Tensar program manual

PM/TensarPave_ReleaseNotes6.06
Issue date: 17th September 2012

TensarPave Design Program for Pavements &

Trafficked Areas Release Notes for Version 6.06
Introduction
The program TensarPave has been developed by Tensar International Limited for the design of pavements and
other trafficked areas stabilised using Tensar geosynthetics. The program includes three design methods for
general use, although access is limited regionally dependent on local prevailing practice. The performance
benefits of Tensar geosynthetics with regards to pavement design are built into the program. Variants of the
program were previously called Winpave, TensarPaveE and TensarPaveAP, but all of these are now replaced by
TensarPave. These release notes provide information to Users concerning changes made over the last four
years since the release of Version 6.04, and now released as TensarPave Version 6.06. These changes
include:
Information on program name, version and version numbers
Fixing User location in Windows control panel
Design methods available and changes to method names
Grades of Tensar TriAx geogrids available
Languages and program files
Restrictions and warnings
Base course stabilisation in AASHTO
Additional standard vehicles in Ground Stabilisation
Installing Version 6.06
Starting the program from a saved file
Authorisation (for non-dongle users)
Problem solving
Support for Version 6.04 and all earlier versions expired as of 16th August 2012. Please upgrade to
TensarPave Version 6.06 as soon as possible. Detailed information on each of the items listed above is
given below.

(1) Information on program name, version and version numbers

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The full program name and version number may be accessed by clicking Help About, as shown above. The
Version number is given as 6.06.15 above. From time-to-time minor upgrades will be required for nontechnical reasons, referred to as "Administrative Upgrades". These upgrades are identified by an increment in
the third set of digits (ie. .15 as shown above).

(2) Fixing User location in Windows control panel

The TensarPave program is now used worldwide, so there are regional variants of design method, and other
options. In order to minimise confusion, the program will automatically restrict available design methods and
other options based on the Location set in Windows. This is normally the country where the software is
being used, or where the project is being built. Many computers may have their Location set to United States,
which is the normal default when Windows is first installed and set up, unless the person installing Windows
adjusts the Location as required.
In order to check or adjust Location, proceed as follows. Open the Regional and Language form (as shown
below) as follows:
Start Control Panel Regional and Language
Under the Location tab, there is a control Current Location. From the drop-down list select the appropriate
country. This window or control may appear differently to the view shown below, depending on the version of
Windows being used (below is the view in Windows 7).

(3) Design methods available and changes to method names

The design methods available in TensarPave Version 6.06 remain the same as in Version 6.04, but there are
some changes in method names. It is recognised that these methods are not in regular use in all regions of the
world, so for general use TensarPave Version 6.06 will provide access to design methods as summarised in
the table below.

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Method

Regional availability

Comments

Ground Stabilisation All regions

Modulus methods

Continental Europe

Previously called EV2

Now subdivided depending on location of use

AASHTO

Middle East, Africa, Asia and Asia Pacific

The typical methods offered on first opening the program are as shown below:

If Modulus methods are selected, then this second form appears:

(4) Grades of Tensar TriAx geogrids available

Since Tensar International introduced the recently developed TriAx geogrids and included them in TensarPave
Version 6.04, further developments have been made so that the full range of TriAx geogrids is now available
and is included in TensarPave Version 6.06.
General

TriAx grades
available

Geocomposite
grades available

Notes

Smaller aperture

TX130S

Standard aperture

TX150
TX160
TX170
TX180

TX150G
TX160G
TX170G
TX180G

Defaults for fill sizes < 75mm

Available when fill size < 75mm

Large aperture

TX190L

TX190LG

Default for fill size > or = 75mm

The older biaxial geogrids (SS and SSLA) are no longer available in TensarPave Version 6.06.

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(5) Languages and program files

TensarPave Version 6.06 has been set up to operate in a number of languages. The languages appear both
on the screen and in the printed output. For general use, language is selected when the program is first run,
using the list of available languages in the Authorisation form, as shown below.

During later program use, the language may be changed by opening the Company Details form, by selecting
Output User details. The User may then change the language as required.

IMPORTANT NOTE: for English only use, TensarPave Version 6.06 may be run using the single executable
file "TensarPave.exe". For foreign language use, additional files are required (such as TensarPave.e10,
TensarPave.exh, etc). These are distributed together with the executable file in any country where foreign
languages are likely to be used. If you wish to use the foreign language version of TensarPave Version 6.06,
and you do not have these additional files, then please contact Tensar International to obtain them. The full
set of files required, including foreign language files, is shown below:

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In the case that TensarPave Version 6.06 is used with a Sentinel software protection key (dongle) the
"Tensar.key" file is also required, as shown above.

(6) Restrictions and warning messages

In TensarPave Version 6.06 a number of restrictions have been introduced either to prevent parameters
from being used if they are outside acceptable limits, or to warn if they are higher or lower than normal, but
may still be used provided the user has sufficient data or knowledge to justify such values. Examples of
warnings and restrictions are given below.

Ground stabilisation method

In the case that a very low subgrade CBR or undrained shear strength is selected, the following warning
appears:

If design parameters result in a pavement less than 150mm being required, then this warning is given:

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Modulus methods
In the case that either a very low or very high subgrade modulus is used, then the warning below appears. The
reference used for this design method only gives stabilised layer thickness for the range of subgrade modulus =
5 MPa to 45 MPa.

If the User opts to customise the layout of geogrid, then this warning appears. In general the default layout is
Tensar International's recommendation for the most suitable layout of geogrid for the design conditions. If the
User makes changes, then the full stabilisation benefit may no longer be available. In any doubt, contact
Tensar International for advice.

AASHTO method
In the case that a subgrade CBR less than 3% is used, then the following warning is seen. This is warning the
User that, in this situation, it is advisable to check that the lower part of the pavement is adequate to support
the construction traffic during placement of the lower layers of the pavement. This temporary case may be
checked using the Ground Stabilisation method (available to Users in all regions).

In the case that Layer coefficients ("a" values) are used which are either higher or lower than normal practice,
then the following warning is given. The User may proceed with the design, but the value is given an orange
background on screen to remind them that the value is either high or lower than normal.

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In the case that Layer coefficients ("a" values) are used which are either higher or lower than the permitted
extreme values referred to above, then the following warning is given. In this case the background of the
entered value becomes red, and the design may not proceed until an acceptable value has been entered.

(7) Base course stabilisation in AASHTO

In TensarPave Version 6.06 changes have been made to the method used to model the stabilisation benefits
of Tensar TX geogrids when they are used to stabilise a granular base course (see image below). The new
approach is based on recent research carried out in both USA and UK to investigate the performance of
mechanically stabilised base course material. If comparison is made with TensarPave Version 6.04, then small
differences in the base course thickness required to achieve certain ESAL values will be seen. In some
situations the required base course thickness will be greater than before, and in other situations, it will be less.
The maximum difference is unlikely to be more than 10mm. The methods used to model stabilisation of the
sub-base remain the same as in TensarPave Version 6.04.

(8) Additional standard vehicles in Ground Stabilisation

The Ground Stabilisation method includes various typical construction vehicles to permit the modelling of actual
traffic to be supported by the pavement. In TensarPave Version 6.06 a number of vehicles have been added
compared to Version 6.04, as shown on the "Site traffic in addition to construction traffic" form shown below.

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(9) Installing Version 6.06

TensarPave Version 6.06 is normally distributed either on a CD, or on a USB memory drive, or by e-mail, or
using a Tensar YouSendIt link. The program files may be in one of two forms:
Zip file containing all the required files, normally called TensarPave.zip or TensarPave606.zip. In this
case manual installation is required, consisting of unzipping the files to a suitable folder, then creating a
shortcut by locating the file TensarPave.exe. Using the normal Windows controls, right click on the file
name, followed by Send to Desktop (create shortcut). The program icon will then be found on the
desktop.
Setup file called TensarPave Setup.exe. This file is then run in the normal way to activate the setup
procedure. The following forms will be seen during this procedure:
(a) Select Language for installation procedure:

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(b) Welcome form:

(c) Select default location for files.

IMPORTANT: if there is already a version of TensarPave installed on the computer, it is recommended that
this new version is copied to the same folder, which will over-write the older version. This alternative location
may be selected by Browse using the normal Windows controls.

(d) Select location for the program shortcut and icon.

NOTE: TensarPave Version 6.06 has a new style of icon as follows, which denotes the shortcut and saved files:

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(e) Confirm settings and start copying files:

(10) Starting the program from a saved file

TensarPave Version 6.06 may be started by double clicking a saved file in the normal way.
NOTE: in the case that a Tensar Sentinel software protection key (dongle) is installed in the computer, then
the User may be prompted to confirm the location of the Tensar.key file (see Item 5 above).

(11) Authorisation (for non-dongle users)

When the program is first run without the use of a Sentinel software protection key (dongle), the user will see
User Authorisation form as shown below. The code appears slightly differently compared to previous
versions, but the extended code enables Tensar to check the program version being used, and then advise if a
newer version is required. As with previous versions, the code should be copied by clicking Copy, then pasted

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into an e-mail and sent to Tensar using the contact details given on the form. This code will permit the user to
open the program for 6 months, after which a new code will be requested. However, the program will continue
to run for more than a week after a new code is requested.

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(12) Problem solving

After extensive use of the program, it is possible that settings may become corrupted or difficult to use. In this
case settings may be restored to the Default condition by opening Help Problem solving, as shown below.
The upper control "Restore default values" may be used to reset the program to the same settings as at the
time of installation. If this does not solve the problem, then press the lower control "INITIALISE
PROGRAM !". If this control is used, then all entries in Windows Registry will be deleted, including the
program registration code (in the case that the program is being used without a Sentinel software protection
key). To get a new code, run the program, and send the displayed code to the Tensar contact indicated on the
Authorisation form.

Feedback and future versions

All TensarPave Users are urged to contact Tensar International if they notice any problems, inaccuracies or
items which could be improved or added to TensarPave Version 6.06. Any such items received will be
included in Version 6.07, if possible.

The information in this document supersedes any and all prior specifications for the product(s) designated above, is of an illustrative nature and supplied by Tensar
International Limited free of charge for general information purposes only. Tensar reserves the right to amend product descriptions, properties and specifications at any
time and without prior notice. This document does not form part of any contract or intended contract. Tensar International Limited excludes to the fullest extent lawfully
permitted any and all liability whatsoever for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use of and reliance upon this information. It is your sole responsibility
and you must assume all risk and liability for the final determination as to the suitability of any Tensar International Limited product and/or design for the use and in
the manner contemplated by you in connection with a particular project.

Tensar and TriAx are registered trademarks

Tensar International Limited

Tel: +44 (0) 1254 262431
Fax: +44 (0) 1254 266867
E-mail: sales@tensar.co.uk
www.tensar-international.com

Tensar program manual

Copyright Tensar International Limited 2012

UK Head Office
Units 2 - 4 Cunningham Court
Shadsworth Business Park
Blackburn
BB1 2QX
United Kingdom

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