Atlanta, GA –October 25, 2010 – Tensar International Corporation has introduced GlasGrid® TF (Tack Film) into the United States, Canada and Latin America markets. GlasGrid products, in use for more than two decades, are manufactured by Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics (SGTF), a global leader in construction reinforcement solutions. The introduction of GlasGrid TF is the culmination of five years of company research, testing and development.

Like the original GlasGrid product, GlasGrid TF acts as a high-strength fiberglass interlayer to protect against reflective cracking and extend pavement service life. However, GlasGrid TF features a pre-installed layer of polymer tack film that uniformly bonds with hot mix asphalt overlays. This eliminates a number of limitations common to conventional tack coats, including:

• Uneven coverage, resulting in a poor bond, diminished interlayer performance and reduced overlay life
• Curing time dependence upon weather conditions, impacting construction schedules
• Time and labor costs associated with spray tack
• Release of VOC’s and mixing equipment emissions
• Tracking of tack coat onto existing clean pavement surfaces

GlasGrid TF’s superior performance has been demonstrated in AASHTO-recognized cyclic loading tests conducted by Saint-Gobain Technical Fabric’s Research and Development Center to quantify crack retardation and fatigue life. Asphalt composite beams reinforced with GlasGrid TF and the original GlasGrid products were compared to unreinforced composite beams. The three sets of beams were each subjected to uniform cyclic loads. Beams reinforced with the original GlasGrid product maintained structural integrity three times longer than the unreinforced beam.  And the beams reinforced with GlasGrid TF maintained structural integrity five times longer than the unreinforced beams.

“With last year’s launch of Tensar® TriAx® Geogrid, and now the introduction of GlasGrid TF, we’re enhancing our bottom-to-top road reinforcement solutions that reduce costs and improve performance,” remarked Nicholas Reck, Tensar International Pavement Technology Manager. “We look forward to demonstrating GlasGrid TF’s remarkable ease of installation and efficiency.”

“We’re proud of the rigorous testing and development behind our newest product, and we’re eager to work with Tensar International introducing it to the road construction market,” added Dan Hunt, SGTF Sales Manager for Civil Engineered Products.

Typical reinforcement applications for the GlasGrid Pavement Reinforcement System products include airport runways and aprons; flexible or rigid high-volume roads; low-volume roads; parking areas and more. Additional information on GlasGrid TF features, specifications and installation procedures can be found under the Roadway Improvement section at www.tensarcorp.com.

About Tensar International Corporation – Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Tensar International Corporation (TIC) is a full-service provider of specialty products and engineering services that offer innovative and cost-effective alternatives to traditional construction methods. TIC solutions are based on advanced soil reinforcement technologies and incorporate proprietary, engineered applications for commercial, industrial, municipal, residential and transportation infrastructure site development. The company specializes in solutions for common site development challenges including grade changes requiring retaining walls and poor soil conditions affecting the cost of roadways, parking lots and building structures. Patented, polymeric Tensar® Geogrids are the primary component of the company’s systems, offering reliable strength and durability. Contracted services include site evaluation, conceptual engineering, design, value engineering and installation advice. For more information, visit www.tensarcorp.com.

About Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics
 – Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics is a division of the Saint-Gobain Group that specializes in the design, production and distribution of functional materials for the construction, industrial and consumer markets. The Group is organized into four business sectors: Packaging, Construction Products, Building Materials Distribution and Innovative Materials. Established in more than 64 countries, Saint-Gobain is the market leader in each of its core businesses. In 2009, it achieved more than $53 billion in sales with over 190,000 employees. For more information, visit www.sgtf.com.