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Cumming, GA – March 22, 2011 – Security is a top priority in the shipping industry. So when plans for DHL’s new 290,000 square foot distribution facility in Allentown, Pennsylvania called for 3,450 linear feet of retaining wall along the perimeter of the site, the chain link fencing above the walls quickly became a topic of concern.

While the segmental retaining walls and geosynthetic reinforcement are capable of holding back steep slopes and handle heavy loads, the top of the block wall can overturn when a point load, such as a fence post, is applied to the block.

To avoid this problem, DHL considered two options to address fence post foundations:

Option 1: Offset the fence post 36” from the wall face and install conventional fence post foundation.

Option 2: Design and install a structural foundation system directly behind the wall face.

Option 2 was selected using Strata’s advanced pre-engineered product called Sleeve-It™1224R to integrate the chain link fence with the retaining walls. This fence-ready and International Building Code (IBC) compliant design was created to address the very issues the construction team was concerned about.

A Simple and Effective Installation Process

In all, over 350 Sleeve-It units were installed during wall construction. Sleeve-It 1224R is typically pre-assembled at the material staging area for the wall, then set in place with desired post spacing. When the wall construction was completed, the fence installer removed the Sleeve-It lids, which had prevented topsoil from filling the holes, and then placed and set the fence posts.

Results

Strata’s Sleeve-It design negated the need for a 36” offset of the fence on top of the wall. This 3-foot real estate savings along the perimeter translated into a savings of 10,000 square feet for the entire project. The end result was a well-secured facility completed on time, within budget and with peace of mind for all involved.

For more information about Sleeve-It, visit Strata www.geogrid.com or call 800.680.7750.

Strata Systems (www.geogrid.com) is a leader in the production and distribution of advanced geogrid soil reinforcement and composite geosynthetic products under the Stratagrid®, Microgrid™, StrataTex™, StrataWeb™ and StrataDrain™ brands. Additionally, the company’s Sleeve-It™ product line affords designers and civil engineers a code-compliant system for integrating fencing into engineered retaining walls. High performance Strata products are designed to meet complex engineering and construction challenges relating to retaining walls, reinforced slopes and embankments. Strata Systems state-of-the-industry manufacturing and R&D capabilities are an extension of its commitment to growth through innovation. Strata Systems is an operating unit of Glen Raven, Inc. (www.glenraven.com) the leader in performance textiles and fabrics, recognized globally for its Sunbrella® brand.