Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Happy Holidays!

The TRI Environmental Group extends our warmest wishes for a successful 2026 and is pleased to share updates from our service laboratories across the United States. As we conclude a record-setting 2025, we are grateful for the many opportunities, partnerships, and achievements that have supported our continued growth. Thanks to your trust and collaboration, TRI has been able to expand our capabilities and strengthen our service to clients worldwide.

This year also allowed us to reflect on a particularly meaningful milestone: TRI’s 50th birthday, celebrated at the end of 2024. Founded in 1975 as a three-person materials science and research company, TRI has grown into a family of operating companies serving clients around the globe. Our legacy of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence was commemorated through the publication of a special anniversary book and a celebration honoring the remarkable staff who shape our unique culture and brand.

TRI California

TRI California experienced a productive and transformative year with the expansion of its interface friction laboratory. Enhancements included a new drive unit and two large-scale friction boxes, significantly increasing throughput for this essential testing service. The laboratory also broadened its accreditation portfolio. In addition to GAI-LAP accreditation, TRI California achieved ISO accreditation for friction/direct shear testing, soil burial and heat aging resistance evaluations, and methane and water permeance testing—critical components for City of Los Angeles DBS certifications.

For more information, please contact:

Christian Sebastian | 📧 csebatian@tri-env.com | ☎ +1 714-520-9631

TRI South Carolina

Our Greenville, South Carolina erosion and transportation testing and research facility had a remarkably active year in 2025. The campus added several new hydraulic testing services:

• ASTM D7277 – Hydraulic stability performance testing of Articulating Concrete Block (ACB) revetment systems
• ASTM D8203 – Determination of horizontal water flow rate of geosynthetic screening materials
• ASTM D8298 – Evaluation of erosion control products in protecting slopes from rainfall-induced erosion using a tilted bed

The facility also completed the first commercial biodegradability study for erosion control silt fence fabrics—an increasingly important sustainability metric. These developments were showcased during the 10th Annual IECA Southeast Chapter / ECTC Training and Field Day, which welcomed more than 200 attendees.

Jay Sprague | 📧 jesprague@tri-env.com | ☎ +1 864-569-6888

Hydrostatic Testing Expanded Capabilities

To meet increasing industry demand for plastic pipe performance evaluations, TRI South Carolina expanded its hydrostatic testing capabilities. The addition of new burst chambers and advanced long-term pressure control systems support ASTM D1598 short-term strength testing and ASTM D2837 regression programs. These investments enhance our ability to manage larger sample sets and long-duration studies with greater efficiency, precision, and data accuracy. For more information, please contact:

Mario Paredes, P.E. | 📧 mparedes@tri-env.com | ☎ +1 352-231-0992

TRI Corporate (Texas Headquarters)

As TRI’s technical headquarters and global service center, the Texas-based laboratories remained extremely active throughout 2025.

To better support clients with demanding schedules, Director of Operations Jarrett Nelson implemented extended operating hours, ensuring faster specimen turnaround while upholding TRI’s rigorous testing standards. This initiative reflects our commitment to responsiveness, technical excellence, and dependable quality.

Interface Friction / Direct Shear Testing

The laboratory significantly expanded testing capacity, adding new apparatuses and enhanced high-stress capabilities. These upgrades enable faster throughput, greater scheduling flexibility, and continued precision for complex friction and shear programs. For more information, please contact:

Jeffrey A. Kuhn, Ph.D., P.E. | 📧 jkuhn@tri-env.com | ☎ +1 512-952-1212

Stormwater Crate Structural Testing

TRI broadened its structural testing portfolio to include evaluations in accordance with ASTM WK88298, the forthcoming specification for thermoplastic stormwater retention and detention crate systems. This essential new standard establishes consistent methods for assessing structural integrity, load performance, and long-term durability. TRI’s investments in specialized equipment and advanced data acquisition systems ensure precise evaluations across crate geometry, materials, and assemblies. For more information, please contact:

Mario Paredes, P.E. | 📧 mparedes@tri-env.com | ☎ +1 352-231-0992

GCL Permeation Testing

To address increasing demand for ASTM D5887 Index Flux and ASTM D6766 chemical compatibility evaluations, TRI expanded its geosynthetic clay liner permeation testing capacity, allowing for faster project initiation and completion.

Electrical Leak Location (ELL)

TRI’s ELL teams in Austin, New York, California, South Carolina, and Pittsburgh continued to play a key role in advancing ASTM ELL practices and educating clients on maximizing method effectiveness. Under the leadership of Ms. Abigail Gilson, our teams completed a record number of ELL projects this year. We also welcomed a new surveyor, Mr. Mariusz Potocki, based in Maine to support projects in the Northeast. Notably, Abigail will publish three new papers in 2026, contributing critical insights to the evolution of ELL technology.

Protective Clothing Division

Our Protective Clothing Division expanded significantly in 2025, driven by rising demand for hand protection testing. With the addition of another TDM-100 cut tester, TRI increased throughput for ANSI/ISEA 105, ISO 13997, and ASTM F2992 cut resistance testing. The division also provides comprehensive puncture, abrasion, chemical permeation, and heat protection evaluations under the expert leadership of Dr. Mansukh Patel. For scheduling, quotes, or technical guidance, please contact:

Mansukh Patel, Ph.D. | 📧 mpatel@tri-env.com | ☎ +1 512-615-4417

Educational Programs

TRI continued its strong investment in industry education during 2025. Our flagship Geo-U III event in Austin once again served as the premier learning platform in geosynthetics. This year’s program included advanced two-day courses for engineers, regulators, and industry professionals, with sessions on construction quality assurance and interface friction/direct shear testing and slope stability design. The highlight was a detailed welding workshop presented by “Demo” Dave McClaury of DM Solutions Inc.

Welding demonstration during Geo-U III in Austin, Texas

Additionally, TRI hosted specialized virtual workshops led by Rick Thiel, P.E. and Jeffrey A. Kuhn, Ph.D., P.E., providing in-depth training on ASTM D5321 and D6243 friction testing procedures, parameter selection, and data interpretation.

Educational events for 2026 will be announced shortly. If your company is interested in a customized educational session on CQA or interface friction, please contact Jeff at jkuhn@tri-env.com.

Looking Ahead

We look forward to connecting with many of you at the following major events in 2026:

• Global Waste Management Symposium (GWMS)
  February 22–25, Indian Wells, California
• 13th International Conference on Geosynthetics (13 ICG)
  September 13–17, Montreal, Canada

TRI staff will be on-site to share updates, research, and advancements in geosynthetic technologies.

The TRI Environmental Group deeply appreciates your continued support and the opportunity to serve as your trusted provider of geosynthetic and geotechnical testing and research services. We remain committed to delivering the highest-quality independent expertise to help ensure the success of your projects.

Please contact us with any questions, comments, or suggestions. We look forward to partnering with you throughout a successful 2026.

Sincerely,

Samuel R. Allen

President and Director

TRI Environmental Group

+1 512-615-4415

sallen@tri-env.com