Part 1: Controlling uplifting gas bubbles in exposed geomembrane-lined ponds
October 1st, 2017
There is a substantial legacy of literature devoted to the design, construction and operation of geomembrane-lined ponds, with perhaps the best and most complete reference being 34 years old by Giroud (1983). Even with this long history, there continue to be problems and failures with lined ponds. One of the problems continuing to plague the […]
The durability of exposed geomembrane covers
October 1st, 2017
The most frequently asked question by people in the geosynthetics world is how long is the anticipated lifetime of geosynthetics. So much so that of the more than 3,000 questions submitted to the GMA Techline since it began in 2004, 591 (19.7%) have been on lifetime, aka durability. Of these, 49% were on buried lifetime, […]
Panorama: ASTM D35.06 on Geosynthetic Specs takes shape
October 1st, 2017
At the January 2017 meeting of the ASTM International Committee D35 on Geosynthetics in Norfolk, Va., the executive subcommittee approved the formation of a new subcommittee D35.06 on Geosynthetic Specifications with L. David Suits as chair. The scope of D35.06 is to implement the scope of Committee D35 with a focus on the development of […]
Editorial: Geosynthetics for multiple applications
October 1st, 2017
If you are reading this publication, you obviously have an interest in geosynthetics, as this magazine is unlikely to appeal to people whose primary professional interests are taxidermy, snow-crystal study or calligraphy. We aim to please, and this issue touches on many types of geosynthetics, from geogrids to geomembranes, and many applications of geosynthetics, from […]
Geosynthetics Conference 2019
October 1st, 2017
The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) will host Geosynthetics (GEO) 2019 at the Marriott Marquis in Houston, Texas, Feb. 10–13, 2019. More than 1,000 attendees, exhibitors, speakers, instructors and sponsors will attend the biennial conference’s plenary lectures, short courses, technical sessions, panel discussions and welcome reception, taking advantage of the exceptional educational and networking opportunities […]
In the classroom: Part 4: Geosynthetics education through the FHWA/NHI
October 1st, 2017
There is a twofold purpose for a geosynthetics education program. First, it must offer training to engineers who were not exposed to the subject during college. Second, it must provide a refresher and continuing education for those who have previously taken courses in the subject area. The continuing education courses on geosynthetics offered […]
GMA Techline
October 1st, 2017
Welding HDPE to PVC and more Q: I would appreciate any input you have on these questions: Can a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembrane (GM) be welded to a PVC geomembrane? I am looking to connect a geomembrane to a building foundation. Based on some research, I have found the following options: bolt the geomembrane to […]
IGS-NA news
October 1st, 2017
Since the Geotechnical Frontiers conference this past March in Orlando, Fla., the new board of directors at IGS North America (IGS-NA, or the North American Chapter of the International Geosynthetics Society) has been working hard to provide its members, the geosynthetics community and the engineering community a greater awareness of what geosynthetic materials can provide […]
Geosynthetic Materials Association news: GMA visits Tennessee and Mississippi
October 1st, 2017
On June 22, executive council members and I met in Nashville, Tenn., to discuss Tennessee’s infrastructure and the newly passed state IMPROVE Act, which is intended to help attract manufacturing jobs to Tennessee and deliver nearly 1,000 road and bridge projects across the state. Geosynthetics are being manufactured in the state (by Berry Global and […]
Part 2: The regulation of CCR in the United States: Geosynthetics and barriers
October 1st, 2017
As discussed in Part 1 of “The Regulation of CCR in the United States,” for the first time in decades, nationwide regulation of CCR (coal combustion residuals) surface impoundments expands the regulated use of geosynthetic materials. While the CCR Rule (2015) allows continued operation of existing CCR surface impoundments, it provides criteria for the disposition […]