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From our readers

• Which test?

  April 1, 2012

  A reader posts a question on the Geosynthetics Facebook page about the HP-OIT test.

• Answers regarding Geosynthetic Institute specs

  February 1, 2012

  Comments posted on topics from the GMA Techline answered by Dr. Robert Koerner.

• Author answers question regarding dams “post-construction”

  February 1, 2012

  A question was posed regarding the article “Geotextiles in dams: Forging federal guidelines,” by Douglas Crum, (August/September 2008, Geosynthetics).

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  Great article

  February 1, 2012

  Readers offers comments on the series of retaining wall articles authored by Michael Simac and Blaise Fitzpatrick in 2007–2008 Geosynthetics.

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  Reader wants more info about GRS

  February 1, 2012

  Reader, Taher, offered this question after reading the June/July 2010 Geosynthetics article, “Building bridges the geosynthetic-reinforced soil way.”

• Facilitating interaction between engineers and contractors

  October 1, 2011

  A reader responds to Bob Koerner's article about the Geosynthetics Institute's second Inspector Certification Program.

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  Geo-Frontiers 2011: A Geo-Success!

  October 1, 2011

  North American Geosynthetics Society president, Dean Sandri, originally wrote about Geo-Frontiers 2011 for IGS News.

• Another dam question

  August 1, 2011

  A follow-up to this question and answer came from a reader in India.

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  Kwig, Alaska, article is popular with readers

  August 1, 2011

  "Tales from the tundra" prompted these questions and comments.

• Interface friction info

  April 1, 2011

  A reader asks about available interface friction information between PVC to RCSPE layers.

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  Ongoing geocell discussion

  April 1, 2011

  The following comments were submitted regarding the GMA Techline article "Geocell application," from the April 2010 Geosynthetics.

• Protecting pipelines

  April 1, 2011

  The comment below in response to the February–March 2010 Geosynthetics article "Geotextiles are protecting pipeline."

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  The raw material?

  April 1, 2011

  A reader asked about the raw material for the product mentioned in "Geotextile tubes provide hurricane protection for Cancún beach."

• Zero cohesion

  April 1, 2011

  The question below was submitted regarding the Richard Thiel article "Cohesion (or adhesion) and friction angle in direct shear tests," from the April 2009 Geosynthetics.

• Biogas geomembrane?

  February 1, 2011

  This question came from a reader in Thailand after he read an October/November 2009 article.

• The U.S./Canadian Geosynthetics Market

  Sponsored by IFAI Market Research

  The use of geosynthetics—geotextiles, geomembranes, drainage composites and geogrids—is an annual growth market in the U.S./Canadian specialty fabrics industry.

  Prior to 2009, the U.S./Canadian geosynthetics market grew 5 to 6 percent per year before the economic debacle of 2009. In 2009, the use of geosynthetics declined about 5 percent in the U.S. and Canada; but growth rebounded to about 2 percent in 2010.

  Developments driving optimism in the U.S. market for geosynthetics include:

  • The U.S. EPA announcing in the spring of 2010 that it plans to regulate coal ash containment sites, requiring that all sites be fitted with liners (geomembranes); the result translates to $300-$350 million for the geosynthetic industry over the next 5-7 years
  • Improving U.S. GDP growth to 2.8 percent in 2010 after achieving an abysmal negative 2.6 percent in 2009; U.S. GDP for 2011 is projected to reach 3.3 to 3.6 percent

  Constraining growth:

  • Continued high unemployment in the U.S., which averaged 9.6 percent in 2010
  • Rising oil prices in 2010 and 2011 will continue to lead to higher prices for raw materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.
  • Local government reduced budgets that curtail funds available for geosynthetic usage in key markets like road and bridge construction

  The 2010 U.S./Canadian geosynthetics market improved moderately in terms of sales and general business conditions. The majority of geosynthetic suppliers/distributors are optimistic that 2011 will yield increased sales and an overall improvement in general business conditions.

  This information is taken from the 2011 MarketWatch Geosynthetics Snapshot. For the full report visit the IFAI bookstore: www.ifai.com/bookstore.

  Learn more...