GeosyntheticsMagazine.com | May 20, 2013

The deadline for abstracts for the 10th International Conference on Geosynthetics (10ICG) has been extended to July 31, 2013. 10ICG in Berlin, Germany, is scheduled for Sept. 21–25, 2014.

Submission guidelines

• The deadline for submission of abstracts is July 31, 2013.
• All abstracts must be submitted electronically through the 10ICG website.
• Abstracts should not exceed 3,000 characters in length.
• Five graphics or photos may be included.
• Abstracts will be accepted in English only.
• Presenting authors of accepted abstracts are required to register for 10ICG and are responsible for their own travel arrangements.
• Author(s) must guarantee that the paper is original and has not been previously published elsewhere. The author(s) is responsible for obtaining written permission to profile any project or subject matter in the paper from any and all clients, owners or others who are/were contracted for the work. The 10ICG Organizing Committee assumes you have obtained the proper permissions and assumes no liability for the author’s(s’) failure to gain proper permission.

Use this link for your ABSTRACT SUBMISSION

Conference themes

• Green engineering, sustainability, and durability with geosynthetics
• Use of geosynthetics for renewable energy
• Mining, waste management, contaminated sites, environmental protection
• Roads, railways, and other transportation applications
• Reinforcement in walls, slopes, embankments, and base courses
• Flood control, levees, canals, dams,
• Reservoirs and other hydraulic applications
• Drainage and filtration properties of geosynthetics
• Geomembrane and geosynthetic clay liner barrier systems
• Case histories and innovative uses of geosynthetics
• Quality control, quality assurance, and accreditation
• On-site installation technologies and monitoring programs
• Soil-geosynthetic interaction and large-scale performance testing
• Design approaches
• Regulations and recommendations
• Looking to the future with new geosynthetic products

Source: 10ICG

GeosyntheticsMagazine.com | May 17, 2013

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by outgoing NAGS president, Dean Sandri. There were 20 in attendance.

A brief overview of NAGS was given. NAGS is a chapter of the International Geosynthetics Society made up of individual members whose mission is: “To provide leadership in advancing the education and research of geosynthetics.” The management structure of NAGS includes an elected board of directors and a paid executive director.

The 2011–2013 board of directors included:
President: Dean Sandri—Anchor Wall
President-elect: Robert Mackey—S2Li
Treasurer: Corey Bobba—FHWA
Immediate Past President: David Elton—Auburn University
Vice Presidents: Marolo Alfaro—University of Manitoba, Richard Brachman—Queens University, John Henderson—TenCate, Jay McKelvey—Earth Engineering Inc., Dhani Narejo—GSE
Executive Director: Dave Suits

Outgoing president Sandri reviewed his two years as president:

• Geo-Frontiers 2011 was a very successful event for NAGS. This was due to the efforts of previous NAGS boards.
• During the past two years, significant accomplishments in the following areas have been made: 1) Bi-monthly board meetings, 2) Resurrection of regional short courses in conjunction with the Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA), 3) The establishment of NAGS as a registered provider of professional development hours (PDHs), 4) Initiated the process for an appropriate name change, 5) Bid on and was granted the hosting of the Geo-Americas 2016 conference.

Following these remarks, Sandri introduced incoming president, Robert Mackey, and turned the president’s gavel over to him. He wished Bob well and offered to listen, guide, and support his efforts. Mackey assumes this role following this biennial meeting.

The 2013—2015 board of directors was introduced:
President: Robert Mackey—S2Li
President-elect: John Henderson—TenCate
Treasurer: Corey Bobba—FHWA
Immediate Past President: Dean Sandri—Anchor Wall
Vice Presidents: Michael Bernardi—TenCate (newly elected member), Richard Brachman—Queens University, Jay McKelvey—Earth Engineering Inc., Dhani Narejo—GSE
Executive Director: Dave Suits
Co-opt members to be determined by the board: Up to two co-opted members may be added.

Following the introduction of the new board, incoming president Mackey reviewed his goals for the next two years. He opened his remarks with the question, “Who or what is NAGS?” He shared these thoughts regarding the question:

1. NAGS is a society of dedicated and active members who help carry out the basic mission of the society of promoting education in the area of geosynthetics. They also belong to a number of other professional organizations that provide the opportunity for interaction with those who may not be familiar with these materials.
2. There are a number of other geosynthetics related organizations in North America that NAGS interacts with routinely, including: the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) and its GMA division, the Geosynthetics Institute (GSI), the Geo-Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the International Association of Geosynthetic Installers (IAGI), the Fabricated Geomembrane Institute (FGI), and the Canadian Geotechnical Society and its geosynthetics committee.

Mackey stated the following as his basic goals for the coming two years: 1) Strengthen the bridges with above organizations and build new ones with other groups, 2) Expand our definition of education, 3) Improve communications using our new website and Facebook page, 4) Bring the bylaws up to date, 5) Initiate development of a long-range strategic plan.

Following these remarks, Mackey recognized the outgoing NAGS officers: Dean Sandri as outgoing president, Marolo Alfaro as an outgoing vice president, and David Elton as outgoing past president.

The meeting adjourned at 8 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
L. David Suits, executive director

Source: NAGS

GeosyntheticsMagazine.com | May 16, 2013

Mark your calendar now for SHRP2 Tuesdays. A May 15 press release from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) said that starting May 21, and continuing throughout the year, the second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP2) will sponsor a new webinar series scheduled primarily for the first and third Tuesday of each month. Each webinar will highlight SHRP2 products scheduled for implementation and the significance of research results.

SHRP2 includes the GeoTechnologies Toolbox, which is designed for the engineering and construction of ground improvement and related construction.

A catalog with detailed information on 46 different geotechnologies—including 18 geosynthetic-focused technologies—is contained on this website. A guidance system for project-specific selection of a geotechnology is also provided in the website. The value of the system is that it collects, synthesizes, integrates, and organizes a vast amount of critically important information on these geotechnologies.

The press release noted that upcoming webinars include “Nondestructive Testing Technologies for Concrete Bridge Decks” on May 21, 2013, from 2–3:30 p.m. (EDT). This session will explore a new SHRP2 report, Nondestructive Testing to Identify Concrete Bridge Deck Deterioration and related electronic toolbox. Nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques have the potential to quickly and reliably provide information about conditions under the surface of bridge decks, so that transportation agencies can make more informed treatment decisions.

The May 21 webinar will feature representatives from Rutgers University, FHWA, AASHTO, and TRB. The final 30 minutes of the session is reserved for participant questions.

Visit SHRP2 for registration information.

The cost is $89 per site. There is no fee for employees of TRB sponsors, including state transportation agency sponsors. Others eligible to receive complimentary registration include employees of tribal governments and congressional staff members. More information on the pricing structure is available online at the TRB webinar program page.

Participants can earn professional development hours. For questions about registration or professional development hours, contact Reggie Gillum at TRB.

Upcoming webinars also include “Expedited Planning and Environmental Review of Highway Projects” on June 4 and “Performance Specifications for Rapid Renewal” on June 11. To receive notices about future Webinars, sign up for SHRP2 email alerts. Visit SHRP2 for more information.

Find the SHRP2 tools and resources you need by visiting the program's new online products chart. Click on a topic to see a brief description of the resources and links to available products. The chart indicates which products are available now and when others will be ready. Resources are also grouped according to the policy goals contained in the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), including congestion, infrastructure, sustainability, and system reliability. Visit SHRP2 for more information on products.

Source: FHWA

GeosyntheticsMagazine.com | May 16, 2013

In a May 16 press release, TenCate Geosynthetics Americas announced its third patent pending geosynthetic for road and railway reinforcement—TenCate Mirafi RS280i.

The release noted that this woven geotextile completes the Mirafi RSi series of geosynthetics for base reinforcement and subgrade stabilization, preceded by RS580i in 2010 and RS380i in 2011.

TenCate Mirafi RS280i combines high modulus, high permittivity, high separation, and a high coefficient of interaction to maximize its benefit for road and railway performance, according to the press release.

“We are constantly exploring ways to improve our product portfolio to provide the most economical solutions to project owners,” said Brett Odgers, market manager/roadway reinforcement. … we felt a final product was needed to complete the series to provide the best solution for all road and railway reinforcement and stabilization projects.”

Source: TenCate Geosynthetics Americas

GeosyntheticsMagazine.com | May 15, 2013

The board of the Stormwater Equipment Manufacturers Association (SWEMA) announced in a May 14 press release that the organization’s 2013–2014 initiatives will focus on expanding its outreach program to help communities attain the goals of the Clean Water Act.

“SWEMA seeks to provide scientifically based technical guidance to help government officials develop their own protocols,” said Gene LaManna of Terre Hill Stormwater Systems and president of SWEMA. “It is also our goal to encourage our members to provide information about best management practices, data from laboratory studies, and actual installations, plus consultation and advice to any municipality.”

The press release noted a recent SWEMA initiative—a Model Maintenance Agreement that can be used by state and local government agencies to enact an ordinance governing the maintenance of all stormwater best management practices, including manufactured treatment devices and non-proprietary, land-based BMPs. The Model Maintenance Agreement includes templates and checklists for documentation of inspection, maintenance activities, and disposal of captured pollutants.

Formed in 2008, SWEMA includes stormwater-related companies and industry experts who volunteer their time to develop educational programs, standards, guidelines, and best management practices for stormwater treatment and management.

Source: SWEMA

GeosyntheticsMagazine.com | May 14, 2013

The intended use of this survey is exclusively for a general interest paper for submission to the 10th International Conference on Geosynthetics (10ICG) and is not for any paid consulting project. 10ICG is Sept. 21–25, 2014, in Berlin Germany.

Please complete this survey for each individual project that is relevant. This survey does not ask for the name of your project. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this research please contact Ian Peggs, +1 561 369 0795.

Get to the survey here and thank you.

GeosyntheticsMagazine.com | May 10, 2013

To Our Business Partners,

Following our most recent global corporate strategy meetings, NAUE GmbH & Co. KG has decided to realign its international sales territory in regards to the U.S. market. Effective 31 December 2013, the company will formally close its NAUE America office and shift oversight of the American market back to offices in the U.K. and Germany while continuing to work with and through our long-time project and product distribution partners in the United States and Canada.

This move corrects some overlap in our sales and distribution network. It is not a departure from the market. NAUE will remain an active participant of the American market, particularly in regards to our reinforcement product portfolio (e.g., Secugrid® and Combigrid®).

As part of the realignment, NAUE will liquidate its NAUE America business. All current NAUE America contracts will be honored and, following the liquidation, all new contracts will again be conducted under the name of our primary international company, NAUE GmbH & Co. KG.

We do not anticipate any disruptions in service in our interaction with you and other valued industry partners.

For questions regarding NAUE America’s project and material needs in the U.S. market going forward, please contact Christopher Quirk, regional director: +44 01925810280, cguirk@naue.co.uk.

We look forward to continuing our work with you.

Sincerely,

Alexander Naue
Managing Director
NAUE GmbH & Co. KG

Source: NAUE GmbH & Co. KG

GeosyntheticsMagazine.com | May 9, 2013

Colorado Lining International Inc. (CLI) announced in a May 8 press release its strategic partnership opportunities in the floating cover and fabricated product markets internationally.

The release said that CLI is now expanding its involvement in water resources and fabrication work to include technical support and prefabrication anywhere in the world.

The company has already completed floating cover projects in the United States, United Arab Emirates, and Australia; and it has provided products and technical support for a range of water containment and delivery projects in Europe, China, the Philippines, Egypt, Africa, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

“Clean, dependable access in conjunction with protection and containment of water resources are universal needs,” said John Heap, CLI president.

The release noted that prefabrication and shipping is available from both CLI’s facility in Houston, Texas, and its corporate headquarters near Denver Colo.

CLI is described as “a full-service geosynthetics contractor offering a range of containment materials, custom fabrication, certified installation and turn-key construction services … [with] 35 years of experience with geosynthetics.”

For more information: John Heap, +1 303 951 5911, jheap@coloradolining.com.

Source: Colorado Lining

GeosyntheticsMagazine.com | May 8, 2013

In response to increasing awareness of the positive environmental contributions of geosynthetic materials, the Water & Environment business unit of TenCate Geosynthetics described in a May 8 press release its TenCate Geotube® carbon footprint calculator for use with dewatering and breakwater applications.

The release says that the carbon footprint calculator determines the CO2 footprint of sludge dewatering projects and of hydraulic structures for breakwater applications built with TenCate Geotube® systems. TenCate has been working with Sustain, the environmental accounting agency from the U.K., which validated the calculator.

The press release noted that the total footprint of an application is determined by using the independently validated database information on the impact of various factors, including types of transport, transport distances, and energy consumption.

Alternatives to geosynthetics and geosystems are usually traditional materials such as concrete, aggregate, and steel, which often have to be transported as heavy loads over long distances. By opting for geosynthetic materials, by contrast, locally available materials such as sand or sediments can be used, which can reduce the overall carbon footprint of a project.

Source: TenCate Geosynthetics

GeosyntheticsMagazine.com | May 7, 2013

Three free technical seminars are scheduled in Australia in June, presented by Solmax International Inc.

A May 6 press release described the content of the seminars:

• Durability of geomembranes exposed to harsh conditions at elevated temperatures coupled with low and high pH solutions simulating landfills, mining, and coal seam gas applications.
• An alternative and effective leak-detection system method.

The seminars are scheduled for June 12 in Melbourne (Mercure Welcome Hotel), June 14 in Perth (Mercure Perth Hotel), and June 17 in Brisbane (Mercure Brisbane).

The press release noted that free registration is available until May 31 via this email address: jsim@solmax.com

For more information: ppayeur@solmax.com

Source: Solmax

GeosyntheticsMagazine.com | May 6, 2013

Members of the International Association of Geosynthetic Installers (IAGI), a not-for-profit geotechnical professional association dedicated to bettering geosynthetic installation and construction technologies, announced its winners of the 2013 IAGI Installation Awards in a May 3 press release.

The awards, presented during Geosynthetics 2013 in Long Beach, Calif., recognize exceptional work by geosynthetics installers. Four IAGI Installation Awards are presented biennially.

“Geosynthetic technologies have become fully integrated throughout the larger, global geotechnical and civil infrastructure,” said IAGI president Todd Harman. “But they require special knowledge not only from the manufacturing and design side of the field. Experienced installers and the tools they utilize are how good designs and great materials become exceptional projects.”

The 2013 IAGI award winners:

• Award of Excellence—American Environmental Group LLC (Richfield, Ohio, USA)
• Extreme Project Award—Iridex Group Plastic (Voluntari, ILFDV, Romania)
• Innovative Project Award—Atlantic Lining Co. Inc. (Jobstown, N.J., USA)
• Small Project Award—Pondco Ltd. (Auckland, New Zealand)
• The Award of Excellence—American Environmental Group for its work on the Hickory Ridge Exposed Geomembrane Solar Cap. This project featured state-of-the-art installation on a 45-acre closure system that included 10 acres of thin-film solar panels. The site is the world’s largest solar energy landfill closure.
• The Extreme Project Award—Iridex Group Plastic for its work on the Voineasa Ski Mountain Resort Infrastructure/Mioarele Reservoir. The challenges the installer faced in completing this job included the job site location, bad weather, and a short 27-day deadline. The project was located at the top of a mountain in south-central Romania, with no direct access road. This project had to be installed around bad weather that included subzero temperatures, freezing rain, windy days, and an occasional blizzard.
• The Innovative Project Award—Atlantic Lining Co. for its work on the Cherry Island Lateral Expansion. Atlantic Lining had to be innovative in the methods of installing the geomembrane, geosynthetic clay liner, and drainage composite when access to the site was only a 30-foot berm, which made for limited staging of equipment and materials. The access area was limited because the owner needed to enlarge the landfill footprint as close as possible to property lines bordering the Delaware River.
• The Small Project Award—Pondco Ltd. for its work on the Dairy Farm Effluent Compliance Ponds. The dairy farms are in the Waikato, Bay of Plenty area in New Zealand. Runoff from these farms had affected the health of the Waikato River. For farmers, compliance was a problem and there were not industry standards to guide them. Pondco installers came up with a design they called the “Centroid” to solve these issues and now farmers can cost effectively comply with the effluent requirements.

The biennial installation awards recognize IAGI members who make significant contributions to the field of geosynthetics installation. “So often the installer gets forgotten in the discussion of a project,” said Laurie Honnigford, IAGI’s managing director. “In reality, a project is a set of plans on a piece of paper until the installer gets involved. The installer can make or break a project and we need to recognize those who improve and advance our industry.”

Source: IAGI

GeosyntheticsMagazine.com | May 3, 2013

Construction supplier Keyline has teamed with Tensar International to offer new technology for the U.K. rail sector—a geogrid for better mechanical stabilization of rail track beds.

The new product (TX190L) is a large-aperture geogrid designed to delay track deformation and reduce maintenance calls, making it a potential solution for weak or variable stiffness foundations. The new product replaces previous biaxial geogrids because it is better able to distribute loading and mechanically stabilize larger-sized aggregate such as railway ballast, according to the manufacturer.

John Dixon, area civil engineer at Tensar said: “Keyline is the ideal partnership for us within the U.K. [This] geogrid will provide their customers with an effective solution that has been developed to better control track geometry, reduce maintenance costs, and extend the life of track renewal.”

Source: Tensar and Industry Today

GeosyntheticsMagazine.com | May 2, 2013

Be a speaker at Environmental Connection 2014
The International Erosion Control Association (IECA) is accepting abstracts of presentations for next year’s conference, Feb. 25–28 in Nashville. Even if you have never presented before, there are advantages to speaking at Environmental Connection. In addition to expanding your knowledge and developing new presentation skills, you will be joining a distinguished group of erosion control professionals. Visit ICEA’s online call for presentations page for more information.

2014 conference scholarships are available
IECA has partnered with various sponsors to help provide financial assistance for industry professionals to attend Environmental Connection 2014 in Nashville. Recipients of these scholarships receive a complimentary full-conference pass to the four-day event. Go to ICEA’s online scholarship application for more information.

Source: IECA

GeosyntheticsMagazine.com | May 1, 2013

The man who changed the world of industrial fabric welding with his vision and knowledge—Al Miller, founder of Miller Weldmaster (Navarre, Ohio)—passed away April 26 at his home surrounded by family. Miller leaves behind a legacy of building Miller Weldmaster into a global presence in more than 100 countries since he founded the company in 1972.

Miller built the first welding machine in his garage, according to an April 29 press release from the company. He worked hand-in-hand with customers developing and testing welding machines until they met the customer’s needs.

The release noted that Miller once said, “Customers should always be a driving force.” His passion, creativeness, and knowledge of different industries helped in forming Miller Weldmaster into all industrial fabric welding solutions. He retired in 2000.

Miller, born in 1928 in Massillon, Ohio, served in both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army. He was a licensed fixed-wing aircraft pilot, and was honored as a Distinguished Citizen in 1998 and as a Lifetime Member of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI).

Miller Weldmaster has created an online tribute to Al Miller.

Source: Miller Weldmaster

GeosyntheticsMagazine.com | April 30, 2013

The official call for papers has been initiated for the Geosynthetics Middle East 2013 conference.

The deadline for papers is June 15, 2013. The conference is Oct. 29–30 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Organized by SKZ-Germany, the 6th edition of this conference invites all industry experts to submit their proposals.

The 2013 conference is focusing on infrastructure, transportation, oil and gas, water, waste, and energy. The organizers invite industry experts to submit their proposals on the following subjects: railways, roads, airports, seaports, bridges, tunnels, brownfield development, erosion and sediment control, geosystems for marine applications, groundwater protection, leakage control, water supply challenges, stormwater management, leachate collection, floating covers, landfills, lagoons, waste containment, dewatering technology, solar applications, offshore windparks, oil and gas drilling sites, fracking, and environmental projects.

Source: Geosynthetics Middle East 2013

GeosyntheticsMagazine.com | April 29, 2013

Atlas EPS announced in an April 29 press release its recent addition of civil engineer Doug Hula, P.E., to support its Elevation geofoam product line.

A licensed professional engineer, registered in the state of Michigan, Hula brings more than 14 years of experience in geotechnical engineering and construction materials testing, the release said. In this new role, Hula will provide volume estimates, value engineering, shop drawings and details, technical support, and civil engineering expertise to project stakeholders.

The release noted that he will also support the sales team, providing information and advice to design professionals, and offering value-added service after the sale, such as installation recommendations and problem solving for contractors.

Virtually unheard of in the EPS industry, the addition of an engineer with Hula’s qualifications demonstrates the commitment that Atlas EPS continues to make to the geofoam industry and its customers, according to the press release.

Michigan-based Atlas EPS is a division of Atlas Roofing Corp., specializing in the development and manufacturing of expanded polystyrene (EPS) for construction, packaging, and OEM products.

Source: Atlas EPS

GeosyntheticsMagazine.com | April 24, 2013

Colorado Lining International Inc. announced in an April 23 press release the addition of Steve Pierson as its new coating division manager.

His office is near Provo, Utah, and he is currently focused on sales and service for CLI’s growing coating division. The release said that Pierson will apply his coating expertise in markets such as food and beverage, energy, water and wastewater, complementing the company’s geomembrane containment business.

Pierson was previously with Fischer Epoxy Solutions, a division of Fisher Shotcrete Inc., where he was the coatings manager. The release noted that he has more than 26 years of experience in the residential and commercial construction industry, with specialties in municipalities, piping systems, water, wastewater, underground construction, and project management.

Parker, Colo.-based CLI is a geosynthetics contractor offering a range of containment materials, custom fabrication, certified installation, and turn-key construction services.

Source: Colorado Lining International Inc.

GeosyntheticsMagazine.com | April 23, 2013

Graduate and undergraduate students were invited to submit technical themed posters involving geosynthetic topics for the Geosynthetics 2013 student competition. Students presented their posters to a team of industry judges and the first- and second-place award winners were announced during the conference’s April 3 keynote presentation. The student posters were displayed during the conference on the exhibit hall show floor.

First-place winner
Melissa Stewart, Ph.D. candidate in civil engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder

Poster title: “An experimental approach to predicting performance of thermally active mechanically stabilized earth walls”

Award: $500

Second-place winner
Melia Iwamoto, graduate research assistant, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa

Poster title: “Shear strength parameters of GRS using mini-pier load test data”

Award: $200

Both students also received a travel stipend to attend the Geosynthetics 2013 conference in Long Beach, Calif., April 1–4.

Source: Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI)

GeosyntheticsMagazine.com | April 22, 2013

Fresh on the heels of its well-complimented Geosynthetics 2013 event in Long Beach, Calif., the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) has announced that the Geosynthetics 2015 conference will be held Feb. 15–18, 2015 in Portland, Ore., co-located with the International Erosion Control Association’s (IECA) annual Environmental Connection show.

This biennial Geosynthetics conference has grown into a must-attend event for the geotechnical, civil, and geo-environmental communities. The conference is complete with full educational components—featuring informative technical sessions and thought-provoking keynotes—and a lively show floor showcasing the newest developments in geosynthetic engineering, products, applications, and technologies. Industry experts from around the nation and the world gather to network, attend the educational sessions, participate in short courses, and walk the showroom floor.

The IECA is the world’s oldest and largest association devoted to helping members solve the problems caused by erosion and its byproduct, sediment. Its annual Environmental Connection event was held last year in San Diego and two years ago in Las Vegas.

Geosynthetics 2013 was organized by IFAI and the Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA), an IFAI special interest group. The 2013 event was supported by the North American Geosynthetics Society (NAGS) and was conducted under the auspices of the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS).

Source: IFAI

GeosyntheticsMagazine.com | April 19, 2013

The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) organized and hosted the Geosynthetics 2013 conference and trade show April 1-4, 2013, in Long Beach Calif.

An April 15 IFAI press release noted that this biennial event—titled “Geosynthetics for Water and Energy Challenges”—brought together many of the world’s leading geotechnical professionals who came to explore, learn, and share developments in geosynthetic engineering, products, applications, and technologies.

The conference attracted more than 1,200 attendees and more than 120 exhibitors, the most ever for this conference, and it occupied the largest trade showfloor to date.

The release said that also co-locating at this event were two “conferences within a conference”—the Geosynthetic Research Institute’s 25th anniversary conference and the 2013 Southwest Geotechnical Engineers Conference.

Geosynthetics 2013 included several educational components, with a breadth of technical sessions and five full-day short courses offering participants personal development hours (PDHs).

Also included in the conference were plenary sessions and technical topics covering geosynthetics for energy and water issues. The plenary sessions were presented by: Jerry Yudelson (“The coming water crisis”), Mark Smith (“Emerging issues in mining containment”), and a panel discussion with Bob Koerner, Carla Suszkowski, and Don Siegel (“Energy/shale gas fracking”).

The press release noted that a special event at Geosynthetics 2013—the Innovation Theater—attracted attendees to a forum where exhibitors gave informational presentations on their newest products and services, including topics from quality assurance solutions to geofoam usage.

“This was our best geosynthetics event yet,” said Deb Stender, director of events and education at IFAI. “We couldn’t have asked for a better turnout, with more than 1,200 attendees and more than 120 exhibitors. I can't wait for Portland in 2015.”

Geosynthetics 2015 will take place Feb. 15-18, 2015 in Portland, Ore., and will be co-locating with the International Erosion Control Association (IECA).

Geosynthetics 2013 was organized by the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) and the Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA), supported by the North American Geosynthetics Society (NAGS), and conducted under the auspices of the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS).

Source: IFAI

GeosyntheticsMagazine.com | April 17, 2013

The Rhode Island-based Cooley Group, a developer and manufacturer of sustainable, engineered membranes and other high-performance solutions, announced in an April 16 press release changes to its executive leadership team. The changes take effect immediately and include the expansion of Cooley’s global leadership team to meet the demands of the company’s growing global customer base, the release said.

Steve Siener, formerly vice president and general manager of Cooley Engineered Membranes, will assume a new role of vice president and general manager of business development. Reporting to CEO, Dan Dwight, Siener is now responsible for further international expansion of Cooley’s engineered membranes and commercial roofing businesses. The press release noted that during the past two years, Siener has been instrumental in expanding Cooley’s international revenues by 70% and generating new customers in India, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa.

Replacing Siener is David Lunati, who will serve as vice president and general manager, Cooley Engineered Membranes. Lunati is now responsible for overseeing the sales, marketing, and customer service for Cooley’s geomembrane and commercial roofing businesses.

“The new role for Steve Siener and the addition of David Lunati further strengthens Cooley’s leadership position as the company expands globally,” said Dwight.

For more information: www.cooleygroup.com.

Source: Kennedy Spencer LLC

GeosyntheticsMagazine.com | April 16, 2013

The Industrial Fabrics Association International announced in an April 15 press release that it has signed a collaborative agreement with Clarion Events North America regarding Clarion’s annual ExpoProducción event in Mexico City.

The collaboration will include an IFAI pavilion and conference within the annual ExpoProducción trade show at the World Trade Center in Mexico City, Feb. 5-7, 2014, according to the release.

The inaugural version of Clarion’s ExpoProducción show focused on apparel manufacturing. IFAI’s inclusion in the second edition of the show will expand that focus into the specialty fabrics and advanced textiles marketplace. The press release noted that this new collaboration will also allow the two organizations to further explore cooperation in the development of other textile events in the Americas and globally.

Todd Lindemann, IFAI’s vice president of conference management, said: “IFAI is very excited to announce this collaboration with Clarion in Mexico, and for the potential opportunities that lie ahead ... David Audrain and his team at Clarion are experienced and well-respected, and we look forward to working with them.”

Audrain, president & CEO of Clarion Events North America, said: “IFAI is a world-renowned organization with a long history of producing successful events. We are extremely pleased to have them partner with us in the expansion of our ExpoProducción show in Mexico City ... The addition of the IFAI Specialty Fabrics Pavilion and Conference as part of ExpoProducción will bring a new market and group of decision-makers to the event thereby enhancing the scope and appeal of the trade show.”

The press release described Minnesota-based IFAI as “the largest and longest-running textile trade organization in the world.” IFAI publishes six market-specific magazines in print and online. It organizes industry events such as Geo-Frontiers 2011 and Geosynthetics 2013; the 2013 Specialty Fabrics Expo and Advanced Textiles Conference & Trade Show in Orlando, Oct. 23-25; while supporting the growth of nearly 1,900 member companies worldwide.

The release called Clarion Events “one of the world’s leading independent event organizers, staging more than 200 events annually across the globe.” From just 70 employees in one office in 2004, there are now more than 400 people working directly for Clarion Events from 13 offices in 10 different countries.

Source: IFAI

GeosyntheticsMagazine.com | April 15, 2013

The Erosion Control Technology Council (ECTC) recently published a comprehensive “General Usage and Installation Guideline for Hydraulic Erosion Control Products (HECPs).”

The guideline is the result of consensus among manufacturers of HECPs in the industry and is designed to assist engineers, designers, and other end-users of these erosion control products. The guideline can be used as a specification by regulatory agencies for proper HECP installation techniques.

This eight-page document is available on the ECTC website.

For more information, contact Laurie Honnigford (+1 651 554 1895), www.ECTC.org.

Source: ECTC

GeosyntheticsMagazine.com | April 10, 2013

Illinois-based CETCO announced in an April 9 press release the merging of its Lining Technologies Group and Remediation Technologies Group. The release said that the merging of the remediation and lining product lines will allow the company’s sales team to manage smaller geographical regions, allowing more effective customer support. “The realigned sales team will facilitate greater collaboration and alleviate the need to contact multiple sales teams within the organization for a single project.”

CETCO’s new Environmental Products Group includes:

• Scott Solotorovsky, North American regional sales director for the Environmental Products Group.
• Matt Geary, Northeast U.S., representing both the remediation and lining product lines.
• Tom Hauck, Midwest U.S., representing both the remediation and lining product lines.
• Allen Bullock, Great Plains and south-central U.S., representing both the lining and remediation product lines.
• Andy Jung, U.S. Rocky Mountain states, representing both the remediation and lining product lines.
• Jeannette Smith, U.S. West Coast, representing the remediation technologies product line.
• Also in the West, Richard Erickson will be representing the lining technologies product line.

A wholly owned subsidiary of AMCOL International, (American Colloid Co.–NYSE: ACO), CETCO (Colloid Environmental Technologies Co.) is a global geoenvironmental technologies company with a range of products and services including geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs), engineering support, technical assistance, custom solutions, and research and development.

Source: CETCO

GeosyntheticsMagazine.com | April 4, 2013

Typar Geosynthetics announced in a press release a new addition to its 40 years of Typar geotextile manufacturing: Typar C-Class Construction Fabrics. Engineered for use in AASHTO M-288 applications and to provide strength, uniformity, and durability characteristics, the C-Class provides stabilization, separation, drainage, and erosion control.

The release noted that Typar is one of the manufacturers that have undergone the AASHTO-NTPEP manufacturing audit and certification.

“We’re in our fifth decade of production at our plant in Tennessee, so we have a long history of product innovation, manufacturing quality control, and project experience to draw from,” said sales director Keith Misukanis. “The C-Class series and AASHTO certification continue that history of expertise and market leadership.”

Source: Typar Geosynthetics