Part 1: Functions and applications of geosynthetics in roadways
February 1st, 2017
Introduction The geosynthetic products most commonly used in roadway systems include geotextiles (woven and nonwoven) and geogrids (biaxial and multiaxial), although erosion-control products, geocells, geonets (or geocomposite drainage products), and geomembranes have also been incorporated in a number of projects. These various types of geosynthetics can be used to fulfill one or more specific functions […]
In Memoriam: Kathy Brazeau “Bentomat Queen”
February 1st, 2017
Kathleen (Kathy) Brazeau of Palos Heights, Ill., passed away Sept. 15, 2016, at age 59. Kathy worked for CETCO in Hoffman Estates, Ill., for more than 22 years as a production/logistics/customer service coordinator. A well-known fixture and highly regarded within the geosynthetics industry, she was affectionately known as the “Bentomat Queen.” Kathy’s dogged determination and […]
GeoCharlotte at IFAI Expo
February 1st, 2017
The first-ever GeoCharlotte one-day session Oct. 20, 2016, drew engineers and exhibitors to Charlotte, N.C., for geosynthetics education and networking. The show-within-a-show (GeoCharlotte was conducted in the midst of the Industrial Fabrics Association International’s annual Expo.) also previewed the March 12–15, 2017, Geotechnical Frontiers conference, co-organized by IFAI, its Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA), and the […]
Geosynthetics wins two awards
February 1st, 2017
On Nov. 10, 2016, the Minnesota Magazine & Publishing Association held its annual Excellence Awards Gala. The event features magazines published in Minnesota and provides an opportunity to recognize editors and graphic designers. Of the 12 entries submitted by Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) publications, nine won awards—two gold, one silver, and six bronze. Geosynthetics […]
2016 in review, onward with 2017
February 1st, 2017
As 2017 comes to a swift start we would like to update you on the events of 2016 and get you ready to participate in the activities of 2017. IGS-NA is invigorated and actively looking for meaningful initiatives and the right people to help make those initiatives happen. The IGS-NA Biennial General Assembly will be […]
GMA 2016: A year in review
February 1st, 2017
2016 was another strong year for the Geosynthetic Materials Association and it was my honor to work with the Executive Council and our membership to manage all of GMA’s activities throughout the year. GMA ended the year with 13 Executive Council members and a total membership of 75 companies. In addition to a strong membership, […]
Oh no! The GCL got wet! Now what?
February 1st, 2017
Authors’ note: The conditions This project started in central California in July 2014, and we watched the weather forecasts on the nightly news and we were calm. A few weeks later, the project is running longer than expected, and now we are watching the Weather Channel and reading Weather Underground and Accuweather with more interest […]
Questions and answers from the GMA Techline
February 1st, 2017
Spraying? Shear Strength? Hydraulics? [A more] non-permeable GT? Q: I have received an inquiry for a non-permeable geotextile, which is UV-resistant and will be installed on a long slope for erosion control. Could you kindly recommend a product that would meet these requirements or a solution for this application? Your assistance with this is much […]
A tribute to Robert Landreth
February 1st, 2017
Former head of the EPA’s National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL) An unsung hero of the geoenvironmental and geosynthetics fields is a retired former research director at the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Mr. Robert E. Landreth. It was Bob Landreth’s vision and tenacity in advocating for research funds that made possible pioneering research […]
It has been a good run
February 1st, 2017
My October 2016 column in this space recounted my first week on the job in December 2005. But as you read this column today, we move full circle. This is my last column for Geosynthetics magazine. Yep, I am retiring. Well, let’s say semi-retiring. “Semi” means I will still be around a few days each […]