding of potential project risks. In consideration of these challenges, Presto Geosystems developed the Presto Geo P³ Project Planning Portal, a free, web-based suite of geotechnical calculation tools designed to empower engineers and other project stakeholders in evaluating geosynthetic product solutions in accordance with their own project-specific timelines and needs. 

The P³ Project Planning Portal is designed to help engineers, contractors, landscape architects, and project owners incorporate technical solutions including geocells, porous pavements, and reusable construction mats into project plans quickly and efficiently. The P³ Project Planning Portal offers valuable insight to using unique value engineering products, including technical resources and supporting documentation. 

The Presto Geo P³ Portal is specific to Presto Geosystems’ products and is based on full-scale testing by third-party experts. Concerns about tight deadlines, limited project information, or uncertainty about using “new-to-you” products are alleviated with this software. Veteran industry experts and first-time users alike will find this software sets a new standard in value engineering solutions.

Using GEOWEB® Geocells for Load Support Calculations with the Presto Geo P³ Portal

Whether you’re looking to strengthen an unpaved, granular road surface with enhanced water infiltration capabilities or provide robust base support for concrete or asphalt roads over soft soils, the GEOWEB System (geocells) is designed to meet your requirements.

For unpaved roads the GEOWEB panels are compatible with a wide variety of infill materials including crushed aggregate, low cohesion granular materials such as sand, or even on-site salvaged materials. For flexible and rigid pavements, the GEOWEB System’s panels act as a strong base layer, bridging soft soils to reduce differential settlement and minimize surface degradation. Moreover, by harnessing the power of lateral confinement, the GEOWEB System can reduce cross-section thickness by as much as 50% – resulting in substantial project savings. Highways, ports and intermodal yards, and utility access roads are examples of common applications for the GEOWEB base stabilization solution.

Geocells such as the GEOWEB System are designed following AASHTO standards for both granular surfaces and base support applications. These methods have been approved by the Federal Highway Administration and state DOTs, as well as the US Army Corps of Engineers. 

Simple Application of the Presto Geo P³ Portal for Unpaved Emergency Access Road

With growing infrastructure needs and increased climate considerations, being able to provide emergency vehicle access lanes is a huge consideration for new builds and rebuild projects. Utilizing a granular surface avoids the heat island effect, allows for water infiltration, and speeds construction time. 

The P³ Project Planning Portal allows for several decisions, giving flexibility to meet site conditions and project criteria. Input options include the cross-section thickness, infill material parameters, strength of the native soil subgrade, and anticipated traffic loading. Additionally, there is an internal calculation that confirms that the selected inputs are within the acceptable mechanical properties of the GEOWEB panels.

For an emergency access lane that will support fully loaded fire trucks, the main calculation page will include the following inputs: 

• Layer Type: Start with a 2-inch minimum wear surface, and a 6-inch deep GEOWEB panel. This will result in a total cross-section depth of 8 inches. The wear surface protects the GEOWEB panels from impact damage due to vehicle passes. A base layer can be added to improve the Factor of Safety if required.
• GEOWEB Infill: A list of common granular material is available to choose from, and the material properties can be edited as necessary. On-site salvaged material can be used, even if it is poor quality, and a vegetated, grass-surface option is also available if desired. If on-site material is selected, the fines content (passing a 200 sieve) should be limited to less than 10%.
• Subgrade Below GEOWEB: The strength of the subgrade below the GEOWEB system is a driving factor in the total required cross section. The weaker the subgrade, the greater the effect the GEOWEB System will have on the overall cross section. The project geotechnical engineer should be consulted to determine a representative CBR value.
• Required Information: Emergency access loading is covered by AASHTO H/HS20 standards, with the wheel load and tire pressure shown. A geotextile under the GEOWEB panels is recommended to help prevent material loss, especially in soft soil environments. The desired Factor of Safety may be adjusted to account for project specific conditions as needed.
• Hoop Stress Check: This is an un-editable section that shows the Factor of Safety (FoS) for a variety of conditions related to the function of a geocell. The high FoS values show that the GEOWEB panels are sufficiently able to withstand all anticipated conditions with no potential for cell rupture or failure.

As the calculation progresses, the Calculated Factor of Safety is continually updated to show if the cross-section is acceptable or needs adjustment. The cross-section diagram gives a real-time indication of the different layers used in the calculation.

Once an Acceptable Factor of Safety is achieved, the results can be downloaded and printed. (Figure 1)

Figure 1

The results page includes the customizable fields for project name and company information, and a short description of the calculation method. The calculation information is shown in an easy-to-read format with clear indication of an acceptable result. This results page can now be included in project plans, added to bidding documents, and shared with colleagues and clients. When the project is ready to move to the next phase, contact Presto Geosystems for information about pricing and local distribution.

Additional Value Engineering Options with the Presto Geo P³ Portal

In addition to the GEOWEB geocell calculations, the P³ Project Planning Portal offers calculations for both porous pavements and site access alternatives. Porous pavements can be either aggregate or vegetated and can support full AASHTO H/HS25 loadings. Site access options include both temporary and permanent solutions depending on project needs.

The Presto Geo P³ Portal also serves as a comprehensive resource hub. With access to a vast library of technical documents and product resources, you can deepen your industry knowledge, stay up to date with the latest product advancements, and make more informed decisions when it comes to your projects.

Designed to revolutionize project planning and execution, the Presto Geo P³ Portal empowers you to build smarter, faster, and more sustainably.

Sign up for the Presto Geo P³ Portal to start your next project.

Register for our upcoming webinar to learn more about the Presto Geo P³ Portal.