October 9, 2018
Geosynthetics magazine will present the Tensar Corp.-sponsored webinar “Natural Facings for Better Performance and Value on Very Steep Slopes and Walls” on November 8 at 1:00 p.m. EST. This presentation will provide a case study example of how natural facings provide better performance and value on very steep slopes and walls. Steve Luptak, national product …
October 5, 2018
A Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) YouTube video showcases the history and construction techniques of the geosynthetic reinforced soil–integrated bridge system (GRS–IBS). The video illustrates how to build a GRS–IBS. It is intended to educate designers, engineers, contractors and inspectors on the fundamentals of the GRS–IBS. The video follows the GRS–IBS Interim Implementation Guide (FHWA-HRT-11-026). The …
Two amendments introduced by Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tenn., both related to geosynthetics, were included in the final Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2019 that was approved by both the House and Senate and sent to the White House. The House passed the legislation in May, and the Senate passed it 93-6 earlier this week. …
October 1, 2018
Mining and some energy operations generate large quantities of water-containing tailings. These tailings are made of crushed-rock particles that are deposited in a slurry form. This is the case for coal, tar sand, lead, zinc, gold, silver, copper, molybdenum, nickel, taconite (iron), phosphate, bauxite (aluminum oxide), uranium, trona (soda ash) and potash, for example. There …
Toxicity of nonwovens? Q: Are there any comprehensive tests (or a general synopsis) of the environmental toxicity of leachate from nonwoven polypropylene fabrics when aged in a freshwater or saltwater solution? Regulatory and municipal bodies in Europe and New Zealand are requesting more info about products that are used in riparian and coastal environments. A: …
The development of a large-scale fabrication machine was conceived during the fabrication of geotextiles for a tailings pond cap in 2010. The machine joins five strips of material at a time to create fabricated panels for large projects. It is capable of both welding geomembranes and sewing high-strength geotextiles. This machine was specifically designed to …
While natural gas contained within shale rock is geologic and thus ancient by its very nature, the practice of its removal by horizontal drilling coupled with hydrofracking is a relatively recent development (Figure 1). Indeed, these dual technologies are making possible the recovery of huge amounts of natural gas—so much so that one can envision …
September 27, 2018
The Geosynthetic Institute (GSI) will host an online short course entitled “Course 2: Construction Inspection of Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) Walls, Berms and Slopes,” Nov. 6–8, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EDT each day. Robert M. Koerner and George Koerner will teach the course. All Geosynthetic Materials …
September 26, 2018
The International Erosion Control Association (IECA) has opened registration and published the full schedule for the 2019 IECA Annual Conference and Expo in Denver, Colo., Feb. 19–22. The 2019 IECA Annual Conference and Expo brings together the most innovative minds in the erosion, sediment control and stormwater industry. Attend this one-of-a-kind conference to connect with …
September 25, 2018
The board of directors of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) elected Carlos Braceras P.E., executive director of the Utah Department of Transportation, to serve as its new president and Missouri DOT Director Patrick McKenna as its vice president. “I’m honored and inspired to accept the role of AASHTO president during …