Special Series

After a successful liver transplant on Aug 18, Rob Swan of SGI (a gsa underwriter) was asking for his wife Denise to see if she had changed the phone message! Rob has some recovering to do but it sounds like he is well on his way.

John Carpenter was congratulated by Dan Rowe for his long-standing service to EPI. Mr. Carpenter was recognized in July 2004 for his twenty years with the company. Congratulations!

Rob Swan of SGI (a gsa underwriter) has been matched with a donor and is undergoing a liver transplant at 10:00am on Aug 18th. Surgery is being performed at The Mayo Clinic, St. Luke's Hospital, Jacksonville, FL. Rob will not be allowed to receive flowers or fruit, however, balloons, cards, and well wishes are all welcome. For St. Luke's details, please go to the continued link below. Learn more here.;

After performing electrical liner integrity and leak location surveys for over 17 years I-CORP 's emphasis is now on teaching the technology to others (with TRI / T-CLIC ), locating troublesome leaks (as opposed to final CQA surveys), and performing more unusual surveys.

Environmental Protection, Inc. (EPI) personnel are now participating in the Safe2Work safety program. Safe2Work.com delivers, reports, documents, and tracks basic safety training and drug screen status information of construction workers. Safe2Work provides verification to owners and general contractors of an individual worker’s drug test status and safety training status – all in one centralized, online, secure database location. Brad DeArment, Installation Supervisor for EPI, has successfully completed all safety training components of Safe2Work and is now a Certified Contractor Representative. EPI field welding technicians have also completed the training requirements for Safe2Work as construction laborers. Safe2Work provides basic safety awareness training in addition to EPI’s comprehensive on-the-job safety program. EPI has not had a reportable accident since 2000 and has had only one lost time accident since 1994. For more information, contact Environmental Protection, Inc. at 9939 US-131 South, Mancelona, MI 49659. Phone 800-OK-LINER or 231-587-9108, or on the web at http://www.geomembrane.com

The Geosynthetics Committee of the Geo-Institute is in dire need for reviewers for the papers submitted to Geofrontiers ’05. If you are able to help, please email Mo Gabr gabr@eos.ncsu.edu. Reviews must be back by the 3rd week of August. All reviews will be handled electronically. Thanks in advance.

The North American Geosynthetics Society Board recently met to develop a new, clear direction for the Society. After a two-day Strategic Planning Retreat in May was held, a solid plan for the future were created. NAGS' newly developed mission statement is as follows: "The mission of NAGS is to provide leadership in advancing the education and research of geosynthetics via the following ways: 1. Organization of and participation in technical conferences, seminars, and workshops. 2. Development and dissemination of tools for geosynthetics education. 3. Recognition of technical contributions and innovations regarding geosynthetics. 4. Stimulation of research on geosynthetics and their applications through the NAGS Awards of Excellence Program." NAGS' new vision statement is as follows: "NAGS is an organization of individual members representing all aspects of the geosynthetics community. NAGS will continue to be a recognized North American leader in advancing the education, research, and development of geosynthetics."

The 2005 GFR Specifier's Guide will be assembled soon. Forms for the submission of product data will be mailed within the next two weeks. Electronic versions will be available in PDF and Excel formats. Interested participants who were not in the 2004 Guide but who would like to participate this year should contact to the magazine staff immediately. Product data tables are available for geotextiles, geomembranes, geosynthetic clay liners, geogrids, geocells, geonets, rolled erosion control products, hard armor for erosion control, pavement edge drains, sheet (wall) drains, and prefabricated vertical (wick) drains. Please contact Christopher Kelsey, Editor, GFR Magazine in writing at e-mail cskelsey@ifai.com, fax +1 651 225 6966. Learn more here.;

International Conference on the Use of Geosynthetics in Soil Reinforcement and Dynamics, Dresden, Germany, 5-8 September 2004. Learn more here.;

8 welders from Solmax (a gsa underwriter) have obtained their IAGI certification. Congratulations go to S. Bissonnette, E. Bourdages, N. Faucher, Y. Faucher, S. Goyette, R. Marques, R. Rheault, and C. Sasseville.

Linear Composites LTD (LCL) welcomes the recruitment of our first American employee, Robert Lozano. Robert, a geotechnical engineer, originally from Bogotá, Colombia is currently based in South Carolina. Robert is a graduate civil engineer from La Salle University in Bogotá, Colombia. His career in geosynthetics started in 1997 when was recruited by a Colombian distributor of Synthetic Industries (SI) as manager of engineering services. In this company Robert had the chance to participate in several projects using geosynthetics. These ranged from installation of geomembranes in municipal solid waste landfills to the first applications of geosynthetic Turf Reinforcement Mats for erosion control in Colombia. In 1999 Robert was recruited by SI and relocated to Chattanooga TN, USA. Robert served as marketing and technical support for the international division. In this challenging environment he had the opportunity to work on different high profile engineering projects advising on the use of geosynthetics. Additionally, to this Robert worked to develop specifications and plans for different governments. Because of internal changes in SI, Robert transferred to work as the regional engineer for the West coast and Rocky mountains. He had the responsibility to support customers of SI, particularly in relation to soil reinforcement and value engineering proposals for the Departments of transportation in these regions. In early 2003 he joined Xtex, Inc. a manufacturer of high strength geosynthetics, as manager of engineering services with the responsibility for developing and implementing the plan of engineering support for the US market. Robert has written several papers and participates as a lecturer promoting the use of geosynthetics in general. Additionally he has assisted in the development of a number of patents for soil reinforcement products. The first challenge for Robert at LCL is to market PARAGRID and PARALINK in the United States. He will champion these products through the complex approvals process of each US state authority, in order to gain acceptance in as many states as possible. Without these approvals, products cannot be used in government projects. Robert is married to Patricia, a Veterinarian specialized in Exotic and Wild fauna.

Message from Christi Sierk, Staff Manager: At the D35 meeting last week, it was suggested that all members of D35.05 be contacted in regards to related D18.25 activities. Please note that in order to receive D18.25 ballot items that may pertain to your area of interest, you will need to actually apply for D18.25 subcommittee membership. This is the ONLY way to ensure you will receive pertinent ballot items and other information. If you wish to join subcommittee D18.25, please do so on-line at the "continued" link below, or contact me or D18 Staff Manager Bob Morgan [bmorgan@astm.org or (610) 832-9732]. Your expertise is invaluable, and we thank you in advance for your participation. Best Regards, Christi Sierk D35 Staff Manager (610) 832-9728. Learn more here.;

In March 2001, J-P. Giroud was invited to give the 2005 Terzaghi Lecture organized every other year by the Technical University of Vienna, Austria. It is an exceptional honor, as it is one of the most prestigious lectures in the field of geotechnical engineering. In 2000, the geotechnical engineering community celebrated the 75th anniversary of the birth of geotechnical engineering (marked by the publication of the first book by Terzaghi in 1925). The celebration included the publication of a Jubilee Volume edited by Professor Brandl of the Technical University of Vienna. Three Past-Presidents of the IGS wrote chapters in this Jubilee Volume, R.J. Bathurst, R.K. Rowe, and J.P. Giroud. The 2005 Terzaghi Lecture will be presented at the opening of the Austrian Geotechnical Conference. This conference typically attracts 300-400 participants from about 20 countries. It will take place in Vienna on 21-22 February 2005. Details can be obtained soon from geosynthetica. The 2005 Terzaghi Lecture will take place on the opening day of the conference (21 February 2005). The title of the lecture will be: “Geosynthetics engineering: successes, failures and lessons learned”. The tentative synopsis is: First, Karl Terzaghi at Mission Dam (now called Terzaghi Dam), his first experience with a “geosynthetic”: a failure and a success. Then, failures and lessons learned. Examples selected to be of interest to large audience and to show the degree of sophistication in geosynthetics engineering. Tentatively: geomembrane cracking pattern, triumph of rational analysis; effect of differential settlement on geosynthetics and the concept of co-energy, original application of mechanics; influence of water on stability of geosynthetics systems, the defeat of common sense. Then, successes and lessons learned. Examples selected to be of interest to large audience. Tentatively: some applications of geosynthetics in dams, the durability of geosynthetics may be better than the durability of traditional materials; geotextile filters, a design success for geosynthetics engineering that could lead to technology transfer toward geotechnical engineering. This will end the lecture on a “terzaghian” note.

GFR magazine is accepting submissions from now until July 9 for its October issue, the theme of which will be "The Forensics of Failure." Contributions may range from 500-1500 words and include 2-5 visual support items (photographs, drawings, tables, etc.). The column should focus on either an instructive failure (including those with polymeric materials, whether the failure was brought about by design, construction practices, polymer or service life/application); or an instructive success--a design inspired by the understanding gained through other failures. The magazine seeks to show how successful projects and practices are built upon the constant process of refinement in the field, in the lab, on the drawing board, and anywhere else civil and environmental designs are set in motion. Interested writers should submit materials by July 9. Queries and project suggestions are welcomed. Contact: Christopher Kelsey, Editor, GFR magazine, 1801 County Rd. B W., Roseville MN 55113-4061, United States; +1 651 225 6988, fax +1 651 225 6966, e-mail cskelsey@ifai.com, Web site www.gfrmagazine.info.

ASTM International announced today that it supports the assessment on standards issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC). Titled Standards and Competitiveness - Coordinating for Results, the new report, issued yesterday, assesses the Commerce Department's activities to reduce standards-related trade barriers and recommends steps to increase the reach and effectiveness of the DOC and other federal agencies' coordination of trade-related standards and conformity assessment. In a press conference on Tuesday, 18 May 2004, Commerce Secretary Donald L. Evans said, "We have good news to tell. The Department has made tangible improvements in how we tackle standards-related issues that can distort trade and undermine the competitiveness of U.S. products. And there are more improvements to come." Affecting an estimated 80% of world trade, standards are critical to manufacturing competitiveness in global markets, as they can facilitate international trade or impede access to foreign markets, the report explains. In March 2003, the Commerce Department announced an eight-point initiative in response to growing concern by U.S. industry, trade associations, and standards development organizations regarding foreign standards development and technical regulation as important trade issues. Over the past year, ASTM International has been involved with this DOC initiative in the form of participation in industry roundtables, identifying priority standards issues in international markets, and commenting on training programs for commercial service officers. James A. Thomas, president of ASTM International, says, "We are pleased that the level of standards awareness has been raised through this initiative. We look forward to implementation of the recommendations in the report." The 50 recommendations contained in the report will help the Commerce Department identify new opportunities and better ways to work with the private sector and other U.S. government agencies on standards-related issues. ASTM International will follow Commerce Secretary Evans' call to review the report and advise the Department of Commerce on priorities for follow-up efforts. The full report, as well as Secretary Evans' news conference remarks, can be accessed at the U.S. Department of Commerce website www.commerce.gov (or go to the continued link below). Established in 1898, ASTM International provides a global forum for the development and publication of voluntary international consensus standards for materials, products, systems, and services. ASTM International standards are accepted and used in research and development, product testing, quality systems, and commercial transactions around the globe. Learn more here.;

Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc. (NYSE: GSE) today announced that GEO Holdings Corp. has completed the acquisition of GSE. On May 18, 2004, a wholly owned subsidiary of GEO Holdings Corp. was merged with and into GSE, resulting in GSE becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of GEO Holdings Corp., an entity controlled by Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC. As previously announced, the stockholders of GSE have adopted and approved the merger agreement among GSE, GEO Holdings Corp. and GEO Sub Corp. and the related merger of GEO Sub with and into GSE. As a result of the merger, each outstanding share of common stock of GSE was converted into the right to receive $18.50 per share in cash, without interest. Mellon Investor Services LLC, the disbursing agent for the merger, will mail to the stockholders of GSE materials to be used to surrender stock certificates for payment. GSE stockholders are urged to read these materials in full, as such contain important information. Samir Badawi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GSE said, "The completion of this merger marks an important step forward for GSE. We look to further our commitment to meeting and exceeding customers' needs as well as to work with our suppliers and staff to take advantage of opportunities to increase our range of products and the markets we serve." "GSE is already a global leader in geosynthetic lining solutions with a reputation for technical innovation and superior customer service," commented Dan Hennessy, Partner at Code Hennessy & Simmons. "We are excited by the chance to work with the management team to grow the business to reach new markets and expand the Company's product line. We look forward to helping GSE achieve its true business potential." Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc., headquartered in Houston, is a global manufacturer and marketer of geosynthetic lining solutions, products and services used in the containment and management of solids, liquids and gases for organizations engaged in waste management, mining, water and wastewater treatment, and aquaculture. Additional information is available at www.gseworld.com . Founded in 1988, Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC is a private equity firm that manages approximately $1.5 billion in capital in four funds. CHS focuses on building shareholder value in middle-market manufacturing, distribution and service companies through strong relationships with management teams and sound investment strategies. Additional information is available at www.chsonline.com . - SOURCE Gundle/SLT Environmental, Inc.

ASTM cordially invites you to the Committee D35 on Geosynthetics 20th Anniversary and Awards Dinner on Thursday, June 17th at the Westin Crown Center Kansas City, MO.

The International Erosion Control Association is launching its annual Strength in Numbers membership drive. Learn more here.;

IECA seeks your valuable input regarding topics and speakers for EC05, IECA's annual North American Conference & Expo (20-24 February 2005) in Dallas, TX. Learn more here.;

The Institudo do PVC in Brazil has a web site with Portuguese, English, and Spanish versions. Downloadable documents and newsletters are available, along with much more information. Learn more here.;

If you thought standards were important to geosynthetic materials, products, testing, installation, and commodity application designs, read on and learn why Bullfighting is not America's pastime. The following item is from the Spring 2003 issue of Invention and Technology. "Philip II wanted to give England and Spain a single ruler - but he should have done that for his ships. An article about the metric system in our Fall 2002 issue mentioned the Mars Climate Orbiter, which failed to work properly because of a misunderstanding over whether metric or Anglo-American units were being used. Now archeological research has uncovered a much earlier failure caused by the lack of a standard measuring system, one that may have changed the course of history in a very important way. In 1588 the mighty Spanish Armada sailed for England, planning to land troops and conquer the territory for the Spanish crown. The outnumbered Royal Navy's stout resisitance drove the Armada away, never to return, and for the next four centuries it was all downhill for Spain. Why did the Armada, seemingly much superior to the English fleet, fail so ignominiously? Historians have attributed the defeat to unfavorable weather, superior English tactics, and poor planning by the Spanish. Now Colin Martin, an archeologist at the University of St. Andrew's, in Scotland, has uncovered another reason. In the April 2002 issue of British Archeology, Martin tells how artifacts recovered from the Spanish ships San Juan de Sicilia and La Trinidad Valencera exhibit an appalling, and ultimately fatal, lack of uniformity. He examined rulers and shot guages, which were used to calculate the proper size and weight of projectiles for a gun's bore, and found that "devices from both ships are inaccurate in randonm, different ways. Martin explains: 'Unrelated weighing and measuring systems were used in different parts of Europe, and the Armada's guns were a chaotic jumble of types and sizes obtained from many countries. The apparently simple process of matching shot to guns, and distributing the right sizes to each ship, seems to have broken down almost completely.' Many other factors were at work in the Armada's defeat, but in view of this basic failure, it is unsurprising that 'some of the ships which returned [to Spain] had fired less than 25 percent of the ammunition issued to them.' If not for this fatal inconsistency, you couls be reading this magazine in Spanish, a point to remember the next time someone questions the importance of establishing technical standards."

As of May 3, 2004, GRI-GM18 is temporarily suspended. The durability portion of this generic specification on flexible polypropylene geomembranes has come into question. Learn more here.;

T-CLIC (TRI-CORP Liner Integrity Center) is planning a research project to evaluate the mechanical durability of five new PP geomembranes and two old ones (that have cracked in service). Tests will include oven aging and UV resistance according to GRI.GM18 and chemical immersion, probably in chlorinated water. All tests will be performed with specimens stressed and unstressed. If you are interested in contributing to this project or in seeing the test results please contact Ian D. Peggs at icorp@geosynthetic.com.

Lexington, KY: 5/7/2004 The Association of State Dam Safety Officials invites all persons interested in the safety of dams to attend Dam Safety 2004, ASDSO’s 21st annual conference, to be held September 26-30, 2004 at the beautiful Pointe South Mountain Resort, near Phoenix, Arizona. This year’s conference promises to be bigger and better than ever. ASDSO received a record number of abstracts, and a number of suggestions from a new Advisory Group, composed of representatives from state and federal agencies as well as private industry. As a result, the technical program will be expanded to include a full three days of sessions and workshops. Preceding the technical program will be the annual business meeting of state dam safety representatives, a golf outing at the four-star Phantom Horse Golf Club course, and an evening reception in the Exhibit Pavilion. The conference will close on September 30, with a choice of two field trips: Flood Control District of Maricopa County Dams (White Tanks Flood Retarding Structure No. 3 and McMicken Dam) or Bureau of Reclamation and Salt River Project Dams (Stewart Mountain and Granite Reef dams). Conference sessions will begin on Monday morning, with the annual ASDSO report, and a much-anticipated presentation, Mesa Verde Prehistoric Reservoirs, by keynote speaker Kenneth R. Wright, CFO and Chief Engineer of Wright Water Engineers. The Tuesday morning general session will focus on National Dam Safety Program projects. Hal Van Aller, Geotechnical Engineer with the Maryland Dam Safety Division, will give a detailed report on one of these projects, Best Practices for Design, Construction, Evaluation, and Maintenance of Conduits Through Embankment Dams. On Wednesday, September 29, ASDSO will depart from its traditional format and offer two all-day special workshops, as well as three technical sessions. The two special workshops, International Progress in Dam Breach Evaluation and Dam Removal and Environmental Issues, promise to be interesting and informative additions to the conference. The conference will also feature more than 20 additional sessions, with over 60 presentations on a number of topics, including: 1) Dam Security Issues – Co-existence of dam safety and security, practical dam security 2) Dam Failures and Incidents 3) Dam Failure Modes 4) Dam Breach Modeling 5) Emergency Preparedness – Automation, warning systems, urban dams 6) Hydrology: Extreme Events 7) Geographic Information Systems Applications for Hydrology and Hydraulics 8) Dam Construction – Materials and technology, design, contracting, sediment runoff control 9) Spillways – Model studies, rehabilitation, emergency response 10) Scour and Erosion 11) Seepage Control 12) Geotechnical Issues 13) Seismic Rehabilitations of Dams 14) Dam Safety Regulatory Programs – Enforcement, inventories, inspection 15) Dam Inspections – Remote sensing, underwater inspection, remotely operated vehicles 16) Dam Owner Issues – Partnering for dam repairs, development and hazard potential classification, and flood control 17) Three “Spotlights on the Poster Forum,” to be held in the Exhibit Pavilion. ASDSO warmly invites you and your guests to renew old acquaintances and make new friends at Dam Safety 2004. For the full conference agenda, and information about other conference events, including the annual awards banquet and guest activities, please click on the link below or contact ASDSO at 859/257-5140, or info@damsafety.org. Learn more here.;

Special from the IFAI Bookstore: Advanced Landfill Liner Systems. Learn more here.;