Transportation

The University of Minnesota held its 61st Annual Geotechnical Engineering Conference on Friday, February 22 at the conference center on the St. Paul campus. Sponsored by the U of M Department of Civil Engineering, the Minnesota Geotechnical Society (MGS), and the Geo-Institute of ASCE, this annual gathering continues to impress. In a report on his visit to the conference, Geosynthetica Editor Chris Kelsey writes that "This year's event focused on instrumentation, data interpretation, and the impacts of geotechnical activities on the environment and structures (such as building overlying tunneling zones). These guiding ideas helped provide significant perspective on the changing practice of engineering. Chaired by Steve Gale (Gale-Tec), the event included many presentations in which geosynthetics played a key role in the geotechnical solution."

GSE Holding, Inc. (NYSE:GSE) a leading global manufacturer of highly engineered geosynthetic containment solutions for environmental protection and confinement applications, is excited to participate as the leading company in their industry on Manufacturing Marvels narrated by John Criswell. "Being spotlighted on Manufacturing Marvels is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our employees to provide products and solutions that protect our water and keep our communities safe. We are proud of the work we do," said Peter McCourt, Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing.

Tensar has launched a new website with easy-to-navigate access to geogrid products and systems, project case studies, industry white papers, product literature and more. Search by application, system or market sector to learn how Tensar's wide range of geogrid products, systems and applications can benefit your next project. Registered users can take advantage of SP4 PRO, Dimension Solution and other valuable Tensar software too. Register by February 28 and be entered in a drawing to win 1 of 5 iPads.

During Environmental Connection 2013 in San Diego (February 10–13), stop by Booth #535 in the exhibit hall and visit with the Minerva team—publishers of Geosynthetica.net and Geosindex.com. Sign up for Geosynthetica's bi-weekly e-newsletter in the exhibit hall and be registered for a chance to win 1 of 3 $50 Visa Gift Cards that will be given away during the conference.

GSE Holding, Inc. has announced its acquisition of all of the equity interests of SynTec, LLC, a Baltimore, Maryland-based manufacturer of geosynthetics that complement GSE's well-known containment geosynthetics. SynTec has revenues of approximately $20 million. Co-Founders Giovanni Capra and Aigen Zhao, both of whom are veterans of the field, will remain with GSE after the acquisition.

The International Geosynthetics Society (www.geosyntheticssociety.org) has announced its selection of Prof. Richard J. Bathurst, P.Eng., Ph.D., FEIC, FCAE, to deliver the 2014 Giroud Lecture—one of the Society's highest distinctions. Since its first awarding in 1998, the Giroud Lecture has recognized exceptional achievement and influence in the field of geosynthetics and has been delivered every four years at the opening of the International Conferences on Geosynthetics, organized by the IGS. Dr. Bathurst is only the fifth to be bestowed this honor and will present the lecture at the opening of the 10th International Conference on Geosynthetics (10 ICG), Berlin, Germany, 21–25 September 2014. Learn more.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and in particular the traditional Gulf Council Cooperation (GCC) states (e.g., United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) have played a strong role in the geosynthetics field for many years. Most often, however, recognition has been given only to companies active on the raw materials side of the business, such as the extraction of petroleum and natural gas, which are subsequently used to manufacture polymers, which in turn influence the properties and performance of geosynthetics manufactured everywhere. The continued expansion of Mattex Geosynthetics, headquartered in Dubai (UAE), tells a different story and is more emblematic of the region's growing influence on the manufacturing side of geosynthetics.

The Layfield Group of Companies has announced the formation of a new business unit: Engineered Membranes & Films (EMF). The move is part of a major capital expansion project at Layfield which includes a new state-of-the-art wide width geomembrane extrusion line. The new line will provide an additional 23 million pounds (10.5 million kilograms) of geomembrane capacity in various widths and thicknesses.

Randy Massingill is now a member of ProTech Environmental Supply, a division of L & M Supply. Randy was first introduced to the erosion and sediment control industry by C. Joel Sprague of TRI Environmental, where together they built and ran a large-scale erosion and control materials and systems testing and research facility. There, he accrued a hands on knowledge of the installation and performance of multiple erosion control devices. Learn more about Massingill's new role.

During the ASTM D35 meetings in Jacksonville, Florida this week, a special workshop will be held on the current use of AOS in geotextile characterization tests, the availability of a more accurate pore size distribution test via an existing standard, and new equipment that may begin a process of change. Tencate published a technical note on these issues, in fact, in August 2011. Download a copy here.

U.S. Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., was welcomed by top executives during a recent tour of Tensar International's Headquarters in Alpharetta, Georgia. During his visit employees were able to discuss industry trends, and learn about a transportation bill that could expand the country's infrastructure.

Strata introduces StrataBase®, a complete line of rigid biaxial geogrids designed for structural reinforcement in paved and unpaved roads. The line consists of fully tested extruded and oriented polypropylene geogrids offered in multiple tensile strengths, all of which meet or exceed current industry standards. StrataBase reduces pavement failure caused by lateral spreading of base material and is a cost effective alternate to costly undercutting and backfilling. It has proven to reduce aggregate thickness up to 50% and improve structural performance and pavement life. Learn more.

When ASTM International Committee D35 on Geosynthetics meets in Jacksonville, Florida (30 January – 1 February 2013) during its regularly scheduled winter committee week meeetings, a special workshop on pore size distribution (PSD) in geotextiles will be held. The workshop takes place Wednesday, January 30 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Of note at this workshop, a far more accurate test for PSD will be discussed along with newly available equipment that will enable manufacturers and laboratories to perform the more accurate test.

In a 21 January 2013 letter to its business partners, Tensar International Corporation has announced a price increase of 8% for its biaxial and TriAx® geogrids. Writing for the company, Dean Ditmar, Vice President and General Manager, notes that the sharp rise in raw material costs, primarily in regards to polypropylene resins and additives, has necessitated the move. "We will continue to pursue all options to manage our costs and minimize the need for future price increases," Ditmar writes. Download a copy of the letter (PDF)

Design/Build interests continue to fuel acquisitions in the geotechnical engineering field. Golder Associates Inc., the US subsidiary of global engineering and environmental services organization Golder Associates, announced recently its acquisition of the assets of geo-environmental contracting company InterGEO Services, Inc. This enhances Golder's design/build offerings in the geo-environmental industry in areas that already align well with Golder's core practice including linings and geosynthetic materials, ground improvement, mechanically stabilized earth, and sediment remediation.

American Excelsior Company is entering its 125th year of business success, which is a milestone for any company. Unique to the company's longevity is that it is still making one of the same products it did 125 years ago: "excelsior." In the company's release, a bit of the history of development is included, including the various markets in which it has work. Most readers of Geosynthetica know the firm from its long history in erosion control. Learn more.

A proposed new ASTM International standard will provide a test method to give index performance for both established and new geogrids, which are products used for the reinforcement and stabilization of roads, railways, airports, docks and other trafficked areas. ASTM WK39646, Test Method for Multi-Axial Low-Strain Tension Test for Geogrids and Geotextiles, is being developed by Subcommittee D35.01 on Mechanical Properties, part of ASTM International Committee D35 on Geosynthetics.

Organizers for Geosynthetics Asia 2012 (GA2012) have shared a recap from December's event, which marked the 5th Asian Regional Conference on Geosynthetics (GA2012). The theme "Geosynthetics for Sustainable Adaptation to Climate Change" was well-supported by the technical sessions, sponsoring companies, and distinguished speakers. Learn more.

terrafix® is hosting a series of informational geosynthetic engineering sessions through Canada from January – March. Topics include subgrade Improvement, stormwater management, pavement solutions, and structural applications of geosynthetics. Time is reserved for Q&A and lunch at these half-day gatherings. Learn more about sessions and dates here.

RICHFIELD, Ohio - American Environmental Group Ltd (AEG) of Richfield, Ohio, announced yesterday that it has been acquired by Pasadena, California-based Tetra Tech. AEG, which in just 10 years has grown to become one of the largest specialty environmental design, construction, and maintenance companies in the United States, will join Tetra Tech's Remediation and Construction Management (RCM) segment. AEG retains its core leadership and experts, and it will continue to operate under its own name, in line with other construction and engineering-related Tetra Tech companies.

Tensar TriAx® TX190L geogrid has been developed specifically to improve rail track ballast stability and so maintain track geometry. Its unique advantages are recognised in the November 2012 issue of Certificate No. PA05/05505 by Network Rail's Technology Introduction Group, Asset Management Services; Network Rail endorsement is widely regarded internationally as representing the highest technical standards. Tensar TX190L (PADS no. 057/100470) can be used for both sub-ballast and ballast stabilisation in new track bed and renewals and maintenance upgrades. Its benefits for rail networks include extended maintenance cycles and reduced whole life costs, as well as reduced construction time and traffic disruption with their associated additional costs.

The annual Environmental Connection conference and exhibition from the International Erosion Control Association (IECA) is the premier educational event for the erosion, sediment control and stormwater industry. Environmental Connection, which will next be held 10-13 February 2013 in San Diego, California, combines intense, full and half-day training courses with topic-focused technical sessions and the largest expo of its kind. In our latest update on the event, learn about volunteer opportunities, short courses, a student scholarship, and more.

Geosynthetics veteran Ian Peggs was in Abu Dhabi, UAE in November for the annual Geosynthetics Middle East conference. He writes of the fifth installment of the conference, "One day was devoted to geotextiles, geogrids, and geocells, while another was devoted to geomembranes. Approximately 350 people registered and represented 30 countries including Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, UK, USA, Germany, Switzerland, India, Iran, China, Slovakia, and Poland. There were more than 30 exhibitors. The conference is organized by SKZ (Germany) with the assistance of BMC-Gulf." Read more.

ASTM International, together with the Bombay Textile Research Association (BTRA), will conduct a one-day workshop on geotextiles on 22 January 2013, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at BTRA's facilities in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. This free technical workshop will feature two speakers: Sam Allen, vice-president of TRI/Environmental Inc. and a longtime member of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics; and V.K. Patil, senior scientific officer in charge of the geotextile lab at BTRA. Learn more.

Last October, professionals and partners of the HUESKER Group received the Milton Vargas Award. This award is an initiative of the Brazilian Magazine Fundações and Obras Geotécnicas that aims to recognize the work of professionals responsible for planning, design and implementation of large construction projects and whose works have already been mentioned prominently in the pages of the magazine. The awarding took place in São Paulo in the presence of hundreds of professional engineers representing the Brazilian geotechnical consultants and companies including the honourees, their friends and families.