Spec InterpretationGeosynthetics News
US Fabrics Launches EcoBinder - A Unique On-Line Products Binder (5/01/11)
US Fabrics is pleased to announce the launch of EcoBinder! EcoBinder is a unique, environmentally conscious online products binder. EcoBinder allows you to create a custom products binder by adding product pages (product data sheets), and selected helpful references. The material is then automatically organized by product category and sub-categories and appropriate dividers inserted. You will be required to create an account in order to access this unique feature.
HOW TO USE (ABOUT US FABRIC'S ECOBINDER)
A EcoBinder view page is accessed by clicking on the EcoBinder link in the header of our website. The view page shows the products listed by categories and allows you to click on the product page or categories to be automatically transported to that portion of our website. You will start with a standardized EcoBinder that includes the most commonly used products. You can then add or subtract products as you like. To subtract a product in the standardized EcoBinder simply click the “x” to the far right on the view page. Or you can go to product page (product data sheets) and click “Remove from EcoBinder.”
To add new products you will need to go to the product page (data sheet) and click the “Add to My EcoBinder” in the upper right-hand corner. Additionally a download button on the view page allows you to create a full-color PDF version of the binder with the appropriate dividers that can be saved your computer. You can then print it out, hole-punch it, and place it in a standard 3-ring binder if you like. We look forward to any feedback you may have!
Another Round of Price Increases Hit The Geosynthetic Industry (1/26/11)
As you are aware, US Fabrics implemented a 15% price increase effective Jan. 24, 2011. Unfortunately, significant increases in the price of raw materials such as polypropylene resin and fiber continue. Additionally, crude oil and energy costs continue upward. As such, US Fabrics finds it necessary to announce an additional 15% price increase effective February 21, 2011. Multiple price increases often result in limited product availability. Open orders must ship on or before February 18, 2011 to be invoiced at current prices. As such, we encourage placing orders as soon as possible to increase the likelihood your pricing can be honored.
US Fabrics prides itself in keeping prices competitive and consistent, but there comes a point when costs need to be passed on to our distributors and ultimately to the end user. We're guessing you don't like price increases anymore than we do. At times like this, the best we can do is communicate these increases to you in a timely manner. We are constantly updating the information on our website, including pricing. Please visit our website, sign up to follow us on Twitter or "friend" us on Facebook for the most immediate feedback on pricing and other issues.
US Fabrics Launches EcoTube Line of Dewatering Tubes (1/21/2011)
US Fabrics has rebranded their Sludge Dewatering Tubes as EcoTubes™. US Fabrics’ EcoTubes™ are sludge dewatering tubes that will work with any material that is hydraulically transported and are constructed of high strength, permeable geotextiles and are resistant to ultra-violet light and the stresses associated with filling and placement including: abrasion, tearing, puncturing and flattening.
Due to their cost-effectiveness, speed, efficiency and minimal environmental impact, sludge dewatering tubes (geotextile tubes) are increasing in popularity for municipal water & waste water treatment, marine dredging operations, agricultural remediation, construction dewatering and shoreline protection.
To help you choose the correct EcoTubes™ and polymers for your project, US Fabrics is pleased to announce the hiring of Kevin Kinder as Technical Director of EcoTubes™. Mr. Kinder has worked in the water and waste water field since 1992 and has vast experience in all facets of the industry. He has worked as an operator at both Class II and Class III waste water treatment plants (WWTP) in addition to work as a Certified Lab Technician. He also owned and operated a successful environmental services firm for 15 years servicing a wide variety of clientele. As such, Kevin has developed a unique and broad perspective. He is ready to utilize his expertise to help you solve your particular dewatering issues with a focus on low-cost,"operator friendly" solutions.
Price Increase Effective Jan 24, 2011! (12/29/10)
The first two quarters of 2010 saw unprecedented levels of volatility in the polypropylene raw materials from which our fabrics are made. For the past six months raw materials have remained relatively stable with the resulting consistency of pricing in the market. However, recent changes in the supply and demand balance for polypropylene have again led to price increases that cannot be absorbed into the cost structure of our products.
As such, US Fabrics Inc will increase prices on all polypropylene geosynthetic products by 15% effective January 24, 2011. Open orders must ship on or before January 21, 2011 to be invoiced at current prices. Your sales representative will be available to discuss specific changes to your pricing.
US Fabrics Inc will work diligently to control total costs within our system in order to bring you the highest quality products at the most competitive prices. However, the outlook for the polypropylene resin market continues to appear volatile for the foreseeable future. We will continue to keep you informed as to developments in these areas. Please rest assured that we will do everything in our power to keep you as competitive as possible. We value your business and thank you for your continued support during these difficult times.
New Products Comparison Feature! (8/2010)
US Fabrics is proud to announce a new feature of our website: “Product Comparison.” This function allows you to automatically generate comparison data for a competitor and a US Fabrics’ product. This should be very helpful when submitting our products for approval as an equivalent. Very soon, you will be able to create a pdf file and then save and/or print it.
To use the product comparison feature please go to the “Product Comparison” tab near the top of our website. Then choose the competitor’s product that you wish to compare. It will automatically choose the correct US Fabric’s product and create a table comparing the properties for both products.
US Fabrics will continue in its mission to have the most comprehensive, customer friendly and informative site in the industry. We hope you find this new feature to be useful.
FGI - New Guideline: Subgrade Requirements for Fabricated Geomembranes (7/2010)
The Fabricated Geomembrane Institute (FGI) has produced a new guideline entitled Subgrade Requirements for Fabricated Geomembranes. It details the proper preparation of the subgrade for the installation of all fabricated geomembranes. This document is written such that these guidelines can be picked up by an engineer or specifier and put into a specification for subgrade condition and requirements. Color pictures of both acceptable and unacceptable subgrade preparations and protrusions are provided to give the user a visual depiction of what is described in the text.
Notes on "Mullen Burst Strength" ASTM D-3786 & "Puncture Strength" ASTM D-4833 (6/2010)
Many existing geotextile test methods were adopted from existing apparel textile test methods. These test methods were not always relevant or provided inconsistent results. As such, ASTM has been working to provide more relevant testing procedures for the geotextile industry. Mullen Burst & Puncture Strength are two index tests that date back to the original adaptation of the apparel test methods from the 1970's.
To eliminate the inconsistencies in the old test methods, ASTM Committee D-35 has developed CBR Puncture Strength ASTM D-6241, which more accurately predicts performance of geotextiles in the field. This method replaces both Mullen Burst D-3786 & Puncture Strength D-4833. US Fabrics will continue to list all 3 methods on our data sheet for 2010. Starting in 2011, US Fabrics will remove Mullen Burst D-3786 & Puncture Strength D-4833 from our data sheets and report only CBR Puncture Strength ASTM D-6241 in order to provide more accurate data regarding the performance of our products in the field.
Why are prices increasing? (4/2010)
We have been posting that our industry has been experiencing significant raw material cost increases. These increases are continuing through May. The result is significant price increases on our products as well as our competitors. The main reason is a shortage of polypropylene monomer. Market analysts Esteban Sagel and Mike Smith each spoke at their firm's World Petrochemical Conferences, March 24-25 in Houston and described that the main issue is low-priced natural gas based feedstock is being used by petrochemical firms, meaning that less propylene is being produced. The resulting tight supply of propylene is putting upward pressure on propylene prices, including polypropylene. Unfortunately, there is a belief that propylene "tightness" is becoming a "structural component" of the polypropylene market. As such, these high prices may not be temporary. US Fabrics is not smart enough to know how this may flush out. We will continue to do our best to position ourselves to offer pricing that is competitive relative to the market and to keep our customers as informed as possible, enabling them to make smart buying decisions. We appreciate your business!