30-year anniversary for the first hardcover book on geosynthetics

August 1, 2009  |  News

By Bob Koerner, Geosynthetic Institute/Drexel University In the late 1970s I was in the habit of regularly inviting speakers to make presentations to my geotechnical classes at Drexel University. Two were very memorable: Bill Ragen of Mirafi and Bill Witherow of Carlisle. Their respective topics wer…
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GMA helps organize pre-Expo green roof workshop in San Diego

August 1, 2009  |  News

By Andrew Aho A pre-show program titled “How to design green roofs and landscapes” will be held Tuesday, Sept. 22, 5:30–8:30 p.m., at the San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina, in conjunction with the 2009 IFAI Expo at the San Diego Convention Center Sept. 23–25. This worksho…
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The smart maintenance strategy: Paving fabric is a long-lasting, economical choice for road repair

July 24, 2009  |  News

Shedding new light on the economic value of incorporating a paving fabric interlayer in pavement in maintenance projects. By Jamie Swedberg This newly released work is a comprehensive study of pavement repair materials and methods. It examines maintenance treatments on 370 roads in Greenville County…
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Water and wastewater applications of geosynthetics

July 24, 2009  |  News

Need for secure containment Containment of water and wastewater in ponds may be needed for reasons as wideranging as seepage avoidance to prevention of groundwater contamination. Whatever the reason for lining a pond, the use of geosynthetics in these types of applications is growing. Geomembranes c…
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Canal lining with geosynthetics

July 24, 2009  |  News

The problem As clean water becomes more difficult to acquire, the need for secure water containment and transport grows. This problem is exacerbated by urban water demands and increased agricultural production in remote areas around the world. There is a demand for vast amounts of water in areas whe…
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Silt fence applications for geosynthetics

July 24, 2009  |  News

Sediment control Silt fences, or temporary sediment control fences, often are the most visible form of erosion or sediment control on a construction site. Used properly, silt fences can limit the transport of eroded soil from disturbed areas. A silt fence is not an erosion control device; it is a se…
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Handbook of geosynthetics

July 24, 2009  |  News

Dealing with difficult sites In the past, when dealing with difficult sites for construction purposes, the conventional practice was limited to either replacing the unsuitable soils, or bypassing them with costly deep foundations. Additionally, the age-old problem of land scarcity and the need to re…
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The difference between strength parameters

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

By Timothy D. Stark Q: What is the difference between the strength parameters c and ø, and a and δ? A: Good question because these parameters are frequently used interchangeably. c and ø, and a and δ are shear strength parameters used to represent the strength/failure envel…
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GMA Lobby Day helps U.S. Congress connect with geosynthetics

June 1, 2009  |  News

By Andrew Aho Representatives from 10 member companies of the Geosynthetic Materials Association traveled to Washington, D.C., March 16-17 to participate in another successful GMA Lobby Day. The annual event is part of GMA’s ongoing government relations program, which advocates for increased u…
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Henderson re-elected

June 1, 2009  |  News

By Andrew Aho GMA’s managing director, Andrew Aho, announced April 20 that John Henderson was re-elected to serve a second term as chairman of the GMA Executive Council. “We appreciate John’s service and look forward to his continued leadership as chairman,” Aho said. The GMA…
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