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The geosynthetics committee is one of 20 technical committees sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Geo-Institute (G-I). Each of these technical committees are tasked to advance the geotechnical profession as related to their specialization, for example, geosynthetics.
These committees are supported and led by geo-professionals who volunteer their time and talents. The membership of the geosynthetics committee is composed of academics, consultants, contractors, public sector engineers, product manufacturers, and younger members, reflecting a broad range of interests and experience. This broad coalition of individuals allows for professional networking, the exchange of research ideas, and the sharing of design innovations that can directly influence the direction for the use of geosynthetics nationally.
The geosynthetics committee is very active with education, development of standards, and advancing geosynthetic solutions in the geotechnical engineering community. For example, the committee has contributed to the development of Geotechnical Special Publications (GSPs) related to various applications of geosynthetics. In addition, the committee plays an important role in collaborations with many national and international organizations which contribute to developing a direction for geosynthetics. The committee works closely with the Advanced Textile Association’s (ATA) and Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) to deliver the Geotechnical Frontiers conference which occurs every six years. It also collaborates with the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) on conferences around the world. The committee also collaborates with other subdisciplines to share expertise on ways geosynthetics can be applied to address problems related to terrestrial and marine environments, such as erosion and scour.
The geosynthetics committee recently contributed to the publication of two manuals by ASCE related to the design of column supported embankments. This project was supported in part through the GI Special Projects Program, which enables GI technical committees to support projects relevant to and/or impacting the profession. The geosynthetics committee successfully secured additional special project funds to update case histories for geosynthetic projects on GeoTech Tools (GTT) and, most recently, develop a database of column-supported embankments constructed in the U.S. The committee has a strong connection with GTT and is one of the primary stewards of the website. Additionally, the committee contributes annually to educational outreach through presentations at the annual G-I web conference series which typically include case histories and innovations.
The committee also advances the industry through strategic initiatives related to standards and best practices for design and construction of geosynthetic products. Considerations of resiliency and sustainability are important design features which are becoming more important and where geosynthetics could significantly contribute. As part of its service to the GI, the committee works with the ASCE G-I Younger Members Committee to attract and recruit younger members, including students, and provide them with an opportunity to network with and work among industry leaders by participating in the committee’s work.
The committee also serves the geosynthetics community by nominating exemplary members for awards from the G-I and ASCE. Mentoring and training of young members as well as showcasing outstanding achievements are important to the continued development of the industry.
It is easy to be involved in the committee by applying through the G-I application form. The committees are always looking for volunteers who are willing to be active members and contribute to this effort.
For additional information:
- https://www.geoinstitute.org/committees/technical-committees/geosynthetics
- Geotechtools
- User’s Manual for GeogridBridge 3.0: A Guide to Load Displacement Compatibility Method (LDC) for Design of Column-Supported Embankment
- Theory Manual for the Load Displacement Compatibility Method (LDC) for Design of Column-Supported Embankments: A Companion to GeogridBridge 3.0
- https://www.asce.org/communities/institutes-and-technical-groups/geo-institute/committees/technical-committee-application
Geosynthetic Committee:
- Chair: Ben Leshchinsky, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE, Oregon State University
- Vice-Chair: Michael McGuire, Ph.D., M.ASCE, Lafayette College
- Secretary: Melissa Beauregard, P.E., Ph.D., M.ASCE, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Daniel Alzamora, P.E., is a contributing editor for Geosynthetics and has spent more than three decades in the geosynthetics industry in both the public and private sector.