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Day 2, now, from Dubai and SKZ’s 2nd International Conference on Geosynthetics Middle East.
About 85 registrants in total are here. A couple of geosynthetica underwriters spoke early on with Oliver Detert (Huesker) presenting interesting research test data on geogrid-reinforced bridge abutments Ivica Ducik of Colbond discussing interesting multifunction applications of Enkamat S-based composites with a primary function of sound and vibration control.
Nigel Wrigley (NewGrids) discussed in very clear terms a comparison of index properties and how they relate to performance for different integral HDPE and PP geogrids. This was followed by Romain Dierderich (DuPont) on the geosynthetic stress/strain parameters to consider during construction projects and Sivakumar Babu (Indian Institute of Science) on coir geotextiles used as drainage media in soft ground improvement. Next up was Ahmed Al-Obaidi (University of Tikrit) on the use of different geosynthetics, including geomembranes, to improve the bearing capacities of gypseous soils.
After lunch Oliver Detert discussed optimized geosynthetic solutions for a large stock yard on soft soils, then Jimmy Thomas wrapped up the conference with his presentation on a 15m-high geogrid reinforced soil retaining wall with welded wire mesh facing on the approaches to a fly-over.
It was an excellent conference in a great hotel on Deira Creek, and in a fantastic city with many exciting geosynthetic projects. Irina Bender and Helmut Zanzinger of SKZ and Reda Ashkar (and the team at BMC Gulf) are to be congratulated for a technically-interesting and socially very friendly event. Make plans to attend in 2010.
Day 3 will be for the small group at the Ian Peggs (I-CORP) geomembrane performance workshop.
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Ian Peggs is president of I-CORP International. Visit I-CORP’s website at http://www.geosynthetic.com or write to him at icorp@geosynthetic.com.
