Mining

Abstracts for Geo-Frontiers 2011 are due by 8 March 2010! Please keep this in mind during the coming week. Geo-Frontiers 2011 brings together the North American Geosynthetics Society (NAGS), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Geo-Institute (GI) and the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI). It will be held 13-16 March 2011 in Dallas, Texas. Tracks include Soil/Rock Mechanics and Modeling; Geotechnical Testing and Site Characterization; Foundations and Ground Improvement; Slopes, Embankments, and Earth Retaining Structures; Geosynthetics; Geoenvironmental Engineering; Geo-Hazards (Earthquakes, Landslides, Erosions, Others); Transportation Materials and Pavements; and Other Geotechnical Related Issues. Learn more here.;

The next short course from the Fabricated Geomembrane Institute (FGI) will be held 14 May 2010, the FGI's website indicates. Details of the events and location have yet to be announced. The FGI held its first short course on "Constructing with Fabricated Geomembranes" in October 2009 in Denver. That event was well-received and attended and featured speakers from across the industry. Learn more here.;

The annual geo-congress of the Geo-Institute of ASCE is being held in West Palm Beach, Florida right now. This is an almost unfairly convenient location for Geosynthetica, as we are headquartered in West Palm Beach (about 1 mile from the conference site). Last night, the exhibit hall opened with a reception for GeoFlorida attendees. Elizabeth Peggs has posted some photos from the exhibit hall opening.

The 9th International Conference on Geosynthetics (9ICG) will provide an opportunity to learn about and discuss highly technical and scientific geosynthetics issues and their solutions. A primary objective of the conference is to present the most recent developments, improvements and new technologies from the international geosynthetics community. This quadrenniel event from the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) is a must-attend for its short courses, keynotes and networking. Learn more about the conference and register today. Learn more here.;

The petrochemical Group of SIBUR and the Leader-Innovations Private Investment Fund of High-Risk (Venture) Investments under the management of Leader MC have run their joint facility OOO Plastic-GeoSynthetic for development of modern geosynthetic materials research and production center at industrial site in Tulskaya Oblast.

Students are invited to submit abstracts for publication in the conference proceedings and presentation during Geo-Frontiers 2011. Papers of interest include new research, design initiatives and innovative geosynthetic solutions. Five students will be selected as finalists for the Geosynthetics Student Paper Competition. The winner will receive a $500 award and $250 for travel expenses. Runners-up will receive a $250 award and $250 for travel expenses. Read more.

Geosynthetics are polymer-based synthetic materials, which are used with rock, earth, soil, or other materials associated with geotechnical engineering, for facilitating cost efficient projects in transportation, building, construction and environmental sectors. Increased spending on construction and infrastructure development activities is expected to boost global demand for geosynthetics. Transportation sector offers growth opportunities due to the ability of geosynthetic products in enhancing durability of roads, improving drainage facilities, and facilitate construction of erosion-preventing structures. All these are achieved at a lower cost as compared to traditional products. Landfill market represents another key focus area for geosynthetics (geomembranes), owing to their increased usage in sealing waste containment areas and leachate pits. Learn more.

Plastemart has published a review of Waterproof Membranes 2009 (and something of a preview of Waterproof Membranes 2010). This article includes, we're happy to say, reference to Geosynthetica's presentation on the incorporation of photovoltaics in waterproofing systems. Learn more here.;

TRI/Environmental will host another CQA Week that offers essential education in these areas during the week of 12 November 2010 at its Austin, Texas campus. Activities will include both classroom and field study (in on-site test pits) of liner integrity surveys--also known as, leak location--with electrical resistivity testing; two days of QA/QC short courses on geosynthetic installation and use of compact clay and geosynthetic clay liners; and the CQA Certification Exam from the Geosynthetic Institute's (GSI) CQA Inspectors Certification Program. Learn more about it here.

AMI is pleased to invite you to consider speaking or attending the 4th international conference on Waterproof Membranes to be held from 30 November to 2 December 2010 at the Maritim Hotel in Cologne, Germany. There is a welcome reception and registration on the first evening followed by a two-day technical program. AMI's Sally Humphreys writes about the event and the expected topics.

After the deep freeze of 2008 and early 2009, new mine and project activity in Canada is heating up again. Like their peers around the world, Canadian miners and developers responded to the financial crisis and low metals prices by closing mines, curtailing production, delaying projects and deferring exploration. Going into 2010, however, the industry is buzzing with activity once again. (Continued.) Learn more here.;

Ground engineering and environmental services firm Golder Associates and the Canada-South Africa Chamber of Business held an interactive forum at the yearly Mining Indaba, in Cape Town, which focused on whether or not Africa was choosing its investors wisely for its own growth and development in the mining industry Learn more here.;

Geo-Frontiers 2011 brings together the North American Geosynthetics Society (NAGS), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Geo-Institute (GI) and the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI). It will be held 13-16 March 2011 in Dallas, Texas. A special session will be held on floating covers for potable water. Your abstracts are encouraged. The deadline for abstracts is 8 March 2010.

The 9th International Conference on Geosynthetics (9ICG) will be held in Guaruja, São Paulo, Brazil 23-27 May 2010. When entering Brazil, your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of entry. For tourists from the Mercosur countries (Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay), it is necessary only to show some identification or a valid passport. For tourists and visitors from other countries, visas may be required. Read more.

Dr. Timothy D. Stark of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the Fabricated Geomembrane Institute (FGI) has published a guideline to clarify the PVC Geomembrane Fabrication and Installation Specification prepared by the PVC Geomembrane Institute (PGI) in 2006. The FGI grew out of and assumed the PGI's work. The updated seam specification was published in late January 2010. Download the document for free in PDF. Learn more here.;

Global political and engineering discussions are focusing on sustainability. Reductions in energy consumption are key, particularly in relation to climate-related gases, such as CO2 and CH4. These new goals, while beneficial, pose challenges to the construction industry. Geosynthetics are helping. Read about NAUE's Prof. Georg Heerten and important research being conducted on the beneficial environmental impact of geosynthetics.

TRI/Environmental continues its steady growth, as the latest annual newsletter from the Austin, Texas-based company indicates. Sam Allen, Rick Thomas, Joel Sprague and Rich Lacey continue their high level of activity on industry committees; TRI's lab personnel expertise and 24-hour operation option has resulted in record report turnaround times;new testing equipment has greatly expanded the company's capabilities, especially in interface friction and direct shear testing; the ability to test soil specimens with our direct simple shear apparatus is new in 2010; the Denver Down Research Facility (DDRF), a first-of-its-kind large-scale erosion and sediment control performance systems, has received GAI-LAP accreditation; and much more. Read TRI's annual letter for the full story.

In May, when participants from around the world arrive in Guaruja, São Paulo, Brazil for the 9th International Conference on Geosynthetics (9ICG), they'll have many hotel beachfront hotel options. The conference organizers have announced that a local travel agency has arranged for special rates at more than just the conference hotel, the Sofitel Jequitimar Hotel. Attendees may also choose from several hotels located at the beaches of Enseada and Pernambuco. Read more and guarantee your best rate no matter where you stay during 9ICG.

Geo-Frontiers 2011 brings together the North American Geosynthetics Society (NAGS), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Geo-Institute (GI) and the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI). It will be held 13-16 March 2011 in Dallas, Texas. The Call for Abstracts has been issued. Current tracks include Soil/Rock Mechanics and Modeling; Geotechnical Testing and Site Characterization; Foundations and Ground Improvement; Slopes, Embankments, and Earth Retaining Structures; Geosynthetics; Geoenvironmental Engineering; Geo-Hazards (Earthquakes, Landslides, Erosions, Others); Transportation Materials and Pavements; and Other Geotechnical Related Issues. Abstracts due: 8 March 2011. Learn more here.;

Sarah McCubbin-Cain has shared with Geosynthetica a letter sent to Virginia-based members of the Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO). There, the state senate has passed legislation that may lead to dam failures by allowing non-compliant facilities to continue to operate. ASDSO asks for help in stopping this new legislation.

The Geosynthetic Institute (GSI), based in Folsom, Pennsylvania, and National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) in Taiwan have announced that the first international GSI-Asia Geosynthetics Conference will take place 16-18 November 2010 in Taichung, Taiwan. NPUST currently is the home of GSI's Taiwan office (GSI-Taiwan). GSI's Geosynthetic Research Institute (GRI) annually holds an international event in North America. That event is nearing its 25th anniversary. The launch of an international forum serving the Asia region is exciting news. Read more about its highlights.

Members of the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) are invited to take part in the election of IGS officers and council members. The elected terms run from 2010-2014. This 12th IGS election is historically significant for the breadth of its field of candidates. In what is a rare occurrence in IGS elections, two candidates are vying to succeed president Fumio Tatsuoka (Japan). Those candidates are Peter Stevenson and Jorge Zornberg. Also, 23-well-qualified candidates are seeking the eight general elected council positions. This is certainly the largest field to ever seek election, and it's a strong sign that the IGS's 30 chapters, 121 corporate members, and 2000+ individual members are active and interested. Read about the election and statements from both presidential candidates.

The 9th International Conference on Geosynthetics (9ICG) will be held in Guaruja, São Paulo, Brazil 23-27 May 2010. The gathering provides an opportunity to learn about and discuss highly technical and scientific geosynthetics issues and their solutions. In addition to the exhibit hall activities, keynote lectures and technical sessions, the 9ICG offers five 3-hour short courses. These courses will be held on the opening day of the event, Sunday, 23 May. Read more.

Huesker inc., a leading manufacturer and global supplier of geogrids, geotextiles and specialty geocomposites, has updated its website. The revised website features comprehensive information on Huesker's full product line with an option to view specifics offered from key global offices, such as Germany, the United States, Brazil, Spain, and more. The new website helps direct visitor focus to three primary areas of materials and applications: geosynthetics, geocomposites, and agriculture.

The International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) is holding its first-ever photo competition. Members should keep an eye on the deadline date: 1 February 2010. This initiative comes just ahead of the planned April 2010 launch of the redesigned IGS website and May 2010's major, quadrennial IGS conference: 9ICG. The 9th International Conference on Geosynthetics will be held 23-27 May 2010 in Guaruja, Brazil (near São Paulo).