Special Series

This December 10th issue of The Liner Letter solicits your input for improvements to the next version of the EPI Spec.File CD. Please consider giving us your ideas to improve this useful geosynthetic tool. There are many direct HOT LINKS in our newsletter which will take you to more information about the people involved in this project. TIP: As you move your mouse pointer over the document you can simply "hold down" the Control key to see the links and "left click" to go directly to the related information on the web. You can find copies of all of the previous Liner Letters at http://www.geomembrane.com/LinerLetter/index.html

The PVC Geomembrane Institute (PGI) sponsored a short course titled “Specifying with PVC Geomembranes” on November 10, 2003, at the Empire State Convention Center in Albany, NY. The course was moderated by Robert Phaneuf, Section Chief, New York Department of Conservation. Formulation and manufacturing of PVC geomembranes was covered by Patrick Diebel, Canadian General-Tower, Ltd. Patrick Diebel also discussed the use of the PGI 1103 Specification and the ASTM methods used for geomembrane testing. Dr. Timothy D. Stark, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, presented information on geosynthetic interface strengths and the slope stability of landfill covers. Tim Stark also discussed the fabrication and field installation aspects of working with PVC geomembranes. Stark stressed that one of the major advantages of using PVC is that approximately 80 percent of all seaming is done in a factory under controlled conditions. Eliminating 80 percent of field-welded seams leads to better seam quality and generally faster installation time. Stark also discussed the benefits of air-channel testing PVC geomembranes including the visual inspection of the inflated seam. A hands-on welding demonstration was held at the end of the course led by Chris Bonnet from PWT. The hands-on demonstration showed dual-track wedge welding and the air channel testing of PVC geomembrane seams. Air channel testing involves sealing one end of the seam, filling the air channel with air pressure, and measuring the ability of the seam to hold the pressure using an air gauge. Any voids in the seam are easily detected by a loss in air pressure. This is another step in ensuring quality field seams in PVC geomembrane installations. This seminar was attended by more than 70 people. “The feedback from the attendees indicates that the information the PGI representatives presented was helpful in gaining a better understanding of PVC geomembranes” reported Tim Stark. “Attendees were able to better understand what is required to design, specify, and construct with PVC geomembranes.” Founded in 1988 by a group of industry leaders, the PVC Geomembrane Institute (PGI) is dedicated to advancing the use of PVC Geomembranes through education and research as well as serving as an industry resource for PVC Geomembrane users. In 1998, PGI partnered with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) which led to the formation of the PGI Technology Program. PGI’s main office is located at UIUC. For more information on PGI go to the www.pgi-tp@uiuc.edu website.

Read a review of the 6th TPE conference organised by Rapra Technology held in Brussels between 16th and 17th September 2003. Full conference proceedings, which are also now available, may be obtained by contacting Paul Whittaker at pwhittaker@rapra.net. Learn more here.;

The CD, An Overview of Geosynthetics and Their Major Applications (.ppt) is available for free from GRI. To obtain a copy, please contact Robert Koerner at robert.koerner@coe.drexel.edu (be sure to include your address with postal code).

On 24 February, the PVC Geomembrane Institute (PGI) will hold a half-day short course titled "Specifying with PVC Geomembranes." The event is part of the Minnesota Polution Control Agency (MPCA) annual conference. Note: For those who cannot attend the 24 February course, PGI will present "Specifying" again on 2 April with the Montana Department of Transportation. PVC specification workshop: The workshop will address the following topics: formulation and manufacturing; fabrication and installation; specification and testing; and PVC geomembrane interface strengths and slope stability. Several case histories will be presented, including one involving a 30-year-old 20-mil PVC geomembrane. Finally, and most importantly, a hands-on demonstration of wedge welding and air channel testing of PVC geomembranes will be conducted. Attendees will leave with a broad knowledge of what is required to design, specify and construct with this material. The course will include the ASTM testing required for compliance with the new PGI 1103 Specification for PVC geomembranes. Additional note: To help ensure only high quality PVC is used in applications, the PGI plans on adding a minimum plasticizer molecular weight spec and a leachate immersion test to the current PGI specification. Both changes are scheduled for 2004. For more information about specifications, short courses and the PGI, contact PVC Geomembrane Institute, 2215 Newmark Civil Engineering Laboratory, 205 N. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801; +1 217/333-3929, fax +1 217/244-2839, e-mail pgi-tp@uiuc.edu. Learn more here.;

To help ensure only high quality PVC is used in applications, the PGI plans on adding a minimum plasticizer molecular weight spec and a leachate immersion test to the current PGI specification. Both changes are scheduled for 2004. Learn more here.;

Geosynthetics International is now published only on-line, effective this calendar year (2003). The IGS has entered into an arrangement with Thomas Telford, the new publisher of Geosynthetics International, to make this journal available to all IGS members, as part of the IGS membership (without increasing the IGS membership fee). At the same time, the Journal is available to non-IGS members and libraries for a fee. Change, but also continuity: in agreement with the IGS, the same Editors and the same Editorial Board Chairman will serve, along with the same Editorial Board. However, due to the change in publisher, Karina McInnis is no longer Technical Editor of Geosynthetics International (but she is still serving our discipline as Editor of this newsletter). She deserves much of the credit for the reputation of high quality of the Journal. The same commitment to quality can be expected from Thomas Telford's experienced staff, in particular Leon Heward-Mills, Journals Publisher, and Tony Donegan, in charge of production and the main point of contact for authors. Authors of papers should understand that the impact factor (a factor used to evaluate technical journals) of the Journal will not be diminished by being a solely electronic journal. In fact, the outstanding reputation of the Geosynthetics International can only increase as the number of subscribers grows. Equally important, the Journal will continue to be abstracted and indexed in all the major journal citation services. Authors of papers will also appreciate that, with the electronic format, turn-around times from submission of manuscripts to publication should be greatly reduced. Thomas Telford is well known worldwide. As publishing arm of the British Institution of Civil Engineers, Thomas Telford has access to 60,000 members around the world. As a result, Geosynthetics International will be heavily promoted and a broader readership than in the past can be expected. With more than 2,000 subscribers, Geosynthetics International is already one of the most widely distributed journals in civil engineering. Starting with Volume 10 (year 2003), the papers can be downloaded as pdf files from the Thomas Telford website (www.thomastelford.com/jol). You can log on to the Thomas Telford website for instructions, and we encourage you to try immediately. Each volume, starting with Volume 10, will also be available on CD for a fee. In addition, all papers in the previous issues of the Journal (Volumes 1 through 9) will be available as pdf files from the IGS website (www.geosyntheticssociety.org) Geosynthetics International and the International Geosynthetics Society are very pleased to bring this significant benefit to IGS members, thereby contributing to the primary goal of the IGS, which is to disseminate technical information on geosynthetics and their applications.

A message to all Committee Members: January Committee Week - January 11-16, 2004 at the Tampa Marriott Waterside in Tampa, FL., from: Joe Koury, ASTM Meeting Manager. Subject: Message from the Meetings Department. Hotel Cutoff Date Extension is Friday, December 19, 2003 and the ASTM Pre-Registration Cutoff Date is December 22, 2003. Due to the holiday season, the Tampa Marriott Waterside has agreed to extend our cutoff date. If you haven't already done so, please pre-register for the January Committee Week. The Meeting Information and Pre-Registration Form can be found on the ASTM Web Site http://www.astm.org/COMMIT/WEEKINFO. If you need to make your hotel reservation, call the Tampa Marriott Waterside directly at 813/221-4900 by December 19th. The ASTM rates are $135 Single/$155 Double. We look forward to seeing you in Tampa. If you have questions or need a hard copy of the Meeting Information mailed or faxed to you, contact Dottie Meyers in the Meetings Department. Email: dmeyers@astm.org Phone: 610-832-9706 Fax: 610-832-9669 Learn more here.;

1 New Approved Standard: D3775 - Standard Test Method for Fabric Count of Woven Fabric has been revised to D3775-03a. 5 Work Items including: WK3414 - Standard Specification for Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing is a work item revision to existing standard F876-03; WK3416 - Standard Test Method for Molecular Weight Averages and Molecular Weight Distribution of Polystyrene by High Performance Size-Exclusion Chromatography is a work item revision to existing standard D5296-97; WK3428 - Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Oxidative Resistance of Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing and Systems to Hot Chlorinated Water is a work item revision to existing standard F2023-03; WK3430 - Standard Test Method for Brittleness Temperature of Plastics and Elastomers by Impact is a work item revision to existing standard D746-98e1; WK3437 - Standard Specification for Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Compounds and Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Compounds is a work item revision to existing standard D1784-03.

Welders from Atarfil, Solmax, and Poly-Flex (underwriters for gsa) have recently obtained IAGI HDPE Welding Certification. We'd like to congratulate Eufrasio Aguilera Moreno and Francisco Rodriguez Moreno of Atarfil, Guy Chicoyne, Jacques Courchesne, Gaétan Gagné, Marc Genest, Denis Goyette, Étienne Lagacé, Richard Lagacé, Daniel LaLonde, Yvon McLaughlin, Roger Paiement, Yves Richard, Christian Saindon, Jacques St-Gelais, and Marc St-Pierre of Solmax, and 14 members of Poly-Flex.

A letter from GRI certifies SL Ltda. as the only manufacturer to date with GM 13 quality smooth product. This is an exclusive certification. The textured sheet will also be accredited shortly.

Have you seen it? The music video made in a very large empty lined facility using the slopes as a long belly-surfing waterslide not just for humans, but for dogs as well. Then we have the skateboards - and the band in the middle of the floor - with NO protective sheet under drum tripods etc! Ouch. Geomembrane liners have finally made it! Seen in Israel so may not be in North America yet.

The project in Israel used HDPE made by Ginegar and installed by Admir Technologies to encapsulate expansive soils. Road 6 is the largest infrastructure project in the history of the State of Israel, and is costing $1.3 billion.

We welcome the Landfill Systems & Technologies Research Association of Japan to geosynthetica.net. Read about the association and see examples of landfilling and leachate treatment systems in Japan.

Why do we do CQA? Because, here is what can happen if you don't!

The International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) has a bi-annual Student Awards program, whereby the successful candidate from each IGS Chapter is invited and sponsored to attend one of the two IGS regional conferences in 2004, i.e., EuroGeo3 and or GeoAsia 2004. The IGS Student Award is for an amount of US$1 000 per chapter, which is to be used to cover conference participation costs (i.e., registration fees, travel, accommodation etc). GIGSA will contribute a matching amount of US$1 000 to the successful candidate. The award recipient is expected to submit a written report on the regional conference within 30 days of attending the conference. GIGSA would therefore like to select a suitable candidate to represent the South African Chapter of the IGS at one of the regional conferences in 2004. Criteria for selection are the following: 1) The candidate should be preferably be an MSc or PhD student involved in geosynthetics. 2) The candidate must not be older than 35 years of age in 2004. 3) The candidate should be interested and actively involved in the science of geosynthetics. 4) The candidate must be a paid up member of GIGSA. Nominations are now invited from suitable candidates for the IGS Student Award. Nominations are to be submitted together with a written motivation not exceeding one A4 page to the President of GIGSA by close of business on Monday 1 December 2003. Selection of the successful candidate for the award will be carried out by the GIGSA Committee during December 2003. The decision of the GIGSA Committee will be final, and no correspondence will be entered into thereafter. The IGS will be notified of the name of the award recipient nominee before 31 January 2004.

Many of you geo-folks have enquired about Alice Comer over the last year or two. Alice was with the Bureau of Reclamation for a number of years working with materials and canal lining. She certainly became a full fledged geo-gal during that time. After her tenure with the Bureau she and her family moved to Katy, Texas - Alice did a quick stint in the commercial end of geosynthetics and then moved on quietly into the night. Well we found her and are glad to report that she is healthy and happy working now with Houston's petroleum industry. Alice has opened another chapter in her career and is enjoying all of the new networking and learning. She says hello to the geo-friends and says that she is available for consulting if there is any opportunity.

IGS News Letter Editor and Project Coordinator for the eQUIP Task Force, Karina Labinaz, has returned to her maiden name, McInnis. She requests that she be contacted through her new e-mail address: mcinnis@post.queensu.ca for all future correspondence. Her old address is still valid but will only be checked periodically.

I have returned to the US to take over responsibility for The Cooley Group's International Sales world wide. My time in The Netherlands was a tremendous learning experience and gave me a great appreciation and appetite for international sales and relation building. The opportunity to live and work in another society can be extremely frustrating and difficult but worth the time. Anyone who has the opportunity should take advantage of it. The Netherlands was an easy place to live as an ex-pat. Everyone speaks English and there is a large ex-pat community so you immediately have a common trait with many people in the area. We made some great life long friends as did our children. They may have benefited the most of all. In my capacity as Vice President International, I will be representing all of the Cooley business unit. These include specialty products of which geomembranes are a part, building products, sign and digital imaging materials and our Industrial products group with their inflatable materials among other items. I am looking forward to seeing me friends in the geo community again in some far off location in the very near future.

Now is the time to get your welders certified in IAGI's HDPE Welders Certification program. Developed to test the competency of welding technicians out in the field, the certification program includes both a written and a hands-on welding examination. Tests are administered for both wedge and extrusion welding and are available in three languages. The member price for testing is$225 (USD) per candidate (this includes fees for one welding certification) and nonmember price is $325 (USD) per candidate; additional proctor fees may be incurred. For the past year, IAGI has offered an introductory HDPE Welders Certification testing discount. 10% off the testing price if 5 or more candidates are tested and 15% off the testing price if 10 or more candidates are tested. However, this discount will be discontinued December 31, 2003. Apply now and take advantage of the reduced testing price; tests must be concluded by December 31, 2003. Contact Laurie Honnigford at 651-554-1895 or iagi@iagi.org for more information.

It is time to elect the IAGI Board of Directors again. Click the link below to read the biographies of each of the candidates.

Several years ago, IAGI wrote a HDPE Installation Specification that now needs to be updated to reflect changes in installation practices. IAGI members who would like to provide feedback for the rewrite should contact Anne Steacy or call 202-895-1355.

1) Trying to save $15,000 in going with the low bid liner installer eventually cost an owner $1.3M when over 100 holes were found in 1.25 acres of liner, about one sixth of the total liner area. A large development project was considerably delayed until the liner could be replaced. 2) A chemical resistance test ($10,000 max) was suggested by the liner installer and manufacturer for several lined basins in a mine processing plant. The engineer declined to do the test. Many liners failed, resulting in extensive construction delays and litigation costing several millions of dollars. Lessons learned? A few dollars of prevention are better than a cure costing millions. But, of course, this always happens to someone else. Then again, you are someone else to someone else.

Bayer Polymers LLC for "Polyurethane-forming composition with adjustable mix viscosity, geotextile composites prepared therefrom and a process for producing such composites, No. 6,632,875." Inventors were Peter H. Markusch, McMurray, Ralf Guether, Pittsburgh. The present invention relates to a polyurethane composition with adjustable mix viscosity, to a polyurethane geotextile composite prepared with such polyurethane composition and a process for producing such polyurethane geotextile composites. Patent Application Abstract: Two-ply polyurethane geotextile composites suitable for lining ditches and canals in which a rigid, dimensionally stable geotextile is bonded to a soft, pliable geotextile with a solidifiable, liquid polyurethane composition which is a reaction product of a mixture of a liquid polyisocyanate having an NCO content of at least 10% by weight, an isocyanate-reactive component which includes at least one high molecular weight polyether polyol and a urethane catalyst are made, preferably at the site where the composite will be used.

DEAR DR. WELD: I'm the QA inspector on a landfill job and I'm a little concerned about what I've been seeing. I've been monitoring the air pressure testing of all field seams, but for the last five days, every test has been held perfect at thirty-five pounds. All seams are the same length, but the funny thing is, sometimes it takes twenty pumps to get there, sometimes only three. The crew says this is normal atmospheric variation, but yesterday I thought I saw the gauge stay at thirty-five pounds after it was pulled from the seam. Am I seeing things? - Blurry-eyed in Indiana. DEAR BLURRY-EYED: No, you're not seeing things. You probably should have a check-up though, just to see if you're too stupid to be employed as a QA inspector. The manometer gauge you're using is frozen at thirty-five pounds. YOU could pressure test your sneaker laces and get a passing test with that gauge. Here's what you can do: Once the seam has been sealed and inflated to the proper pressure for your spec, have the liner guy go to the far end of the seam while you stay with the gauge. When the proper amount of time has elapsed (again, check your spec), you then give the signal to the liner guy at the far end of the seam to release the air. He can then use his hook blade to slice the air channel (hopefully in some harmless space , like the anchor trench) while you watch for a corresponding drop in pressure. That way you not only ensure a functioning gauge, you also demonstrate that the air channel test was contiguous over the length of the seam, and everybody goes home happy. By the way, your shoelaces are untied.