FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
/ˌefāˈkyo͞o/
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Retem System and how does it work?
The Retem System is an erosion control solution that uses a patented 3D Steel Grid embedded in ready-mix concrete. The galvanized steel grid forms a three-dimensional web that holds the concrete together without joints, forming, or finishing. Once poured, the concrete is simply raked into the grid, creating a rough surface that slows water velocity and improves hydraulics. The result is a fully reinforced concrete structure with no joints to crack or separate, providing long-term protection for ditches, slopes, and channels.
Does the Retem System meet Buy America and BABA requirements for federally funded projects?
Yes. The Retem 3D Steel Grid is manufactured in the United States and is fully compliant with Buy America and Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) requirements. With the FHWA eliminating its longstanding manufactured products waiver starting in 2025, state DOTs and contractors working on federal-aid highway projects need to verify that all permanently incorporated materials meet domestic sourcing standards. The Retem System, produced with U.S.-manufactured galvanized steel, satisfies these requirements out of the box.
How does the Retem System compare to traditional concrete ditch lining in terms of cost and installation time?
The Retem System significantly reduces both cost and installation time compared to traditional poured-in-place or precast concrete. Traditional concrete lining requires skilled labor, wood forming, heavy machinery, and finishing work. The Retem System eliminates all of that: a crew of four non-skilled workers places the 3D grid, pours ready-mix concrete, and rakes it into position. No forming, no finishing, no heavy equipment. Projects that would take weeks with traditional methods can be completed in days, with lower material and labor costs.
Can the Retem System be used for ditches, slopes, and channels in the same project?
Yes. The Retem 3D Steel Grid is designed to conform to virtually any terrain. It can be used for ditch lining, slope paving, spillways, flumes, and culvert rehabilitation, all within the same project and using the same installation method. The flexible grid adapts to varying slopes and cross-sections without requiring different products or specialized crews for each application. This versatility makes it especially practical for DOT and public works projects that involve multiple erosion control needs across a single corridor.
What crew size and equipment are needed to install the Retem System?
Installation requires a crew of approximately four workers and a concrete pump or ready-mix truck. No heavy machinery, no skilled labor, and no specialized certifications are required. The 3D Steel Grid is lightweight and easy to handle manually. Workers place the grid panels, pour the concrete, and rake it into position. This minimal crew and equipment requirement reduces mobilization costs and makes the system practical for remote or access-restricted job sites where heavy equipment is difficult to deploy.