Commentary on Wikipedia®

April 1, 2009  |  News

By Bob Koerner While recently researching various additives used with soil-filled geotextile tubes, I was unsure about subtle differences between flocculation, coagulation, and agglomeration. By simply searching these words on Wikipedia, my indecisions were immediately clarified. I thought to myself…
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GSI calls for requests-for-proposals

April 1, 2009  |  News

By Jamie R. Koerner, The Geosynthetic Institute (GSI) has announced a worldwide call for requests-for-proposals (RFPs) focusing on innovative geosynthetics research and development projects. This will be Class No. 2 for this award, the first presented in 2008. There are multiple awards, each for $10…
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Giroud elected to National Academy of Engineering

April 1, 2009  |  News

Jean-Pierre Giroud has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), one of the highest professional distinctions given to an engineer. His election citation reads: “For pioneering research in geosynthetics engineering and its practical application in civil/geotechnical engineerin…
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New software from Strata and Profile

April 1, 2009  |  News

Strata Systems Inc. has announced an upgrade to its advanced interactive computer software program designed to assist engineers with the design and analysis of geogrid-reinforced steep slopes. Earthen slopes up to 70° from horizontal can be safely designed in accordance with methodologies accept…
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Rebecca McWatters wins NAGS-sponsored Student Paper Competition

April 1, 2009  |  News

Rebecca McWatters from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, won the Student Paper Competition sponsored by the North American Geosynthetics Society (NAGS) at the Geosynthetics-2009 conference Feb. 25-27 in Salt Lake City. McWatters was selected as the winner from seven entries after her pa…
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Rep. Rahall: coal-ash dams are a ‘ticking time bomb’

April 1, 2009  |  News

The chair of the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee has called for new legislation, the result of the Tennessee Valley Authority coal-ash dam collapse in Tennessee that sent more than 1 billion gallons of toxic ash pouring over homes, fields, and streams. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-W.V.) said coal-a…
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Professor Bhatia honored at Syracuse University

April 1, 2009  |  News

Among the five Syracuse University faculty and staff members who were recognized in February with Chancellor’s Citations for Excellence was Shobha K. Bhatia, professor of civil and environmental engineering in the L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science. Bhatia specializes in ge…
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‘Craig’s List’ for geosynthetics

April 1, 2009  |  News

A Web site described as an “overstock.com” or “craigslist” for the geosynthetics industry has been launched. Geosyn.biz is a new resource aimed at the geosynthetics and erosion-control industries. Prepared by Alan Berry of Geosynthetics Consulting, the site offers educational…
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ASDSO seeking award nominees

April 1, 2009  |  News

The Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO) is on the lookout for nominees for two awards. June 1, 2009, is the deadline for nominations for the National Rehabilitation Project of the Year and also for the Regional Awards of Merit. The Rehabilitation award recognizes “a unique remedi…
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Comparing specs

April 1, 2009  |  News, Q&A: GMA Techline

GMA techline answers from Bob Koerner Subject: Comparing specs — I want to know how can I compare specification values of ASTM with ISO?? I sell products tested with ASTM methods, but some clients give me an ISO specification. I want to know which product fits their requirements. (Claudia, Mex…
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