The 2nd International GSI–Asia Geosynthetics Conference

Some of you know that the Geosynthetic Institute (GSI) and Inha University, Incheon, Korea (Rep.), have had an association for more than 20 years. In June, we advanced this relationship during the 2nd International GSI–Asia Geosynthetic Conference. The conference chairman was Prof. Han-Yong Jeon of Inha University, the conference secretary was Dr. Jungjo Yuu of Golden-pow Co. Ltd., and the organization committee chair was Dr. H.G. Kim of FITI Testing and Research Institute. The conference was informative and involved much networking. We were particularly impressed with the quality of the papers and presentation and want to thank the IGS council for scheduling their meeting just prior to the event.

June conference

The conference was held June 24–26, 2015, at the Textile Center in Seoul, Korea (Rep.). Sponsors and exhibitors for the event included; Feicheng Lianyi Engineering Plastics Co. Ltd., Bravogrid Enterprise Co. Ltd., TechFab India, Gentro Co. Ltd., Dytec, Daeyoun Geotech, Golden-pow, FITI Testing and Research Institute, HUESKER Synthetics GmbH, Kitech, and GSE Lining Technology.

The conference theme was on Geosynthetics Research and Development as it applies to infrastructure. Major topics included: roadways, MSE walls and slopes, shore and bank protection, landslide and rock fall applications, railways, landfills, canals, reservoirs, and mining applications.

The welcome address, conference briefing, and the goals and objectives were given by Prof. Jeon, Dr. Jones, and Prof. Yuu, respectively. This outline and introduction was followed by George Koerner delivering a plenary lecture on “Geosynthetics in Roadways.” The following lectures were presented:

• Invited Lecture (1) Chungsik Yoo, “Global Warming: Implications to Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Wall Drain”
• Invited Lecture (2) Chiwan Hsieh, “Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECP) Soil Protection Properties in Channel Flow and Rain-Splash Tests”
• Invited Lecture (3) Aigen Zhao, “Performance Assessment of Drainage Geonet Composites for Various Engineering Applications”
• Session I Maidiana Othman, “Effect of Interface Soil Softening on Stability of Geocomposite Drainage Systems”
• Session II V.K. Patil, “Our Experience in Testing of Geosynthetics”
• Sessions III / IV Tae-Kil Ha, “The Business Case for Textile Materials
  Information Technology”

Poster session

1. Hyun-Jin Koo, “A Comparative Study on the Installation Damage of Geosynthetics through Pilot Scale and Laboratory Testing”
2. Hyun-Jin Koo, “Estimation of Creep Reduction Factors of Geosynthetic Strips for Soil Reinforcement”
3. Y.S. Jo, “Applicability Evaluation
   of Geosynthetic Materials for
   Tunnel Drains”
4. C.C. Ho, “A Study of Nonwoven Geotextiles Applications Optimal
   to MSL System”
5. Jin-Woo Jang, “Application and Establishment of Textile Material Total Solution Center”
6. A.M. Hedge, “Use of Geocells to Protect Buried Pipelines in Soft Soils: Experimental Investigations”
7. H.B. Ng, “Electrically Conductive Geomembrane Improves Construction Quality Assurance of Liner Systems”

• Invited Lecture (4) Daniele Cazzuffi, “Recent Developments in the Design of Geotextile Filters”
• Invited Lecture (5) Ian D. Peggs, “Anaerobic Digester Designs: Critical Liner Issues to Avoid Whales”
• Invited Lecture (6) D.T. Bergado, “Analyses and Simulation of Geosynthetics Combined with Gabion Applications for Slope Failure Mitigations and Erosion Protection Designs Using PLAXIS 2D and
  Slide Programs”
• Guest Lecture—Russell Jones, “Using Geosynthetics for Sustainable Development”

• Invited Lecture (7) Hong-Kwan Kim, “A Study on the Degradation Tendency of Geotextiles by UV Radiation Using a Weather-O-Meter”
• Special Lecture—Han-Yong Jeon, “Reduction Factors for Long-Term Properties of Geogrids”
• Invited Lecture (8) N.Touze-Foltz, “Quantification of Flow Rates through Virgin and Exposed Geomembranes and Multicomponent Geosynthetic Clay Liners”
• Invited Lecture (9) D. Alexiew, “Geosynthetic Encased Columns (GEC): Selected Case Studies 1993–2013”
• Invited Lecture (10) G.V. Rao, “Distress in Reinforced Soil Walls:
  An Appraisal of Indian Experiences”
• Invited Lecture (11) S.H. Chew, “Field Studies on Geotextile Containment Units in Coastal and Offshore Application”

While at NPUST in Pingtung, GSI and NPUST agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two institutions. This MOU is the fifth such agreement signed under GSI’s global cooperation program. Initiated in 1999, the MOU program promotes communication between GSI and other geosynthetic institutes worldwide. It fosters awareness and standardization of our information, education, accreditation, and certification services. In addition, it broadens the outreach of our generic specification. More information about the MOU program can be found on our website.

We would like to thank Prof. Jeon, Dr. Yuu, and Dr. Kim for an excellent conference and a fantastic venue. I was impressed with the knowledge of geosynthetics as presented by the 32 speakers during the two-day conference along with the vigorous discussion after each presentation. It is nice to participate in such a successful event as a precursor to the upcoming 11ICG (11th International Conference on Geosynthetics) in Seoul in 2018.