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GeoAmericas-2012 pre-conference short and long courses are May 1, 2012. Registration for these courses is separate from conference registration. Please make sure to sign up early as space in these courses is limited. Please review the course descriptions below to learn more!
Geosynthetic Reinforced Walls and Slopes
By Dr. Dov Leshchinsky
Duration: 7 hours
Geosynthetics were accepted quickly in the construction industry. This polymeric material, when combined with soil, produces cost-effective structures providing substantial time-saving compared to conventional geotechnical construction. This practical 1-day workshop will help attendees to appreciate and implement design of mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls, reinforced soil slopes, and base-reinforced embankments over soft soil. Also discussed is an instructive study on the seismic impact of geosynthetic reinforcement in walls and slopes in the context of design.
Course outcomes include:
- Understanding the relevant properties of geosynthetics in long-term applications
- Reinforced soil principles
- Geosynthetic reinforced walls and slopes systems
- Basic design of MSE walls
- Seismic aspects of design
- Design of reinforced slopes and embankments
- Lessons learned from failures
- Instructive software demonstration to illustrate concepts and impact of assumptions
This workshop will enable participants to:
- Gain practical knowledge on reinforced walls and slopes including selection of geosynthetics and design
- Develop an appreciation of activities outside your own specialty
Who should attend:
- Design specialists, civil and environmental engineers, and senior construction engineers
- Consulting engineers, industrial technical
- Representatives, and academic who specialize in use of geosynthetics in construction
- Contractors associated with the construction of earth works
- Forensic engineers
Geosynthetic Liner Systems for Landfills and Reservoirs
By J.P Giroud
Duration: 3.5 hours
Leakage Control
- Liner materials
- Types of liner systems (single, double, composite, encapsulated)
- Thermal action affecting leakage control (contraction-expansion, wrinkles, shrinkage)
- Liquid head determination
- Leakage evaluation (advection, diffusion)
- Leakage collection-detection, action leakage rate, velocity of leakage detection, malfunctioning
Controlling Deformations and Instability
- Mechanical properties of liner materials (tensile, multiaxial, puncture, interface shear, etc.) and effect of temperature on properties
- Uplift by wind (including effects of temperature and elevation)
- Uplift by liquids and gas
- Deformations due to settlement and differential movements
- Protection and stability (including full-scale test, “Velcro†effect)
Drainage and Filtration with Geosynthetics
By Prof. Ennio Marques Palmeira
Duration: 3.5 hours
Geosynthetics have been traditionally used as drains and filters for decades. As any construction material they must be properly specified based on sound design procedures in order to provide effective solutions in geotechnical and geoenvironmental projects. Geosynthetics can be easily and quickly installed and can avoid or minimize the utilization of natural drainage materials. This short-course will present the typical geosynthetic products that can be used as filters and drains, the basis for design and specification as well as the description of case-histories.
Course outcomes include:
- Identifying the types of geosynthetics for drainage and filtration
- Recognizing applications in geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering problems
- Recalling basic definitions, primary and secondary functions, and filtration concepts
- Understanding the principles of filtration and drainage design criteria and locating design methods
- Identifying factors affecting the performance of geosynthetics in drainage and filtration
- Explaining construction principles for effective geosynthetic installation
- Reviewing case-histories of successful drainage and filtration performance
This workshop will enable participants to:
- Gain theoretical and practical knowledge on the use and selection of geosynthetics for drainage and filtration
- Develop an appreciation of activities outside your own specialty
Who should attend:
- Design specialists, civil and environmental engineers and senior construction engineers
- Consulting engineers, industrial technical representatives, and academic who specialize in use of geosynthetics in construction
- Contractors associated with the construction of earth works
- Forensic engineers
CQA for Geosynthetic Installations
By Eng. Sam Allen
Duration: 3.5 hours
This course is specifically designed for those persons who have a need for a detailed understanding of proper CQC and CQA procedures for geosynthetics used in waste containment facilities. This course is ideal preparation for the Geosynthetic Certification Institute’s certification exam and will provide a comprehensive understanding to those professionals who are: preparing CQC/CQA plans, reviewing CQC/CQA plans, performing CQC/CQA observations and tests, and reviewing field CQC/CQA procedures. The course focuses on installation of all geosynthetics. Special emphasis will be given to establishing rationale and standard operating procedures for field inspections, documentation of tests and visual observations and implementation of CQA plans. A broad based appreciation for the manufacturing and installation of waste containment facility materials will be provided.
Course outcomes include:
- Understanding the relevant properties, including durability considerations, of geosynthetics in waste containment applications
- Understanding CQA and CQC procedures specific to geosynthetic installations in waste containment facilities
- Geomembrane seaming procedures, common mistakes made and how best to evaluate seam samples
- Understanding development and enforcement of proper geosynthetic specifications and material verification to avoid problem materials
- Preliminary understanding of electrical resistivity (leak location) technologies and testing
This workshop will enable participants to:
- Specify and enforce meaningful and reasonable CQA/CQC plans including requirements for geosynthetic properties and field installation procedures
- Understand geosynthetic materials and their important role in waste containment facilities
- Assure and verify geomembrane lining systems, including all constructed geomembrane seams
- Specifying/Certifying Engineers
- Construction/Quality Assurance
Geosynthetics in Mining Applications
By Mark Smith and Rick Thiel
Duration: 3.5 hours
Geosynthetics have seen increased use in recent years in various mining applications, including heap leach pads, tailings impoundments, process ponds, and closures. This 1/2-day short course will provide attendees with the latest information on the use of geosynthetics, specifically geomembranes and Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCLs), in mining, allowing attendees to make informed decisions on their projects.
Course content:
- Recent trends in the mining industry and in liner design
- Overview of the types of geosynthetics (geomembranes and GCLs) used in mining applications
- Heap leach pad design and construction considerations, including valley heaps
- Liner system and GCL shear strength and slope stability
- Copper heap leach pad case study
- Recent laboratory research on geomembranes and GCLs in mining applications
Course outcomes:
This short course will provide attendees with the latest trends in the mining industry and liner design. Attendees will also gain an understanding of relevant properties, strengths, and weaknesses of different geosynthetics in mining applications, allowing them to make informed decisions on their projects.
Who should attend:
- Design engineers and geologists
- Mine owners, engineers, and geologists
- Contractors who use geosynthetics
- Regulators
GeoAmericas 2012 will bring together geosynthetics and engineering specialists from around the world. Lectures, short and long courses, technical sessions and discussion panels, and state-of-the art exhibits will provide attendees with current research, state-of-practice training, and exceptional networking.