Steel bridge industry award established
September 19th, 2022
The Steel Bridge Task Force has established the Alexander D. Wilson Memorial Award to recognize individuals who have made significant industry contributions to the steel bridge industry. Dean Krouse, a Pennsylvania-based metallurgical consultant and Bethlehem Steel Company veteran, is the first winner of this annual award. Dean Krouse (left) receives the inaugural Alexander D. Wilson Memorial Award […]
TRI Environmental senior engineer receives ASTM annual Award of Merit
August 5th, 2022
Richard Lacey, TRI Environmental Senior Engineer ASTM International has presented its top annual award – the Award of Merit – to Richard Lacey, a senior engineer at TRI Environmental, for his contributions to ASTM’s geosynthetics committee (D35). The award, which includes the accompanying title of fellow, is ASTM’s highest recognition for distinguished service and outstanding […]
Geotextile grab test methods
June 1st, 2022
Q: I know the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) approves several grips (the requirement is they be “flat”) to perform ASTM D4632 and ASTM D5034. We use a hard, smooth rubber surface for the woven geotextile and a slightly serrated surface for the nonwoven geotextile. One of our customers is using a smooth […]
Pipe penetrations through geomembranes
June 1st, 2022
Q: Is there a recommended detail that you can provide or point me toward for pipe penetrations through geomembrane single and double liners? A: You should review American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D6497 Standard Guide for Mechanical Attachment of Geomembranes to Penetrations or Structures. It is excellent, with three tried-and-true standard details that […]
Geotextile impact testing
June 1st, 2022
Q: We would like to carry out an impact test on geotextiles as described in Koerner (2012), Chapter 2.3.3 Mechanical Properties-Impact Test and Chapter 2.5.5 Impact (Tear) Resistance. I came across the Geosynthetic Research Institute (GRI) GS2 Test Method for Rupture Strength of Geosynthetics by Pendulum Impact testing standard. My questions regard the test apparatus […]
PVC geomembrane specifications for South American lithium mining
June 1st, 2022
FIGURE 1 A covered pond with a PVC geomembrane (left) that complies with Fabricated Geomembrane Institute (FGI) specifications. A second pond (right) is already filled with lithium brine. Lithium, one of the raw materials in various batteries, is the element powering the technological revolution over the past 30 years that has led to people having […]
ASTM formed dimple board standard
June 1st, 2022
Q: Which American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) test would you recommend for tear evaluation of formed dimple board? I am aware of D1004, but can this test be performed on formed dimple board? A: ASTM has five tear methods commonly used in geosynthetics. They are listed below. ASTM D751 Trouser Tear (4 × […]
Eric Blond nominated chairman of ASTM D35.10 Subcommittee on Geomembranes
May 12th, 2022
Photo courtesy of Eric Blond. Eric Blond has been nominated chairman of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Subcommittee D35.10 on Geomembranes. The ASTM Subcommittee D35.10 develops standard test methods, specifications, guides and practices dealing with geomembranes. ASTM International is one of the world's largest international standards developing organizations and is considered a […]
New ASTM geosynthetics standard provides specifications for vinyl sheet piling
January 28th, 2022
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheet piling. Photograph courtesy CeTeau B.V. ASTM International’s Committee D35 on Geosynthetics has approved a new standard that will help engineers, designers and specifiers who work with vinyl sheet piling. Applications for such piling include the construction of seawalls, retaining walls and chemical cut-off walls. “The new specification will standardize the materials […]
IGS-NA publishes call for applications for Testing Innovation Fellowship Program
November 15th, 2021
The North American chapter of the International Geosynthetic Society (IGS-NA) launched a new student fellowship program aimed at transitioning geosynthetics-related research to ASTM International (ASTM) standards and increasing student engagement in the two professional organizations. The fellowship program will be jointly supported by the Geosynthetic Institute (GSI), IGS-NA and the ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics. […]