Procurement teams often miss subtle but costly signals from the field when specifying geogrids. This guide breaks down what contractors won’t say out loud—but desperately want you to understand. Learn how to avoid spec confusion, build trust, and make smarter, field-aligned decisions.
Why Your Spec Isn’t Landing in the Field
Most procurement officers assume that once a geogrid spec is approved, the job is halfway done. But for field crews, that spec is often the beginning of a silent headache. The disconnect between what’s written and what’s workable on-site leads to delays, improvisation, and friction that rarely gets reported back up the chain.
Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes:
- Specs are written for compliance, not constructability. Many geogrid specs focus on ASTM numbers, tensile strength, aperture size, and brand names. These are important, but they don’t tell the crew how to install it efficiently. Crews need clarity on roll sizes, overlap requirements, and how the product behaves in wet or uneven conditions.
- Installers are left guessing. When specs don’t include install-friendly details, crews rely on past experience or supplier advice. That might work—but it introduces risk. If the overlap isn’t clear, or the roll width doesn’t match the trench, they’ll make it fit. You won’t hear about it unless something fails.
- Field crews rarely push back. Contractors often won’t challenge a spec unless it’s completely unworkable. They’re focused on getting the job done, not debating design intent. That silence can cost you—especially when it leads to noncompliance or rework.
Let’s break down how this disconnect shows up in real jobs:
| Spec Detail | What Procurement Thinks It Means | What Field Crews Actually Need to Know |
|---|---|---|
| “Use biaxial geogrid with 1″ aperture” | Product meets design criteria | Will it roll out cleanly on wet subgrade? Will it clog with fines? |
| “Overlap 18 inches minimum” | Ensures load transfer | Is that overlap achievable with current roll width and trench size? |
| “Install per manufacturer’s instructions” | Covers liability | Where are those instructions? Are they site-specific or generic? |
Now consider this scenario: A procurement officer specifies a geogrid with a 13-foot roll width and 18-inch overlap. The trench is 12 feet wide. The crew arrives, realizes the roll is too wide, and trims it on-site. That creates waste, slows down the install, and introduces variability in overlap. No one reports it. The invoice gets paid. But the performance of that section is now compromised—and the spec didn’t account for it.
Here’s what would have helped:
- A note in the spec confirming trench width and recommending roll width accordingly
- A simple table showing overlap requirements based on roll width and trench dimensions
- A callout to confirm install conditions (wet subgrade, slope, etc.) and adjust product choice
Here’s an example of a table that would’ve saved time and confusion:
| Trench Width | Recommended Roll Width | Overlap Guidance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft | 12 ft | 12–18 in | Minimal trimming, fast install |
| 12 ft | 13 ft | 18 in | May require trimming or staggered layout |
| 14 ft | 15 ft | 18–24 in | Confirm handling and storage space |
Procurement officers aren’t expected to know every nuance of field install—but you are expected to specify products that crews can actually use. When specs don’t match site realities, contractors adapt quietly. That’s where trust erodes. You can’t build durable infrastructure on silent frustration.
The takeaway: your spec isn’t just a document—it’s a signal. If it’s vague, rigid, or disconnected from install conditions, it tells the crew that their experience doesn’t matter. And that’s a message you don’t want to send.
The Hidden Costs of Misaligned Geogrid Choices
When geogrid specs don’t match field realities, the costs don’t show up on the invoice—they show up in wasted time, strained relationships, and compromised performance. These costs are rarely tracked, but they’re real. And they compound over time.
Here’s how misalignment plays out:
- Roll sizes that don’t match trench dimensions If the roll width is too large, crews spend time trimming. If it’s too small, they add extra overlaps or staggered layouts. Both slow down installation and increase material waste. Procurement may think the product is “on spec,” but the crew sees it as a hassle.
- Overlap assumptions that aren’t installable Specs often call for 18″ or 24″ overlaps without confirming whether that’s feasible with the roll width and site layout. Crews either ignore the overlap or improvise. That affects load transfer and long-term stability—but it’s invisible until failure.
- Freight and handling inefficiencies Oversized rolls may require special freight, forklifts, or extra staging space. If the site isn’t prepared, crews waste time repositioning or storing materials. These delays aren’t billed directly to procurement, but they affect project timelines and crew morale.
- Silent noncompliance Contractors often install what they’re given, even if it doesn’t match the spec perfectly. They won’t escalate unless it’s a major issue. That means you may be signing off on work that doesn’t meet your own standards—without knowing it.
Let’s look at a breakdown of how these costs accumulate:
| Issue | Field Impact | Procurement Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Roll trimming | Slower install, material waste | Higher labor cost, reduced efficiency |
| Overlap mismatch | Improvised layout, reduced performance | Risk of failure, warranty exposure |
| Freight complexity | Delays, staging problems | Schedule slippage, crew frustration |
| Silent spec deviation | Unknown install quality | False sense of compliance |
Now imagine a crew installing geogrid on a slope with soft subgrade. The spec calls for a stiff biaxial grid with 18″ overlap. The rolls arrive oversized, and the grid curls on the slope. The crew trims it, pins it loosely, and moves on. The slope looks fine—but the grid isn’t tensioned properly. Months later, erosion appears. The fix costs more than the original install. And the root cause? A spec that didn’t match the site.
You can’t control every install variable—but you can reduce risk by aligning specs with field conditions. That starts with understanding what contractors deal with on-site, and adjusting your procurement process to support them.
What Contractors Wish You Knew (But Won’t Say Out Loud)
Contractors are pragmatic. They want to get the job done safely, quickly, and correctly. But they’re also under pressure—tight schedules, limited crew availability, and unpredictable site conditions. When specs don’t help, they adapt. And they rarely complain.
Here’s what they wish you understood:
- “We don’t have time to chase down spec clarifications.” If the spec is unclear or missing install details, crews won’t stop to ask. They’ll make a judgment call and move forward. That’s not laziness—it’s survival. Every delay costs them money.
- “We know what works—but we’re rarely asked.” Experienced contractors have seen what fails and what holds up. They know which geogrids install cleanly, which overlap patterns work, and which products clog in wet soil. But unless you ask, that knowledge stays on-site.
- “We’ll install what you send—but it might not be what the site needs.” Crews don’t control procurement. If the product arrives and it’s technically “on spec,” they’ll install it—even if it’s not ideal. That’s how silent failures happen. The job gets done, but the performance suffers.
These aren’t complaints—they’re signals. Contractors aren’t trying to cut corners. They’re trying to make your spec work in the real world. When you ignore their experience, you lose a critical layer of quality control.
Here’s how you can start listening without adding complexity:
- Include a short install checklist with your spec
- Ask for contractor feedback during submittal review
- Build a post-install feedback loop to capture lessons learned
You don’t need to be on-site to build trust. You just need to show that you understand the pressures crews face—and that you’re willing to make their job easier.
How to Align Specs with Field Reality
Procurement isn’t just about compliance—it’s about usability. A spec that looks perfect on paper but fails in the field is a liability. You can avoid that by designing specs that crews can actually install.
Here’s how:
- Ask for contractor input early Before finalizing your spec, check with the installer. A 10-minute conversation can reveal trench widths, slope conditions, and install preferences that affect product choice. You’ll avoid surprises and build trust.
- Use install-friendly formats Instead of long paragraphs, use tables, diagrams, and callouts. Show overlap requirements, roll dimensions, and install steps clearly. Crews don’t have time to interpret dense specs—they need clarity.
- Specify performance outcomes, not just product brands Focus on what the geogrid needs to do: support load, resist erosion, handle wet conditions. Let the contractor propose products that meet those goals. You’ll get better results and more buy-in.
Here’s an example of a spec format that supports field clarity:
| Requirement | Description | Field Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Load support | Min. tensile strength 3,000 lb/ft | Ensures structural integrity |
| Install conditions | Wet subgrade, slope >10% | Guides product selection |
| Overlap requirement | 18″ minimum, confirmed with roll width | Prevents trimming and layout issues |
| Roll dimensions | 12 ft width, 150 ft length | Matches trench, reduces waste |
This format doesn’t just meet design goals—it helps the crew install correctly. That’s how you turn specs into performance.
Building Trust Through Smarter Procurement
Trust isn’t built with specs—it’s built with empathy. When contractors see that your procurement process reflects their reality, they work harder to meet your standards. That’s how you get better installs, fewer callbacks, and stronger partnerships.
Here’s how to build that trust:
- Create feedback loops After each install, ask the crew what worked and what didn’t. Capture those insights and use them to refine future specs. Over time, you’ll build a spec library that reflects real-world experience.
- Validate specs with install trials For complex projects, consider mock-ups or pilot installs. Let the crew test the product and confirm installability. You’ll catch issues early and avoid costly rework.
- Document lessons learned Every project teaches something. Record what went wrong, what went right, and what could be improved. Share that knowledge across your team. It’s how you evolve from reactive to proactive procurement.
Procurement isn’t just about buying materials—it’s about enabling performance. When you align specs with field reality, you reduce risk, save money, and build lasting trust with your contractors.
3 Actionable Takeaways
- Design specs for installability, not just compliance Use tables, visuals, and field-friendly language to make specs usable on-site.
- Engage contractors before and after the install Their insights can prevent costly mistakes and improve long-term performance.
- Treat every install as a learning opportunity Capture feedback, refine your process, and build a smarter spec library over time.
Summary
Procurement officers play a critical role in infrastructure performance—but that role doesn’t end with issuing a spec. It begins with understanding how that spec plays out in the field. When you align your process with contractor realities, you unlock better installs, stronger outcomes, and fewer surprises.
Contractors aren’t your adversaries—they’re your frontline allies. They see what works, what fails, and what gets quietly patched without documentation. When you listen to their experience and build specs that reflect it, you create a system that’s not just compliant—but resilient.
The next time you specify geogrid, ask yourself: will this help the crew install quickly, correctly, and confidently? If the answer isn’t clear, it’s time to revise. Because the best specs aren’t just technically sound—they’re field-proven.