GSI to host webinar on failed MSE walls
August 10th, 2020
The Geosynthetic Institute (GSI) will sponsor a webinar, “A database and analysis of 320 failed MSE walls with geosynthetic reinforcement,” on September 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. EDT. Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) member companies and their employees receive discounted rates on all GSI webinar and short course registrations. Mechanically stabilized earth walls, berms […]
Eight promotions announced at Glen Raven
August 7th, 2020
Glen Raven Inc., has announced the promotion of eight executives in its Technical Fabrics operating division. The moves will support the continued growth of its diverse business segments, particularly its GlenGuard brand of high-performance flame-resistant fabric. Glen Raven Technical Fabrics creates technical solutions that help keep people safe from military and protective work wear to […]
Benefit/cost analysis as it relates to service life of geosynthetics
August 1st, 2020
On the surface, performing a benefit/cost (B/C) analysis is a straightforward process. However, ensuring that such an analysis is accurate and thorough is a much more nuanced task. In 2008, Bob Koerner laid out the procedure for geomembranes in Geosynthetic Research Institute (GRI) White Paper #12 “GS Selection Based on B/C Ratio.” This article expands […]
New GMA leadership and socially distanced activities
August 1st, 2020
The executive council of the Geosynthetics Materials Association (GMA) has a new chair and first vice chair. Bryan Gee, the director of education and training for Tensar International Corp., has ascended to the chair of GMA, while Steve Thaxton, the business development leader of geosynthetics for Owens Corning, has assumed the position of first vice […]
CCR landfill final cover test pad—Part 1
August 1st, 2020
By Nina J. Balsamo, John Massey-Norton, John R. Klamut, Terry Queen,Charles F. Straley and Mark R. Lehner An integrated drainage system (IDS) geomembrane, which provides both a low-permeability membrane and drainage space above the geomembrane, is being used in the final cover at a coal combustion residuals (CCR) landfill in West Virginia. Part 1 of […]
Geosynthetics plays a prominent role
August 1st, 2020
From the Panama Canal to coal ash containment in West Virginia to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheet piling in several U.S. states, geosynthetics solve problems. The versatility of the different types of geosynthetics makes them useful in many situations. In “Innovative Geosynthetics Solution Saves 106-Year-Old Panama Canal Structures,” geotextile bags solve an interesting underwater erosion control […]
Innovative geosynthetic solution saves 106-year-old Panama Canal structures
August 1st, 2020
By Tom Stephens and Nicolas Ruiz FIGURE 1 Preparing to place a 65-cubic-yard (50-m3) geotextile bag container into 66 feet (20 m) of water at the Gatun Locks dividing wall The Panama Canal opened for business 106 years ago and was hailed as the eighth wonder of the world and an engineering marvel. It has […]
Geosynthetics Conference 2021 short course lineup announced
August 1st, 2020
By Barbara J. Connett The Geosynthetics Conference 2021 Organizing Committee is pleased to announce the Short Course Roster. These half-day in-depth courses feature detailed instruction in a small group setting. All courses provide four professional development hours (PDHs) and are included with full registrations at no extra cost. For full descriptions, visit https://geosyntheticsconference.com/program/short-courses. AASHTO […]
Methods to estimate pressures and strains in pond geomembrane bubbles
August 1st, 2020
By Richard Thiel, Hesham Eldesouky and Richard Brachman FIGURE 1 Bubbles in pond with 60-mil (1.5-mm) HDPE geomembrane on verge of bursting This article provides an update, validation and improved approach for predicting the shape, pressure and strains that can occur in an exposed geomembrane bubble (aka “whale”) created by gas trapped below the geomembrane […]
PVC sheet piling for cutoff and containment barriers
August 1st, 2020
By Brendan Sheppard and Steve Hargrave FIGURE 1 30-foot (9.1-m) long PVC sheet pile installed with a fixed mast pile driver in August 2015 Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheet piling (Figure 1) has been used for more than 25 years in bulkheads throughout the United States and beyond as a replacement for steel, concrete and timber […]